Home to Hokkaido's biggest international airport, Chitose is a gateway to Japan's northernmost island. From smoking volcanoes and bubbling hot springs to shimmering caldera lakes and snow-dusted ski resorts, Hokkaido will quickly have you under its spell.

Things to do

Formed by a volcanic caldera, Lake Shikotsu sits in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and offers stunning views of Mount Tarumae. You can rent glass bottomed paddle boats, soak in Marukoma Onsen or hike up to the Mount Tarumae crater rim.

Japan is famous for its salmon, which you can see up close at the Chitose Salmon Aquarium. It's set on the banks of the Chitose River and features an Underwater Observation Room where you can get a fascinating glimpse at the upstream salmon migration.

Featuring more than 400 brands, the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera offers some of Hokkaido's best shopping. The open-air centre sits alongside Chitose International Airport and boasts everything from international brands to local designers.

For a glimpse at the island's agricultural roots, spend the day at Hokkaido Hakone Farm. Just a few kilometres out the city, it showcases life as a Japanese farmer through hands-on experiences. You can work in the fields, sift through the harvest, make your own sausages and try your hand at churning butter.

Getting around

Chitose is well-serviced by a network of public buses. Trains run to Sapporo in around one hour, while the JR Airport Express Trains run from Chitose International Airport to Sapporo in about 35 minutes.