Ask JAL staff! Secret "stop-over" spots at six Hokkaido airports

[New Chitose Airport] Not only is there a hot spring at the airport, but the food is also excellent!

New Chitose Airport is one of the largest northern gateways in Japan. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops, but it also has a huge complex that even has a hot spring facility. The JAL staff's favorite is the restaurant in the hot spring facility. The portions are generous, and many JAL staff are fans of the restaurant.

JAL staff will listen!
"It's a hidden gem. You can eat without taking a bath, and there's a wide variety of menu items. There aren't many customers who just come for the meal, so it's not crowded. Airport staff are also seen here during lunch time. The food is delicious, and you can't go wrong with anything you order! I especially recommend the thick, gomoku-yakisoba (fried noodles with mixed vegetables)." (Male ground staff)

New Chitose Airport Hot Springs

[New Chitose Airport] Exquisite sweets made by world-renowned pastry chefs

The vast New Chitose Airport has a wide variety of souvenir shops, but there is one shop that is only available at the airport. This shop is "Hokkaido Milk Castella" made by world-famous pastry chef Hiroaki Tsujiguchi. The recommended item is, of course, the castella (3 slices for 700 yen, tax included).

JAL staff will listen!
"We are particular about using ingredients from Hokkaido. The plain flavor is of course delicious, but the limited-edition castella flavors that appear each season are also excellent! In particular, the 'An Butter Castella' offered in May and June this year (2022) had an exquisite balance of bean paste and butter and was incredibly delicious. If you can find it, I highly recommend you try it. You won't regret it." (Female ground staff)

Hokkaido Milk Castella

New Chitose Airport Area Articles

[2022] Carefully selected by JAL staff! 9 Hokkaido souvenirs to look for at New Chitose Airport

There are many attractive Hokkaido souvenirs at New Chitose Airport, such as Genghis Khan, sweets, and delicacies. Here, we introduce a selection of Hokkaido souvenirs recommended by JAL staff working at the airport. Please use this as a reference when choosing a souvenir to conclude your trip to Hokkaido.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

A summary of Genghis Khan restaurants around New Chitose Airport! JAL staff recommends famous restaurants, in-flight meals, and souvenirs

Genghis Khan is a popular Hokkaido gourmet dish. It has been commonly eaten since the early Showa period, and has a long history, with different restaurants offering different recipes, special features, and ways to eat it. You can enjoy it at your leisure while traveling, have a quick meal at the airport, or enjoy it at home as a memory of your trip. In this article, we will introduce some of the best Genghis Khan restaurants in and around New Chitose Airport, the northern gateway to Hokkaido, Genghis Khan bento boxes that can be purchased at the airport, and Genghis Khan that makes the perfect souvenir, selected by JAL staff at New Chitose Airport and OnTrip JAL editorial team.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

[Kushiro Airport] A panoramic observation deck with a spectacular view! The recommended direction is

Located in the southeast of Hokkaido, the airport is also known as Tancho Kushiro Airport because of the red-crowned cranes that fly there, and the surrounding area is filled with nature. This makes it an airport where you can enjoy spectacular views. You can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the observation deck on the third floor.

JAL staff will listen!
"I especially recommend Mount Meakan (1,499m), one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, located to the north of the airport. It's easily visible on a clear day. Because it's an active volcano, white smoke can be seen from time to time. The first snow will fall in October, and from now on it will gradually become covered in snow." (Male ground staff member)

observation deck

[Kushiro Airport] Rich soft serve ice cream that even the local staff love, "This is Hokkaido!"

Want something sweet to soothe your travel fatigue? The soft serve ice cream at Kushiro Airport is one of the best options. Milky Crown is an ice cream brand that was created in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido, Japan's largest dairy kingdom. The flagship store is in Kushiro, and you can enjoy their rich, refreshing soft serve ice cream (from 300 yen, tax included) at the airport.

