Things To Do
in Chitose
Chitose is a city located in Hokkaido, Japan, known for being home to New Chitose Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. The city is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, including mountains and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Chitose is also known for its delicious seafood, especially fresh crab and salmon dishes.
Visitors to Chitose can enjoy various cultural experiences, such as traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and regional festivals.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the peaceful Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Enjoy a refreshing hike, taking in the beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Head to Lake Shikotsu for a picnic lunch by the water. Rent a kayak to explore the serene surface of the lake.
Return to Chitose and unwind at a local izakaya. Sample some delicious Hokkaido seafood and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Spend the morning at the Chitose History and Local Museum to learn about the area’s rich heritage. Engage with interactive displays and historical artifacts.
Visit the nearby Ainu Museum to understand the indigenous Ainu culture better. Participate in workshops that showcase traditional crafts.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Ainu cuisine. Experience a unique culinary adventure with local ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Proximity to Sapporo, offering easy access to urban amenities.
- Rich cultural heritage and local festivals.
- Outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and skiing.
- Safety and low crime rate, making it a family-friendly environment.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall that may not be suitable for everyone.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Higher cost of living in certain areas due to tourism.
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers may pose challenges.
Best Activities in Chitose
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful landscape and pristine nature of Shikotsu-Toya National Park with its various hiking trails.
Enjoy a scenic cycling trip around the picturesque Lake Shikotsu, known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding forested mountains.
Experience the thrill of rafting down the Chitose River, offering exciting rapids and stunning natural scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chitose with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chitose
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful caldera lake offering stunning views and photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
A vantage point that provides panoramic views of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding mountains, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
This shopping center offers a rooftop garden with views of the surrounding area, including the airport and Mount Eniwa in the distance.
Food in Chitose
Chitose Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled mutton dish, best enjoyed at Daruma in Chitose
Must-Try!
Fresh sea urchin sashimi, a delicacy at Sapporo Beer Garden in Chitose
Hokkaido-style fried chicken, a local favorite available at Rikimaru in Chitose
Spicy and flavorful soup-based curry, try it at Ebisoba Ichigen in Chitose
Indulge in creamy soft-serve ice cream and fresh milk from local dairy farms throughout Chitose
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chitose better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore an array of fresh seafood and sample local specialties such as grilled scallops and seafood rice bowls
Discover a variety of street food stalls offering Hokkaido specialties like yakitori, grilled corn, and potato croquettes
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chitose, Japan, there is a strong emphasis on showing respect to elders. It is important to use honorific language and bow when greeting or engaging with older individuals.
Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Chitose. It is important to use polite language, avoid confrontational behavior, and always show consideration for others.
In Chitose, it is important to be familiar with and observe local customs and traditions. This may include removing shoes when entering a home, using chopsticks properly, and following other social customs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chitose with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chitose
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Chitose. It is generally not expected and can even be considered rude in some situations. Good service is expected as part of the overall experience, and showing appreciation through a sincere thank-you is more appropriate than leaving a tip.
In Chitose, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit and debit cards are also commonly used, particularly in larger establishments. However, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, as some smaller businesses may not accept cards. Mobile payment methods such as Suica and Pasmo are also popular for public transportation and convenience store purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chitose.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Chitose is during spring (March to May) when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild. Expect to see beautiful cherry blossoms and warmer temperatures.
Summer (June to August) is also a good time to visit for outdoor activities and festivals. Expect warm weather and plenty of outdoor events.
Autumn (September to November) is a popular time to visit Chitose due to the stunning fall foliage. Expect vibrant autumn colors and cool temperatures.
Winter (December to February) is ideal for winter sports and enjoying the snow. Expect cold temperatures and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
Chitose at Night
Hiking in Chitose
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park featuring stunning lakes and mountains, ideal for hiking with well-marked trails.
An active volcano offering various hiking trails with breathtaking views from the summit.
A challenging hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Surrounding areas around the lake offer easy hiking trails with lovely scenery and wildlife.
A local park featuring scenic trails ideal for leisurely hikes, suitable for families and beginners.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chitose through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Chitose by plane.
The main airport serving Sapporo and the Hokkaido region, located just outside Chitose.
Located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, this is one of the largest international airports serving Tokyo.
Tokyo's primary airport, located closer to the city than Narita, handling both domestic and international flights.
An international airport located on an island in Osaka Bay, serving the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, serving the Nagoya area and surrounding regions.
The main airport of Okinawa, servicing both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Chitose, making up the majority of the population.
An indigenous ethnic minority group in Japan, with a small presence in Hokkaido, including Chitose.
A small community of ethnic Koreans, often descendants of those who migrated during the Japanese colonial period.
A growing community due to recent immigration, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
Includes individuals from various countries working in industries such as agriculture and construction.
The Soul of Chitose
Discover the essence of Chitose through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is immensely popular in Chitose, with many locals supporting their favorite teams and participating in amateur leagues.
Soccer has gained a strong following in Chitose, with youth academies and local clubs fostering talent and community involvement.
Basketball is widely played in Chitose, with both school teams and recreational leagues contributing to its popularity.
Given its colder climate, ice hockey is a popular winter sport in Chitose, boasting several local teams and a devoted fanbase.
Golf is a favored outdoor activity in Chitose, with numerous golf courses attracting both residents and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chitose.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Hokkaido cuisine traditionally leans towards seafood and meat, some restaurants in Chitose offer vegetarian and vegan ramen, tempura, and tofu-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can opt for seafood dishes, rice-based meals, and select izakaya offering gluten-free options upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Chitose with these cultural adventures.
