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The most popular way to
get to the Resorts in Hokkaido, and the quickest, is by
flying (from Haneda Airport in Tokyo). Many airlines and
travel agents have packages to Hokkaido. There are many
flights between Hokkaido and the cities throughout
Japan. Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA)
and Japan Air Systems (JAS) operate most flights.
Although most people arrive at New Chitose International
Airport (about 40 km south of Sapporo), other cities
such as Asahikawa, Hakodate, Kushiro and Wakkanai in the
north also have flights to Tokyo, Osaka and other cities
in Honshu.
If you are already in Japan, the quickest way to get
to Hokkaido from the Tokyo area is by plane from Haneda
Airport. Shin-Chitose airport is 1 hour 30 minutes from
Haneda airport in Tokyo, and 2 hours 10 minutes from
Itami Airport in Osaka. If you are in a hurry, you can
also take one of the many internal flights within
Hokkaido that go to cities such as Hakodate, Kushiro and
Wakkanai. Flights leave from both New Chitose and
Okadama airports, so it’s important to ask when you
purchase your ticket. If you are flying out of Okadama
airport, the bus ride from Sapporo takes about 25
minutes and costs around 300 yen.
New
Chitose Airport
Just a few
minutes outside the industrial city of Chitose is the
New Chitose International Airport. It takes about 35
minutes by train (limited express) to Sapporo on the JR
Chitose line. You can also take a bus to Sapporo in
about 70 minutes, to Lake Shikotsu in 45 minutes, Lake
Toya in 2 hours and 15 minutes, Noboribetsu Onsen in 70
minutes, and the popular ski resort area of Niseko in
about 3 hours. Note: Buses only run to Toya-ko and
Noboribetsu Onsen from June to October.
By Bus
Unlike other
parts of Japan, Hokkaido’s bus network is far more
extensive than the railway system. People often use the
buses for long distance traveling, but even the
metropolitan buses can be just as fast as the trains.
Buses also tend to run more frequently and cost less
than taking the train. Keep in mind that buses going to
more remote areas of the island don’t run as often, so
make sure you check the schedule ahead of time. It can
also be difficult (and expensive) to get tickets during
peak seasons.
By car
The main roads
used for getting to the Niseki is the Sasson Expressway
from Sapporo to Otaru and then Route 5 towards Niseko.
Snow
Japan Ski Town Guides
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