Popular Tours & Experiences in Chitose

Chitose offers a wealth of family-friendly experiences for travelers. Within New Chitose Airport, you'll find several theme parks, including Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park and Royce' Chocolate World, offering interactive attractions and sweet treats. Nearby, the Chitose Salmon Aquarium allows children to observe salmon ecology up close and learn about their life cycle. The natural surroundings of Lake Shikotsu are also ideal for light hiking or lakeside activities, letting children connect with nature. Choosing these activities will create unforgettable memories for your family trip.

Chitose is most famous in winter for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, typically held from late January to late February each year. Water from Lake Shikotsu is sprayed and frozen to create fantastical ice sculptures, which are particularly breathtaking when illuminated at night. Beyond the ice festival, you can also experience snow activities in the surrounding areas, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Hokkaido's winter wonderland. These limited-time winter experiences add a unique charm to your Chitose visit.

New Chitose Airport itself is a comprehensive facility offering entertainment, shopping, and dining. Inside the airport, you'll find themed attractions like Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park, Royce' Chocolate World, and Hello Kitty Happy Flight, perfect for enjoying during layovers or before departure. If you have ample time, the Chitose Salmon Aquarium just outside the airport is a great choice to delve into salmon ecology. Additionally, the Rera Outlet Mall offers a wide range of shopping options and is easily accessible from the airport via shuttle bus, making it very convenient.

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to the Chitose area is by taking the JR Rapid Airport train. This train departs from JR Sapporo Station and reaches JR New Chitose Airport Station in approximately 37 minutes, or JR Chitose Station in about 30 minutes. Trains are frequent, running about every 15 minutes during the day, which is ideal for travel planning. The train route is stable and less affected by weather, even during the snowy season, making it the most efficient option to connect the two locations.

Lake Shikotsu is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine natural scenery, offering a variety of water activities. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat cruise to admire the lake and mountains, or try transparent kayaking to view the fascinating underwater world. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and pedal boats are also popular options, allowing you to experience the lake's coolness and tranquility in a more intimate way. Most of these activities are available from late spring to autumn and are excellent ways to enjoy the charm of Lake Shikotsu.

Chitose's culinary scene is rooted in its abundant natural resources. Being close to fishing ports, fresh seafood dishes are a must-try, especially during autumn when salmon migrate, allowing you to savor local salmon specialties. Hokkaido is also famous for its dairy products, so fresh milk, cheese, and ice cream are very popular treats. The city also boasts numerous restaurants featuring local ingredients, allowing you to taste the unique flavors of Hokkaido.

Chitose's hot springs are primarily centered around Lake Shikotsu. The hot spring inns here are often located by the lake, offering a tranquil and elegant lakeside onsen experience with clear, colorless 'bijin-yu' (beauty water) that promotes relaxation and connection with nature. Noboribetsu Onsen, on the other hand, is famous for its 'Jigokudani' (Hell Valley) and offers a diverse range of spring qualities, such as sulfur and iron springs, with unique colors and scents. The hot spring town atmosphere is lively, making the onsen experience more dramatic and varied. The two areas offer distinctly different styles, and the choice depends on personal preference.

Chitose offers unique charm in every season, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you enjoy lush greenery and outdoor activities, summer (June-August) is ideal with its pleasant climate. For stunning autumn foliage, visit in fall (September-October). If you're eager to experience a snowy landscape or attend the Ice Festival, winter (December-February) is recommended. Spring (April-May) is a time to witness nature's revival. It's advisable to decide based on the activities you wish to experience.

Chitose offers a variety of accommodation options, which can be chosen based on your itinerary and budget. There are several hotels around New Chitose Airport, convenient for travelers with early morning or late-night flights. The city center has business hotels and unique guesthouses, providing convenient access and diverse choices. For a luxurious natural experience, lakeside hot spring inns at Lake Shikotsu are an excellent choice, many offering high-quality service and lake-view rooms. When choosing, consider the distance to your desired attractions, your travel purpose, and your expected accommodation experience.

Beyond its natural beauty, Chitose offers many unique local experiences. You can visit the Chitose Salmon Aquarium to observe salmon ecology and migration through an underwater viewing room, a distinctive learning experience unique to Hokkaido. If you're interested in hands-on activities, you can participate in local cheese or milk candy making, or try flower craft activities to experience Hokkaido's agricultural charm. Additionally, transparent kayaking on Lake Shikotsu is a special way to appreciate the purity of nature. These activities allow for a deeper immersion into Chitose's culture and characteristics.