Chitose Overview
Chitose is a city located in Ishikari Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, and home to the New Chitose Airport, the biggest international airport in Hokkaido and closest airport to Sapporo, as well as the neighboring Chitose Air Base. As of February 1, 2024, the city had an estimated population of 97,919, with 52,196 households, and a population density of 165 persons per km². The total area is 594.50 km². The city was founded on July 1, 1958. The city is notable for having a Peace Pagoda, built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji in 1978.
Chitose Key Statistics
Population97945
Area595 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés159 / 3 / 4
Practical Essentials for Chitose
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Chitose.
Visit ↗Getting Around Chitose
Chitose Main Station & Rail Lines
千歳 (Chitose)
Train Travel to Chitose
Chitose is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Chitose
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Chitose
Moderate
Air in Chitose is okay for most people; sensitive travellers may feel light haze.
Source: World Air Quality Index
Cover Your Trip to Chitose
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Chitose
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Chitose downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Chitose.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Chitose Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Chitose.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Chitose.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Chitose
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Chitose
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Chitose
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Chitose
When was Chitose founded?
Chitose was founded on April 1, 1915.
How old is Chitose?
Chitose is roughly 111 years old.
What is the population of Chitose?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 97,945.
What is the land area of Chitose?
Chitose covers roughly 595 km².
What is the main railway station in Chitose?
The primary hub is 千歳 (Chitose).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Chitose?
The city has roughly 159 parks, 3 museums and 4 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Chitose expensive to live?
Chitose is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Chitose?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Chitose?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Chitose has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Chitose?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Chitose?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Chitose?
Chitose hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Chitose?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Chitose?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Chitose?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Chitose?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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