landmark
Lake Shikotsu
Japan's second deepest lake sits in a volcanic caldera. Rent kayaks at the pier or take the Chuo bus from Chitose Station.
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Chitose
Hokkaido's transit gateway anchored by volcanic lakes.
introduction
Overview
Chitose sits between Sapporo and Hokkaido's south-central wilderness. Most travellers see only its airport, but the city stretches west into volcanic caldera lakes and dense forests. Moving around relies on the JR Chitose Line for city connections and sparse rural buses for the lake districts. Expect clean infrastructure, quiet residential streets, and swift access to outdoor trails.
National park status
Lake Shikotsu forms the eastern anchor of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The caldera water rarely freezes due to deep geothermal heat.
Lake Shikotsu bus timing
Hokkaido Chuo Bus runs only 4 to 6 daily trips between Chitose Station and Lake Shikotsu. Miss the last return and taxis run around 8,000 yen.
Chitose
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Station Downtown — Compact, walkable urban grid with izakayas and direct rail access.
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Lake Shikotsu Shore — Quiet lakeside village surrounded by ancient forest and volcanic peaks.
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Airport Hub District — Hyper-functional transit hub attached directly to New Chitose Airport.
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Osatsu & Riverbanks — Low-rise agricultural and residential area along the Chitose River.
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Ramen shops in Chitose feature rich miso broth topped with local butter and sweet corn.
Quercus acuta · CC BY-SA 4.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Salmon Park Chitose
Observe wild salmon migrating up the Chitose River from underwater viewing chambers. Peak migration happens between September and October.
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landmark
Mount Tarumae
An active volcano with a rare lava dome near Lake Shikotsu. The 45-minute trail from the 7th station offers vast caldera views.
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landmark
Chitose River Promenade
Clear spring water feeds this river running straight through central Chitose. Paved walking trails run parallel to the current.
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landmark
Marukoma Onsen
A historic hot spring inn established in 1915 on the lake's edge. Outdoor baths match the natural water level of Lake Shikotsu.
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On the map
areas
Where life happens
Station Downtown
Compact, walkable urban grid with izakayas and direct rail access.
Izakaya diningDirect trainsConvenience
Trade-offLacks historic architecture and stays quiet after 22:00.
NearbyJR Chitose Station and Salmon Park
Ask ParleyLake Shikotsu Shore
Quiet lakeside village surrounded by ancient forest and volcanic peaks.
Onsen bathingLake viewsForest trails
Trade-offBuses to town end early and evening dining options are limited.
NearbyLake Shikotsu and Mount Tarumae
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Hyper-functional transit hub attached directly to New Chitose Airport.
Late flightsRamen StreetThermal baths
Trade-offPurely commercial environment isolated from natural landscapes.
NearbyNew Chitose Airport Terminals
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Low-rise agricultural and residential area along the Chitose River.
Farm standsQuiet staysCycling routes
Trade-offRequires a rental car or bike to navigate efficiently.
NearbyChitose River and Osatsu Station
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Caldera trout and airport ramen
Chitose's food scene splits between high-volume airport dining and local river specialties. The mountain streams and Lake Shikotsu produce clear freshwater fish, notably landlocked sockeye salmon. Downtown eateries cater to local residents with Hokkaido agricultural staples like butter-corn ramen and grilled lamb.
Ramen shops in Chitose feature rich miso broth topped with local butter and sweet corn.
Quercus acuta · CC BY-SA 4.0- Himemasu trout
Lake Shikotsu is famous for himemasu (landlocked sockeye salmon). Eat it as fresh sashimi or salt-grilled at lakeside restaurants like Shikotsu-ko Kotan.
- Ramen Dojo
Located inside New Chitose Airport on floor 3, this concourse gathers ten Hokkaido ramen shops. Hokkaido Ramen Teshikaga serves local seafood ramen.
history
A short history
Chitose developed along the Chitose River, originally an Indigenous Ainu settlement valued for migrating salmon. Modern growth began when residents cleared land for an airfield in 1926. That single grass strip expanded over decades into Japan's primary northern aviation complex.
