Introduction
If you’re looking to savor the delights of Hokkaido’s famed culinary scene without venturing too far, New Chitose Airport is the perfect solution. Not only is it a convenient gateway to various destinations like Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa, but it also offers an incredible range of local dishes, all in one place. Beyond food, you’ll find an on-site hotel connected directly to the terminal, a cinema, and even a relaxing hot spring facility. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan a 1-night, 2-day stay at New Chitose Airport, turning what might seem like just a transit point into a memorable mini-vacation in Hokkaido.
Section 1: Why New Chitose Airport Is Called a “Gourmet Paradise”
1.1 Hokkaido Ramen Dojo: Taste Multiple Regional Favorites at Once
One of the airport’s biggest highlights is the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo, where you can explore different ramen specialties all in one area. Whether it’s rich miso ramen from Sapporo, light yet flavorful salt ramen from Hakodate, or hearty soy-sauce ramen from Asahikawa, each bowl showcases a unique local flair:
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Ebi (Shrimp) Ramen: Packed with sweet shrimp essence and often combined with creamy pork bone broth.
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Classic Sapporo Miso Ramen: Known for its hearty soup, often topped with butter, corn, or rich lard.
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Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen: Features a double soup base of fish stock and pork or chicken, yielding a satisfying, multi-layered flavor.
With so many renowned Hokkaido ramen shops gathered in one space, you can sample various specialties quickly, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.
1.2 “Ichijo Tori Shokudo-gai” (City Tram Dining Street) for Seafood and Pork Bowls
If you crave more than ramen, Ichijo Tori Shokudo-gai is the place for you. This dining street boasts shops specializing in:
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Salt Ramen from Hakodate: A clear, fish-based broth offering an authentic, light taste.
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Obihiro Pork Bowl: Succulent pork slices drizzled with a sweet-savory sauce, a signature dish from Tokachi.
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Fresh Seafood Rice Bowls: Heaps of uni, ikura, scallops, and other local seafood on top of warm rice.
Whether you love light flavors or crave robust, meaty dishes, you can find your perfect Hokkaido meal before or after your flight.
1.3 Sweets Galore for Dessert Lovers
New Chitose Airport doesn’t just offer ramen and seafood—it’s also loaded with sweet treats. You’ll find:
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Soft-serve Ice Cream made from fresh Hokkaido milk at shops like Kinotoya.
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ROYCE’ Chocolate World, featuring exclusive chocolate-themed bread and factory tours.
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Specialty Drinks such as limited-edition beverages at Starbucks and freshly fried potato snacks from Calbee Plus.
Because many items are airport exclusives, you might find yourself wanting to try them all—just make sure to save room!
Section 2: How to Make the Most of a 1-Night, 2-Day Stay
2.1 Stay at the Air Terminal Hotel
Located within the Domestic Terminal, the Air Terminal Hotel gives you direct access to the airport facilities, ensuring you won’t waste a minute of your time. Key perks include:
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Convenient Early or Late Check-Ins: Perfect if you have early morning or late-night flights.
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Runway Views: Certain rooms overlook the runway, offering unique nighttime scenery of aircraft operations.
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Hearty Breakfast Buffet: Sample a variety of local dishes made from Hokkaido ingredients.
2.2 Relax at New Chitose Airport Onsen (Hot Spring)
The New Chitose Airport Onsen, located on the fourth floor, provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle. Amenities include:
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Large Indoor and Outdoor Baths: Designed to help you unwind after a long journey.
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Saunas and Lounging Areas: Features that let you recharge before or after a flight.
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Spa and Relaxation Rooms: Equipped with reclining chairs and even manga libraries for extended downtime.
2.3 Cinema and Shopping Adventures
A movie theater on the same floor lets you catch the latest films while awaiting your flight or enjoying an overnight stay. The extensive shopping area includes:
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Hokkaido Souvenirs: Stock up on local favorites like Shiroi Koibito cookies, Jaga Pokkuru snacks, and more.
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Hands-On Experiences: Witness chocolate-making at ROYCE’ or sample various sweets in dedicated tasting zones.
Even if you’re in transit, this entertainment lineup transforms downtime into a mini holiday.
Section 3: Ideal for Both Hokkaido Travel Beginnings and Endings
3.1 Kick Off Your Hokkaido Adventure
For those arriving from outside Hokkaido, stopping at New Chitose Airport to indulge in local cuisine before heading to Sapporo or Hakodate is a great way to whet your appetite. Think of it as a “preview” of the region’s culinary wonders. For instance, trying Sapporo miso ramen at the airport and then comparing it to a local shop in downtown Sapporo can enhance your overall experience.
3.2 Wrap Up Your Trip with One Final Meal
On the flip side, if you’re about to fly home, there’s no better way to cherish your final moments in Hokkaido than by indulging in “one last bowl of ramen” or “one final seafood rice bowl” before boarding. Since the airport houses so many restaurants, you won’t feel rushed trying to find a decent meal near closing time.
3.3 A Hidden Gem for Locals, Too
Surprisingly, many Hokkaido residents also treat New Chitose Airport as a day-trip or weekend getaway spot. With easy train access (about 40 minutes from Sapporo via Rapid Airport), locals come to relax in the hot spring, watch a movie, or explore new restaurants. It’s an unexpected but pleasant way to enjoy the airport’s amenities without even leaving the prefecture.
Conclusion
New Chitose Airport is far from just a gateway—it’s a full-fledged “all-in-one travel destination” that appeals to both tourists and locals in Hokkaido. From ramen to seafood, pork bowls, and sweets, you can savor a wide range of local specialties in one convenient location. Coupled with an on-site onsen, cinema, and the Air Terminal Hotel, a 1-night, 2-day stay feels like a condensed yet fulfilling trip.
Whether you’re planning an early-morning flight or arriving late, staying overnight in the Air Terminal Hotel allows you to make the most of what the airport has to offer. Enjoy Hokkaido Ramen Dojo at dinner, unwind at New Chitose Airport Onsen, and wake up to a hearty breakfast buffet—all without leaving the terminal. Consider turning New Chitose Airport into the centerpiece of your next Hokkaido itinerary, perfect for busy travelers or those seeking a unique travel style. It’s an unexpected yet richly rewarding way to experience the best of Hokkaido in a limited amount of time.