Chitose

Chitose, a city of 100,000 people in western Hokkaido, is the main gateway to Japan's northernmost island through New Chitose Airport. You can walk along Lake Shikotsu's shoreline paths, climb Mount Tarumae's volcanic slopes, or watch thousands of salmon navigate the fish ladder at the Chitose Salmon Aquarium. At the Chitose City Historical Museum, you'll see traditional Ainu clothing, tools, and artwork that tell the story of the region's indigenous people.

Getting to and Around Chitose

New Chitose Airport connects Hokkaido with major cities across Japan and international destinations. From the airport, trains run every 15 minutes to downtown Chitose and continue to Sapporo, taking 40 minutes to reach the latter. Within the city, buses connect major landmarks and the five train stations spread across Chitose.

Natural Landmarks Near Chitose

Lake Shikotsu, Japan's second-deepest lake at 363 meters, sits within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The lake's water stays above freezing throughout the year, making it ideal for kayaking from April to November and ice-free fishing in winter. Mount Tarumae, an active volcano at 1,041 meters, stands on the eastern shore of Lake Shikotsu. A 2.5-kilometer hiking trail leads to the crater rim, where you can walk the 1-kilometer circumference and see steam vents while looking out to the Hidaka mountain range.

Winter Activities in Chitose

From December to March, snow covers the mountains around Chitose. The 350-meter family slope at Takino Snow World has a 15-degree gradient, making it suitable for beginning skiers and snowboarders. You can join guided snowmobile tours through the birch forests near Lake Shikotsu, and try ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt) on Lake Shinonome.

Local Food Scene

The Chitose River's annual salmon run influences local cooking. At riverside restaurants, you'll find fresh salmon prepared as sashimi, grilled with salt, or served in hot pot dishes. Local ramen shops add Hokkaido milk and butter to their broths, creating a rich soup base. Inside New Chitose Airport, the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo brings together ten different ramen restaurants, each representing a distinct regional recipe.

Ainu Culture and History

The Ainu people established fishing and hunting grounds in the Chitose area centuries ago. Today, their traditional patterns appear on murals and sculptures throughout the city. The Chitose City Historical Museum displays fishing tools, ceremonial robes, and carved prayer sticks, explaining how the Ainu people developed sustainable fishing methods and maintained spiritual connections to the local mountains.

Shopping Districts

The Chitose Outlet Mall Rera contains 400 stores across four buildings connected by covered walkways. A free shuttle bus runs between the mall and New Chitose Airport every 30 minutes. Near Chitose Station, the Ekimae Shopping Street has family-run shops selling Hokkaido vegetables, local dairy products, and handmade items like wooden carvings and textile crafts.