Chitose is a tourist city blessed with bountiful natural resources.

Lake Shikotsu is a mystical lake surrounded by mountains as high as 1,000 meters, including Mt. Tarumae. Three hot springs located around the lake are popular with people seeking places for spa recreation. The water flowing from the surrounding mountains into the lake creates a unique hue referred to as Lake Shikotsu blue, and also serves as the source of the Chitose River, a clear body of water that runs through Chitose. A range of wild birds fly over its crystal flow, which comes alive with salmon swimming upstream when the trees turn red in autumn. Surrounding the stream are numerous springs, and Naibetsu River spring water (one of the Ministry of the Environment’s Selected 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters) serves as drinking water for the citizens of Chitose. Numerous events are held against the backdrop of this natural beauty: the Sky, Beer & Yosakoi Festival, the Aviation Festival with acrobatic flights by members of the Self-Defense Forces, and the Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, a feature of deepest winter. These seasonal events are attended by a large number of people.

Local industries are also attractions for tourists.

Michi-no-eki (road station) Salmon Park Chitose plays host to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium. It is a freshwater fish aquarium that has one of the largest water tanks in the nation focusing on species of salmon and trout. Located near the aquarium is a salmon-catching water wheel known as the “Indian Fish-Wheel” that allows visitors to learn about salmon and trout breeding programs. It also gives a chance to actually see salmon swimming upstream as well as people catching them.

There are also many tourist farms and ranches where people can enjoy hands-on experience in activities such as horseback riding, milking and crop harvesting. The magnificent agricultural landscape offers popular spots to take classic Hokkaido photos, and specialty products including hascup berries and fruit tomatoes, for example, make popular gifts.

Factories located at industrial complexes offer factory tours where visitors can easily learn about manufacturing processes.

Chitose is a sightseeing city where tourists can enjoy a range of attractions and hands-on experiences. By leveraging its urban function and its advantages as a northern base where people, goods and information come together, the city is attracting increased attention both at home and abroad as a tourist spot that can accommodate ever-diversifying tourist needs.