Rapid Airport Sapporo 119 from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo by Train

The Rapid Airport is Sapporo’s airport train service connecting New Chitose Airport with Sapporo, with selected trains continuing on to Otaru. The train name changes according to its destination, with the Rapid Airport Sapporo terminating at Sapporo, and the Rapid Airport Otaru terminating at Otaru. Trains to Sapporo are frequent, with a service around every 12 minutes when combined with the Rapid Airport Otaru.

New Chitose Airport Station

The next train departing after I had exchanged my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass is the Rapid Airport Sapporo 119, departing in 9 minutes.

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Heading to the ticket gate with my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass.

No more manually flashing your rail pass to a staff at the gate, insert the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass directly in to the ticket gate.

Heading down to the platform.

My Rapid Airport Sapporo 119 was already waiting at Platform 2, featuring 2 classes of travel.

Rapid Airport U Seat

The premium U seat is available in Car 4 on the Rapid Airport, featuring dedicated baggage space, and individual reserved seats which recline. If you are using the Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, or JR-East South Hokkaido Rail Pass, you can reserve a U seat without any extra charge, as reserved seats are included. However, reserved seats are not included in my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass.

Rapid Airport Non-Reserved Seat

My Sapporo-Furano Area Pass only includes non-served seats, so it’s a regular longitudinal seat for me.

My Rapid Airport Sapporo 119 operated with a 733-3000 series EMU.

A wheelchair and pram space is available at the ends of the train.

Small luggage can be stored in the overhead racks above the longitudinal seats.

Station information is displayed above the train doors.

Popping out of the airport tunnel just before Minami-Chitose Station.

Minami-Chitose Station

Making a brief stop at Minami-Chitose Station. This is the junction station for the Chitose Line Airport branch, Chitose Line, and Sekishō Line.

Chitose Outlet Mall RERA is located just beside Minami-Chitose Station.

Chitose Station

Making a brief stop at Chitose Station.

Eniwa Station

Making a brief stop at Eniwa Station.

There was a disruption on the Chitose Line, with many trains being delayed. The reason was due to “train trouble” and “car inspection”.

Kita-Hiroshima Station

Making a brief stop at Kita-Hiroshima Station after the delay.

Shin-Sapporo Station

Making a brief stop at Shin-Sapporo Station.

Crossing over the Toyohira River.

Passing by JR Hokkaido Naebo Depot.

Passing through Naebo Station.

Crossing level crossings in downtown Sapporo.

Approaching Sapporo with buildings getting taller and more saturated together.

Entering Sapporo Station.

Sapporo Station

My Rapid Airport Sapporo 119 arrived at Sapporo Station at 11.48am – 15 minutes delayed. Who would have expected that my first train ride in Japan on this trip would start with a delay?

Contrary to random viral social media posts, there were also no JR Hokkaido staff bowing in apology or any delay chits issued. The train arrived as per normal without any special treatment.

Heading down the stairs to the concourse.

Heading out of the ticket gates at Sapporo.

Insert the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass in to the ticket gate to exit.

Remember to take the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass when it pops out at the other end of the ticket gate.

The South Exit is the main exit to downtown Sapporo towards the main city, some buses, and Sapporo Municipal Subway.

The South Exit of Sapporo Station.

The façade of Sapporo Station with Stellar Place and JR Tower.

Daimaru Sapporo Department Store is also located just beside Sapporo Station.

Conclusion

The Rapid Airport Sapporo was a convenient way to travel from New Chitose Airport to downtown Sapporo, and the ride in a non-reserved seat was included in my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass. The 15-minute delay was a surprise to me as trains in Japan are world-renowned to be on time, and there were no usual suspects like deers, bears, and snow to delay trains in Hokkaido.