With 28 domestic routes (22 routes outside Hokkaido, 6 within Hokkaido as of May 2004) , the New Chitose Airport can be readily accessed from each region of Japan. Tokyo is only one and half hours away and with over 40 return flights per day, it boasts the most incoming and outgoing passengers in the world.

[ Overland ]

It is also convenient to go by JR train. Currently, it is necessary to change to an express train when using the Shinkansen, but extension of the Shinkansen line to Sapporo in the future is being considered. As well, there is a direct sleeper car train from Tokyo and Osaka which are both very popular. In particular, the Cassiopeia has such well-appointed facilities that it is called a "moving hotel".
The JR pass for foreigners traveling in Japan is a good deal (Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass and Sapporo/Otaru Welcome Pass, and so on). Charters and special trains are also possible.