Hokkaido Airport Terminal

Hokkaido Airports: Operating 7 Airports Across Japan’s Northern Island Including Wakkanai – Gateway to Cape Soya

Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. is a Japanese airport operator managing seven airports across Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island. The portfolio includes New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido’s primary hub), Asahikawa Airport, Hakodate Airport, Kushiro Airport, Memanbetsu Airport, Obihiro Airport, and Wakkanai Airport – Japan’s northernmost commercial airport serving as the gateway to Cape Soya, the country’s most northern point.

Wakkanai Airport operates scheduled ANA flights connecting to Tokyo and Sapporo, with ground transportation including airport shuttle buses (800 yen adults), taxis, and rental cars from NIPPON, Toyota, Times, and Nissan. The airport provides ferry connections via Heartland Ferry to the Rishiri-Rebun islands, popular tourist destinations known for natural beauty. Key attractions accessible from Wakkanai include Cape Soya (40 minutes by bus), JR Wakkanai Station (30 minutes by bus), Wakkanai Port Ferry Terminal (35 minutes by bus), and Cape Noshappu (35 minutes by car).

Hokkaido Airports maintains an official YouTube channel “Happ Channel” and active social media presence. For aviation professionals exploring Japanese regional airports, Hokkaido Airports delivers comprehensive services across Hokkaido’s diverse geography.

Network & Connectivity

Hokkaido Airports operates a strategic network of seven airports spanning Hokkaido’s vast territory, enabling efficient air connectivity across Japan’s second-largest island. New Chitose Airport serves as the primary hub with connections to domestic and international destinations. Wakkanai Airport, the northernmost in the network, connects to Tokyo (approximately 2-hour flight) and Sapporo/New Chitose (approximately 1-hour flight) via ANA operations.

Inter-airport connectivity allows travelers to access different regions of Hokkaido efficiently: Asahikawa Airport is reachable from Wakkanai in approximately 4 hours 50 minutes by train or 4 hours 30 minutes by car. Other airports require connections through New Chitose, with typical flight times of 40-50 minutes between regional airports. The network supports both tourism and business travel across Hokkaido’s agricultural, fishing, and natural resource industries. Ferry integration at Wakkanai via Heartland Ferry extends connectivity to the remote Rishiri and Rebun islands on the Rishiri-Rebun Route, though aircraft and ferry schedules operate independently.

Wakkanai Airport Services

Wakkanai Airport provides essential services for Japan’s northernmost air gateway. The terminal building houses shops, restaurants, and comprehensive passenger facilities including an information center in the arrival lobby. Rental car counters for NIPPON Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, Times Car, and Nissan Rent-

A-Car are located adjacent to the general information desk, with free shuttle buses transporting passengers to each rental location. Operating hours vary by company, typically 9:00-17:00 or 10:00-17:00. Airport shuttle buses operate synchronized with flight arrival and departure times, charging 800 yen for adults (400 yen children) with payment by cash in the fare box upon disembarkation – electronic payment not accepted.

Taxi services are provided by Hokuto Hire and Wakkanai Hinomaru Transportation. The airport maintains lost and found services and customer inquiry support. Seasonal events include the “Wakkanai Airport Sky Day Festival” celebrating aviation. Travel advisories address ferry operations during rough sea conditions affecting the Rishiri-Rebun route.

Key Services

• Airport Network: 7 Hokkaido airports under single management. New Chitose Airport (primary hub). Asahikawa, Hakodate, Kushiro, Memanbetsu, Obihiro, Wakkanai airports. Coordinated regional connectivity.
• Wakkanai Flights: ANA operations. Tokyo direct service (2+ hours). Sapporo/New Chitose connection (1 hour). Seasonal schedule variations. Flight information displays.
• Ground Transportation: Airport shuttle bus (800 yen). Taxi services (Hokuto Hire, Wakkanai Hinomaru). Ferry connection to Rishiri-Rebun (Heartland Ferry). Multiple rental car providers. Learn about airport access.
• Rental Cars: NIPPON Rent-A-Car. Toyota Rent a Car. Times Car. Nissan Rent-A-Car. Free shuttle to rental locations. Same-day reservations accepted. Counter in arrival lobby.
• Terminal Facilities: Shops and restaurants. Information center. Lost and found services. Passenger amenities. Floor maps and wayfinding.
• Regional Access: Cape Soya (40 min bus, 30 min car). JR Wakkanai Station (30 min bus). Wakkanai Port Ferry Terminal (35 min bus). Cape Noshappu (35 min car).

Quick Facts

• Company: Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd.
• Airports Operated: 7
  • New Chitose Airport (hub)
  • Asahikawa Airport
  • Hakodate Airport
  • Kushiro Airport
  • Memanbetsu Airport
  • Obihiro Airport
  • Wakkanai Airport
• Wakkanai Airport:
  • Distinction: Japan’s northernmost commercial airport
  • Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Routes: Tokyo, Sapporo/New Chitose
  • Bus Fare: 800 yen adults, 400 yen children
  • Taxi Companies: Hokuto Hire (0162-33-2525), Wakkanai Hinomaru Transportation (0162-22-5000)
  • Rental Cars: NIPPON, Toyota, Times, Nissan
  • Ferry: Heartland Ferry (Rishiri-Rebun Route)
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Cape Soya: 40 min by bus, 30 min by car
  • JR Wakkanai Station: 30 min by bus
  • Wakkanai Port Ferry Terminal: 35 min by bus
  • Cape Noshappu: 35 min by car

Contact Details

Address:  987-22 Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012, Japan
Phone: 81 11 204 8822
Email: info@hokkaido-airports.com
Website: www.hokkaido-airports.com

Location