- 1926
First Airstrip
Local residents hand-cleared ground to create Chitose's first landing strip, establishing its aviation history.
- 1988
New Airport Opens
New Chitose Airport opened adjacent to the old airfield, becoming Hokkaido's primary air gateway.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your base by your travel schedule. Stay inside the airport terminal if arriving late or taking an early flight. Stay near JR Chitose Station for cheap business hotels and regional train access. Choose Lake Shikotsu for ryokans and thermal hot springs.
- Early morning flyersAirport Hub District — Walk directly to departure gates without needing road transfers.
- Nature seekersLake Shikotsu Shore — Wake up next to open water and hot spring baths.
- Rail travellersStation Downtown — Immediate access to JR trains running south to Hakodate or north to Sapporo.
- Cyclists and driversOsatsu & Riverbanks — Easy parking and direct access to rural farm roads.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
Portom International Hokkaido
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ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose by IHG
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Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Chitose
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Sapporo's Secret Onsen Sanctuary Marukoma Onsen Ryokan
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JR Inn Chitose
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Getting around
Public transit in Chitose is efficient along the rail corridor but sparse in the mountains. JR Rapid Airport trains link the airport, Chitose Station, and Sapporo reliably. To reach Lake Shikotsu, you must rely on timed Chuo buses or private vehicles.
From New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Bus15–20 min¥240–310
Hokkaido Chuo Bus links airport terminals to central Chitose stops.
- Taxi12 min¥2,000–2,500
Direct taxi from domestic or international arrivals to downtown hotels.
Kitaca, Suica, and Pasmo work on all JR Chitose Line trains and Chuo city buses.
Rapid Airport trains run frequently between New Chitose Airport, Chitose, and Sapporo.
Buses from Chitose Station to Lake Shikotsu leave from stop 3 outside the west exit.
Car rental desks are in the airport domestic terminal floor 1. Shuttle vans take you to nearby lots.
cost
What things cost
Chitose is generally less expensive than central Sapporo for accommodation and dining, though hot spring resort stays at Lake Shikotsu command premium rates during summer and winter festivals.
- Himemasu set meal: ¥2,200–3,000
Grilled sockeye salmon set with rice and miso soup at Lake Shikotsu restaurants.
- Ramen bowl: ¥900–1,300
Standard bowl of miso or shoyu ramen at New Chitose Airport or downtown shops.
- Lake Shikotsu day bath: ¥1,000–1,500
Day-use entry to hot spring baths at Marukoma Onsen or Kyukamura.
seasonality
When to go
DEC – FEB
Heavy snow and frozen landscapes. Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival features illuminated ice sculptures built from lake water.
Crowds
Snow
MAR – MAY
Snow melts and hiking trails open late May. Crisp days with fewer crowds before summer high season.
Crowds
Snow
JUN – AUG
Mild, comfortable weather averaging 22°C. Peak season for kayaking on Lake Shikotsu and hiking Mount Tarumae.
Crowds
Snow
SEP – NOV
Fall foliage along the Chitose River and autumn salmon migration at Salmon Park. Cool day temperatures.
Crowds
Snow
practicalities
Good to know
- Last Bus Alert
The last Chuo bus from Lake Shikotsu back to Chitose Station departs before 18:00.
- Cash for Lake Shikotsu
Lakeside food stalls and small rustic onsen accept cash only.
- Volcanic Safety
Mount Tarumae is an active volcano. Check Japan Meteorological Agency alerts before climbing the peak.
- Airport Thermal Bath
Shin-Chitose Onsen on terminal floor 4 offers overnight stay options if you miss late transport.
- River Water Clarity
Chitose River remains clear year-round because it originates from Lake Shikotsu's surface layer.