Flights to Sapporo (New Chitose, CTS)

Sapporo is Hokkaido's capital and the natural starting point for exploring Japan's wild north, from powder-snow ski resorts to lavender fields and hot-spring valleys. Most travellers from Singapore arrive through New Chitose Airport, the island's largest and busiest airport. If you are searching for flights to Sapporo, this is almost always the airport you want, with trains and buses ready to carry you into the city or straight out to the mountains.

About New Chitose Airport, Sapporo

Location

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is in Chitose, a separate city to the south-east of Sapporo. It is not inside Sapporo itself, so plan for a transfer of some distance into the centre. The airport is the main hub for Hokkaido and handles both international and domestic flights.

Terminals

There are two connected terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic services, linked by an indoor walkway. The complex is known for its shopping and dining, with Hokkaido sweets, seafood and ramen on offer, so arriving early before departure is no hardship.

Getting to and from the airport

The JR Rapid Airport train runs from the station beneath the domestic terminal to Sapporo Station, and it is the simplest option for most visitors. Airport buses serve central districts, and seasonal coaches head to ski areas such as Niseko. Taxis and rental cars are available too, though winter driving on snowy roads needs experience.

Direct and connecting flights to Sapporo

Non-stop services between Singapore and New Chitose have operated, often seasonally. Search your dates and use the direct-flight filter to check whether one is on sale. Otherwise, connecting through Tokyo, Osaka or another Asian hub is common and often widens the choice of times.

If you connect within Japan, check whether you change between domestic and international terminals at your transfer airport. Sapporo also has a small city airport, Okadama (OKD), used only for short regional hops within Hokkaido. For arrivals from overseas, New Chitose is the one to choose.

When to fly to Sapporo and Hokkaido

Winter, roughly December to March, is ski season, when Hokkaido's famously dry powder draws skiers and snowboarders from across Asia. Summer is short but delightful, with cool temperatures and little of the heavy rainy season that affects much of Japan. July is when the lavender fields around Furano usually bloom.

From Singapore, the December school holidays overlap with the start of the ski season, and flights fill fast. Chinese New Year and the Snow Festival in February are other busy periods, as are the June holidays. Japanese holidays such as Golden Week also raise demand, so compare dates on the price chart and set a Price Alert well ahead.

Popular places in and around Sapporo

Otaru

This harbour town north-west of Sapporo is loved for its old stone warehouses along the canal, glass workshops and music-box shops. It is an easy day trip by train, especially pretty when snow lines the canal in winter.

Jozankei Onsen

Tucked into a river valley in Sapporo's southern mountains, Jozankei is a hot-spring town surrounded by forest. It is lovely in autumn, when the hills turn red and gold, and cosy on snowy winter nights.

Furano and Biei

These farming areas in central Hokkaido are known for rolling hills, colourful flower fields and the lavender season. In winter Furano becomes a well-loved ski town with a relaxed feel.

Niseko

South-west of Sapporo, Niseko is one of Asia's best-known ski destinations, with deep powder snow and views of the cone-shaped Mount Yotei. Summer brings hiking, rafting and cycling.

Lake Shikotsu

Only a short drive from New Chitose, this clear caldera lake is ringed by volcanic peaks. It is a peaceful spot for a first or last afternoon in Hokkaido, and its winter ice festival is a local favourite.

Where to stay in Sapporo and Hokkaido

Staying near Sapporo Station makes the airport train easy and puts you close to rail links for Otaru and Furano. Susukino, further south, is the choice for dining and nightlife, and it is well connected by subway.

Skiers usually base themselves in Niseko or Furano for the season, while Jozankei suits a slower onsen stay within Sapporo's city limits. If you have an early departure, Chitose city near the airport can save a rushed morning transfer.

Food to try in Sapporo

Kaisendon

A bowl of rice crowned with fresh sashimi, salmon roe and sea urchin, kaisendon shows off the seafood of Hokkaido's cold waters. Morning markets in Sapporo and Otaru are ideal places to try it.

Hokkaido crab

Hairy crab, snow crab and king crab are all prized here. They are served steamed, grilled or in hot pots, often as a special meal on a first night.

Zangi

Hokkaido's take on fried chicken is marinated in a savoury, garlicky sauce before frying, and it comes out juicy and full of flavour. It is a popular snack at izakaya.

Hokkaido soft-serve

Thanks to the island's dairy farms, soft-serve ice cream here is rich and creamy. Locals happily eat it all year, even in the snow.

From powder snow to summer flowers, Hokkaido gives you a reason to return in every season. Check whether a non-stop is running on your dates, weigh it against a connection via Tokyo or Osaka, then secure your flights to Sapporo on Traveloka with Easy Reschedule on eligible fares.