Quick answer. New Chitose is about 40 kilometres south-east of Sapporo, and the JR Rapid Airport train gets you to Sapporo Station in under forty minutes for a little over ¥1,000, payable with Suica, Kitaca or another IC card, or a ticket from a machine that takes cards. For yen, skip the ordinary bank machines, most of which reject foreign cards, and use a Seven Bank machine or a Japan Post one, both in the terminals. Withdraw enough for Hokkaido's market stalls, ramen shops and ski-resort extras. Japan has no Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner.
Where to get Japanese Yen at CTS
At New Chitose the question is which machine will accept your card, not the markup. Seven Bank and Japan Post machines give the network rate. The figures below assume you withdraw the yen equivalent of $100.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Bank ATM (7-Eleven) on a no-FX-fee card | Domestic and international terminals | Network rate, small operator fee | ~$100-101 |
| Japan Post Bank ATM | Terminal and post offices in town | Network rate, small operator fee | ~$100-101 |
| Regular Japanese bank ATM | Terminal | Often rejects foreign cards | May not work at all |
| Airport exchange counter | International arrivals | Several percent off the network rate | ~$104-108 |
| Accepting 'charge in USD' at any machine | Anywhere | +5-10% conversion markup | ~$105-110 |
Foreign-card machines at New Chitose (CTS), and the train into Sapporo
New Chitose has two terminals joined by a long connecting walkway lined with shops: the large domestic terminal, which handles most flights, and the international terminal for flights from Asia and elsewhere. The domestic building is a destination in its own right, with a floor of ramen shops known as Ramen Dojo, Hokkaido seafood and dairy counters, and even a chocolate factory. Seven Bank machines, the 7-Eleven network that reliably accepts foreign cards, are in both terminals, and Japan Post Bank machines are also available. Most other Japanese bank ATMs are built for domestic cards and will reject yours. Our Sapporo money guide covers what the yen is for once you arrive: crab priced by the gram at the markets and cover charges in Susukino.
Domestic terminal
ANA, JAL, Skymark, AIRDO, Peach and other domestic carriers
Seven Bank machines are in the public areas; ask at an information desk if you cannot see the 7-Eleven sign. The JR New Chitose Airport station is in the basement, and the ramen and food floor is on the third floor, where most shops take cards but a few smaller counters use ticket machines.
International terminal
Flights from Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and other international routes
A Seven Bank machine and currency exchange counters are in the arrivals area. Use the machine, not the counter. The connecting walkway to the domestic terminal and the train station takes around ten minutes on foot.
Bus and ski-bus stops
Airport limousine buses to Sapporo hotels; seasonal buses to Niseko, Furano and other resorts
Bus tickets are sold at counters in the arrivals halls, and ski-season buses are best reserved ahead. Ski resorts have few foreign-card machines outside their village centres, so withdraw here or in Sapporo first.
Do you actually need cash at New Chitose (CTS)?
Not to reach Sapporo: the train takes IC cards and card-paying ticket machines. But Hokkaido still runs on yen in places:
JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo (a little over ¥1,000): Under 40 minutes, every few minutes; IC cards work, ticket machines take cards, and a reserved u-seat costs a little extra.
Airport limousine bus to Sapporo hotels (around ¥1,100-1,300): Slower than the train and much slower in winter traffic, but drops you at major hotels.
Ski buses to Niseko and other resorts (several thousand yen): Seasonal; reserve ahead in winter and check whether payment is by card or cash on the day.
Taxi to central Sapporo (well over ¥15,000): Over an hour; only worth it for a group or a very late arrival.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from New Chitose (CTS) to Sapporo?
No. The JR Rapid Airport train accepts Suica, Kitaca and other IC cards, and its ticket machines take credit cards. Once in Sapporo, carry yen for the markets, small ramen shops and Susukino bars.
Can I order Japanese Yen before flying?
Useful for a winter ski trip, when you may head straight from the airport to a resort with few machines. CEI Currency Exchange ships yen to a US address in 2-5 days. Otherwise, a Seven Bank machine in the terminal does the job.
Does snow close New Chitose Airport?
Heavy snow delays and cancels flights several times each winter, most often between December and February, and can close the runways for hours. Keep yen and a working card on you for meals and a hotel if you are stranded, and check your airline's app before heading to the airport.
Where is the ramen street at New Chitose Airport?
On the third floor of the domestic terminal, where Hokkaido Ramen Dojo gathers ramen shops from around the island. Most take cards or IC cards; some use a ticket machine at the door, which may want cash. It is worth arriving early for your flight to eat there.
Can I use Suica at New Chitose Airport?
Yes. Suica and other national IC cards work on the JR train to Sapporo and in many shops in the terminal. JR Hokkaido's own card is Kitaca. Top-ups at station machines are usually cash only, so keep some yen for that.