New Chitose Airport is one of the most family-friendly airports in Asia. Beyond the standard facilities, it has a Doraemon museum, a chocolate factory, play areas, and even an onsen. If you have time between flights, your children may not want to leave.
Airport facilities for families
The terminal has dedicated nursing rooms with changing tables, hot water for formula, and private feeding areas. These are well-maintained and available in both the domestic and international terminals. Baby-changing stations are in most restrooms.
There are several play areas for children, plus the paid attractions (Doraemon Sky Park, Royce' Chocolate World). Convenience stores stock baby food, diapers, and snacks.
Getting to Sapporo with kids
| Option | Family suitability | Notes | |--------|-------------------|-------| | JR Rapid Airport | Good | Luggage space available, 37 min ride | | JR Rapid Airport (reserved) | Better | Guaranteed seats for JPY 530 extra | | Airport bus | Good | Large luggage storage, hotel stops | | Private transfer | Best | Door-to-door, car seat possible | | Taxi | Good | Clean, professional, but expensive |
The JR train works well for families outside peak periods. Each car has luggage space at the ends, and the 37-minute ride is short enough for most children. During peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon, New Year, winter ski season), trains can be very crowded — reserved seats at JPY 1,680 (EUR 10) per person are strongly recommended.
The airport bus is a relaxed alternative. Luggage goes underneath, children can sit comfortably, and some routes stop directly at major Sapporo hotels. The longer ride (70–80 minutes) may actually be easier than managing a train transfer with kids and bags.
Car seats in Japan
Japanese law requires car seats for children under 6. However:
- Taxis are legally exempt from the car seat requirement in Japan
- Private transfer providers may offer car seats if requested in advance
- If renting a car, car seats are available from all major agencies for about JPY 500–1,000/day
Winter travel with kids
If visiting Hokkaido in winter (December–March), keep in mind:
- The airport is warm and enclosed, but outside temperatures can drop to -10C or below
- Dress children in layers before leaving the terminal
- Road conditions can cause bus and taxi delays — the train is unaffected by snow
- If heading to Niseko, a private transfer with winter tires is essential — do not attempt this drive in a standard taxi
Practical tips
- Buy an IC card (Kitaca) at the airport for seamless subway and bus use in Sapporo
- The airport 7-Eleven has baby food, milk, and diapers
- If your family has a JR Pass, all of you ride the train free
- Allow extra time for the Doraemon museum or chocolate factory — kids love them
- For Sapporo hotels near a subway station, the train + one subway stop is the easiest family option