JAL staff will listen!
"There are a wide variety of flavors. In addition to the classic milk soft serve and maple corn soft serve with a hint of honey sweetness, there is also a cute soft serve topped with long-tailed tit and red-crowned crane cookies. This soft serve ice cream is made with 100% freshly squeezed milk and has a rich taste that makes you feel like 'this is Hokkaido!'" (Female ground staff member)

Butler Kushiro Airport

Articles about Kushiro Airport

Dynamically enjoy the great outdoors with your whole body. Kushiro Marshland and Akan Mashu Active Tour

The Kushiro-Akan Mashu area is located on the eastern side of Hokkaido. This area is home to a national park and is full of natural beauty, and is rich in dynamic activity spots. If you want to get some exercise in the refreshing greenery and enjoy the delicious food, this is the place for you.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

12 recommended Zangi dishes, a local specialty from Kushiro, chosen by local writers

Zangi, said to have originated in Kushiro, Hokkaido, is a soul food that has long been loved by locals. If you come to Kushiro, it is one of the gourmet foods you should definitely try. In this article, we will introduce the recommendations of local writers from among the many Zangi shops and products in Kushiro. Please use this as a reference for your gourmet exploration in Kushiro.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

[Asahikawa Airport] There is a refreshing park next to the airport

Asahikawa Airport is located almost in the center of Hokkaido. If you arrive at the airport a little early, we recommend taking a walk around the airport. Asahikawa Airport has an airport park, commonly known as Green Port. The observation shelter is a hidden gem of a spot with a great view. You can see the planes even closer than from the observation deck.

JAL staff will listen!
"The combination of the beautiful Asahikawa scenery seen from Green Port and the airplanes is very pleasant. Why not spread a sheet on the grass and spend some time enjoying the airport's soft serve ice cream?" (Male maintenance worker)

Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port

[Asahikawa Airport] A spectacular view unfolds from the rooftop of the airport building

Not only the area around the airport, but the building itself is also attractive. If you have time before boarding, be sure to head to the observation deck. There you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view.

JAL staff will listen!
"The view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range from the observation deck on a clear day is spectacular." (Ground staff, female)

Asahikawa Airport Observation Deck

Asahikawa Airport Area Articles

Experience nature and gourmet food for the first time. A two-day, one-night trip to Asahikawa, Biei, and Higashikawa

Asahikawa City, where nature and urban functions coexist in harmony, Biei Town, with its charming hills reminiscent of European rural landscapes, and Higashikawa Town, home to Mount Asahi, the highest peak in the Daisetsu Mountain Range. Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, this area is rich in little-known gourmet foods and unusual activities that make use of the mountain scenery. Let's go on a two-day, one-night trip to experience the charms of these three areas as soon as possible.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

[Memanbetsu Airport] Summer only! A spectacular view of airplanes and 400,000 sunflowers

Northeastern Hokkaido. In contrast to the cold winter, the scenery at Memanbetsu Airport changes completely in summer. A field of about 400,000 sunflowers appears beside the airport runway. It's truly spectacular! It's a popular photo spot for aviation fans.

JAL staff will listen!
"The best time to see them is from late July to mid-August. It has become known as a great spot for taking photos of planes taking off and landing alongside the sunflower fields, making it a great place to post photos on social media. The combination of 400,000 sunflowers and planes is a sight worth seeing!" (Maintenance male)

sunflower field

[Memanbetsu Airport] Bring an empty stomach to the airport. Enjoy delicious Okhotsk sushi.

Memanbetsu Airport is located close to the Sea of Okhotsk, which is well known for its delicious seafood. There are ways to taste fresh seafood within the airport. Inside Memanbetsu Airport, there is "STANDING SUSHI BAR Endo," where you can enjoy delicious sake and sushi made with fresh seafood. It's perfect for a quick snack before your flight. Pictured is the "Seasonal Omakase 8 Pieces Nigiri [with soup]" (3,500 yen, tax included).

JAL staff will listen!
"You can eat sushi made with fresh ingredients from the Sea of Okhotsk. The ingredients change daily, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you come." (Female ground staff member)

STANDING SUSHI BAR Ento

Articles about Memanbetsu Airport

[2 days, 1 night] See, eat, and experience the charm of winter in Okhotsk! A course to fully enjoy!

