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The Tokyo Haneda → New Chitose route is Japan's busiest domestic flight. ~1h35, multiple departures per hour.
Japan Airlines serves New Chitose from Haneda, Narita and Osaka Itami. High frequency year-round.
Low-cost carrier connecting Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita to New Chitose. Fares often under ¥5,000.
Asahikawa (AKJ) for Daisetsuzan and central Hokkaido. Hakodate (HKD) for the Shinkansen south. Memanbetsu (MMB) for Shiretoko.
Hokkaido's main airport, 40 min from Sapporo by JR Rapid Airport train. Excellent shopping and dining.
No direct European flights to Sapporo. Connect via Tokyo (JAL, ANA, Air France) then domestic to CTS (~1h35).
Tokyo–Sapporo flights fill up fast during ski season (Jan.–March) and summer (Jul.–Aug.). Book 2–3 months ahead.
The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Hakodate in 4h. The Sapporo extension, first planned for 2030, has been pushed back to the end of fiscal 2038 at the earliest; until then, the Hokuto limited express links Hakodate and Sapporo in 3 h 30 to 4 h.
Hokkaido, Japan's large northern island, is mostly reached through New Chitose airport near Sapporo, linked to Tokyo by one of the world's busiest air routes. There are no direct flights from Europe: from London, allow 17 to 21 hours with a connection in Tokyo. Japan is 9 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 8 hours in summer.
| Leg | Airlines | Time |
|---|---|---|
| London → Tokyo (Haneda), nonstop | British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA | ≈ 14 h |
| Tokyo-Haneda → Sapporo-New Chitose | JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark | ≈ 1 h 35 |
| Narita / Kansai → New Chitose | Peach | ≈ 1 h 45 – 2 h 15 |
| Train New Chitose → Sapporo | JR Rapid Airport | ≈ 37 min |
| Shinkansen Tokyo → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto | JR (Hayabusa) | ≈ 4 h |
| Limited express Hakodate → Sapporo | JR (Hokuto) | ≈ 3 h 30 – 4 h |
| Ferry Aomori → Hakodate | Tsugaru Kaikyō, Seikan Ferry | ≈ 3 h 40 |
JAL, ANA, Air Do and Skymark fly Tokyo-Haneda to New Chitose in about 1 h 35, with departures almost every hour, and Peach flies there from Narita and Kansai. The Rapid Airport train then reaches Sapporo in 37 minutes. For the east and north, fly straight to Asahikawa, Kushiro, Memanbetsu or Wakkanai, the gateway to Rishiri and Rebun. The Shinkansen links Tokyo with Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in about 4 hours, then the Hokuto limited express reaches Sapporo in 3 h 30 to 4 h. Overnight ferries also sail from Honshū (Ōarai, Sendai, Niigata, Maizuru) to Tomakomai or Otaru, and from Aomori to Hakodate (≈ 3 h 40).
UK citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days; complete immigration and customs online with Visit Japan Web. Domestic flights booked early are often cheaper than the Shinkansen. The Shinkansen extension to Sapporo, first planned for 2030, has been pushed back to the end of fiscal 2038 at the earliest.
December to March for skiing in Niseko and the Sapporo Snow Festival (early February); July for the lavender fields of Furano. These periods are in high demand: book flights two to three months ahead. In winter, snowstorms can delay flights and trains.
No, you connect in Tokyo (or another Asian hub), then fly 1 h 35 to New Chitose.
The JR Rapid Airport train links the airport with Sapporo station in about 37 minutes.
Yes, to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in about 4 hours from Tokyo; then 3 h 30 to 4 h by limited express to Sapporo.
No, not for tourist stays under 90 days; a valid passport is enough.
⛴️ Book your crossing — HokkaidoCompare ferry times and prices, then book your ticket online.
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