Those arriving on Hokkaido by air will be routed through Chitose International Airport in the capital city, Sapporo. All Nippon Airways, Skymark Airlines, Japan Airlines and Air Do provide domestic service to important regional cities across the Japanese archipelago. Meanwhile, Air China, EVA Air, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Continental Airlines (along with several other carriers) maintain international routes to several important cities across Asia.

Chitose International services well over 18 million passengers every year, and facilities are more than sufficient to handle this influx of passengers. Shopping, dining, banking and business facilities are all onsite. There is another, smaller airport in Sapporo, Okadama Airport, handling regional flights to airstrips across the island.

It is also possible to arrive on Hokkaido from Tokyo by rail. While high-speed trains are not available, slower overnight connections can be quite convenient. There are also trains from Honshu as well as between cities on the island itself. Ferries are particularly convenient for those who have rented a car on another of Japan’s islands. It’s even possible to board ferries bound for ports outside of Japan.

Once stationed on Hokkaido, tourists can travel between cities by air, train or bus. A Hokkaido Pass is convenient for short-term visitors as it grants unlimited access to Japan Railway trains and buses within a set time frame. Bicycle lanes are available in many places, providing an especially popular mode of short-distance transport during the summer months.