This course is packed with the unique charms of Okhotsk in winter. Enjoy outdoor sports and gourmet food that allow you to experience the great outdoors with all your senses, something that can only be found in this area.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

[Hakodate Airport] Seafood bowl! In addition, "Nori bento" is also recommended.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the seafood bowl restaurant "HAKOYA" opened on the third floor of Hakodate Airport, and is popular with airport staff for its delicious and affordable prices. In addition to the many bowl dishes that use plenty of Hokkaido seafood, the airport staff also recommends other dishes.

JAL staff will listen!
"I think those who like raw food will be absolutely satisfied. For those who don't like raw food, we also have a 'Fried Chicken Set Meal' and I also recommend the 'Iwanori Bento'. I think you'll be amazed by the taste, aroma, and appearance of this Iwanori." (Female Ground Staff)

HAKOYA

[Hakodate Airport] A unique airport spot where you can find information on hidden spots in southern Hokkaido

The airport, which serves as the gateway to the region, is a great source of tourist information. As the area is rich in attractions, Hakodate Airport offers comprehensive support. If you're wondering "where should I go?", be sure to stop by.

JAL staff will listen!
"When you arrive at Hakodate Airport and leave the arrival lobby, you'll see Gatsuri Dounan right in front of you. This is a treasure trove for those who want to fully enjoy Hakodate and southern Hokkaido! It's full of insider information and local secrets that you won't find in guidebooks. There's also a concierge so you can ask them anything." (Female ground staff)

Fully Southern Hokkaido

Hakodate Airport Area Articles

[2022] Recommended model itinerary for visiting Hakodate's popular sightseeing spots in half a day

A recommended model course for touring popular sightseeing spots in Hakodate, such as Goryokaku, Mt. Hakodate, and Hachimanzaka, in a half day. We will introduce a route that allows you to efficiently enjoy sightseeing even if you depart in the afternoon, along with a map and the estimated time required.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

[Tokachi Obihiro Airport] Best before date is only 3 hours! Dreamy sweets

There are many souvenirs from Hokkaido. Among them, there are too many delicious sweets to mention, but Rokkatei is a popular staple. And at Tokachi Obihiro Airport, you can enjoy a limited edition sweet with a shelf life of three hours. This is the "Sakusaku Pie" (200 yen, tax included), a pie crust sandwiched with fresh cream.

JAL staff will listen!
"This is a limited edition product that can only be purchased at three stores in Obihiro City. It's not too sweet and the size is just right, and the expiration date is only three hours, so I recommend eating it as a snack before boarding the plane." (Female ground staff)

Rokkatei Obihiro Airport

[Tokachi Obihiro Airport] Be sure to take photos! The world's largest horse model

Obihiro, where the airport is located, is home to Ban'ei horse racing, a rare sport on a global scale. This is a type of horse racing in which horses compete in strength and speed while pulling a sled, and you can see the brave, muscular Ban'ei horses at the airport.

JAL staff will listen!
"We have a horse model donated by 'Hodo Station.' It's a life-size model of the world's largest horse!" (Female ground staff member)

Obihiro Airport Arrival Lobby

We hope you now understand that Hokkaido airports have a wealth of hidden charms, such as gourmet food and photo spots. If you have time, be sure to head to the airport a little early. You might just have a more fulfilling time at the end of your trip.

Related article

Carefully selected by a local writer! 10 popular souvenirs you can only buy in Hokkaido

One of the joys of traveling is coming across local products. Another fun part of traveling is coming into contact with the memories and culture of people who grew up in that area through local souvenirs. So in this article, with the theme of "souvenirs that can only be bought in Hokkaido," our local writers have carefully selected and introduced items familiar to Hokkaido residents, long-loved long-selling products, and notable recently released products. All of these souvenirs can be easily purchased at Hokkaido airports, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other locations, so be sure to check them out!

ontrip.jal.co.jp