New Chitose Airport arrival guide

1. Arrival terminal

After immigration, baggage collection and customs at New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港), complete any international-side pickups before heading for the railway. The general information counter is in the International Terminal's 2F arrivals lobby.

For JR New Chitose Airport Station (新千歳空港駅), head toward the domestic terminal's 2F Center Plaza (センタープラザ), then down to B1. The airport provides escalator and elevator routes from Center Plaza; follow the elevator route if that suits your luggage or mobility needs.

Japanese floor labels use 1F for ground level, 2F for the floor above it, and B1 for the first basement. Include the walk from international arrivals in your plan; the station is not immediately beneath your international arrivals exit.

2. Internet & SIM cards

Free airport Wi-Fi is available in supported areas of the domestic and international terminals and connecting facilities. Use the network name displayed on current airport signs; older instructions may show a different name.

• Physical SIM: vending machines are listed in locations including International Terminal, 2F, and Domestic Terminal, 1F. Check the individual machine's Japan plans and compatible devices.
• eSIM: JOURNEY SIM products on the international side include downloadable eSIM options. Check that your particular phone supports the product before buying; not every machine has the same selection.
• Rental Wi-Fi: Imoto no WiFi (イモトのWiFi) lists Japan Wi-Fi rentals and SIM cards at International Terminal, 2F, with hours of 09:00–19:00. Match the product, pickup conditions and return arrangements to your trip.

Airport Wi-Fi is a connection within the airport, not a mobile-data plan for Hokkaido. Finish setup and test your connection with airport Wi-Fi switched off. Save the hotel address and any shuttle instructions offline.

3. Cash & currency exchange

Travelex is listed on International Terminal, 2F arrivals, with hours of 08:30–19:00. SMART EXCHANGE machines on the same floor exchange supported foreign cash during terminal opening hours. Check currencies and rates before using either.

Seven Bank (セブン銀行) ATMs at the airport offer withdrawals for supported overseas-issued cards. A cash-exchange machine does not withdraw money from your account; an ATM does not exchange the banknotes in your wallet. Choose the appropriate service and check restrictions and fees.

4. Luggage storage & delivery

The airport lists temporary storage and delivery counters on Domestic Terminal, 1F and 2F, and International Terminal, 2F and 3F. Check the counter in your current area before taking bags across the airport. Coin lockers (コインロッカー) are also listed in both terminals and the connecting facilities.

Temporary storage (手荷物一時預かり) requires a return to collect the suitcase. Delivery (宅配) sends it to your hotel or another accepted address. Show the hotel's Japanese address and confirm coverage, arrival date and hotel acceptance. A distant Hokkaido hotel should not be assumed to receive an airport delivery that day.

If changing hotels, match the delivery date to the nights you will actually be there. Keep your passport, medication, charger and clothing you need immediately—including a coat in cold weather—with you.

5. Getting to your hotel

JR Hokkaido trains offer a journey to Sapporo (札幌) without a change. The airport's onward-route guidance lists a change at Sapporo for Asahikawa and at Minami-Chitose (南千歳) for Tomakomai. These routes serve different destinations in Hokkaido; do not assume every journey starts by going to Sapporo.

Check the complete route to the hotel's address, including a bus, shuttle or walk after the train. Confirm the day's departures and the tickets needed for your chosen service. The ticket gate (改札口) is the barrier into the paid station area; finish any counter visit outside it before entering.

If a delay affects your onward connection, check the revised route and notify your accommodation of the later arrival. Do not use a daytime journey estimate as a promise that a connection will still run at night.

6. Showers & rest

New Chitose Airport Onsen (新千歳空港温泉) is a paid hot-spring bathing facility on Domestic Terminal, 4F, with relaxation areas. Onsen (温泉) means a hot spring; this facility is a bathing and rest option, rather than simply a private airport shower cubicle.

The operator states that people with tattoos, tattoo stickers or body paint cannot use the facility. Check its current admission rules and the plan you need before walking over. Daytime use and staying overnight have different conditions and possible additional charges.

The airport's guidance directs travelers seeking a nap to facilities such as the onsen rather than a dedicated airport nap room. Do not assume admission guarantees a private bed. Free charging spaces are also listed on domestic and international floors 1F–3F; check the socket and connector at the specific location.

7. Before you leave

• Find the route via Domestic Terminal, 2F Center Plaza, to the B1 station.
• Match the train and any transfer to your first hotel, not just the name “Sapporo.”
• Confirm that a delivery will arrive during your stay and keep immediate essentials with you.
• Leave time for the terminal walk after a bath, rest or charging stop.
• Check the final connection and save the hotel's contact details offline.