Flying between two very small airports in Northern Japan on a turbo prob is probably not very exciting to most people, but I enjoyed the experience. While this ATR Aircraft might say Japan Airlines on the side, it’s technically operated by Hokkaido Air System. They are a subsidiary of JAL and operate like a regional airline would in the US. We booked this flight somewhat last minute and as such didn’t have a seat assignment until we checked in at the gate. It turns out we’re going to be sitting backwards, something I haven’t done on a plane in years.
Bottom Line: There’s nothing fancy about an all economy seating commuter flight, but like most Domestic Japanese flights this JAL ATR42 was pleasant. Flying facing backwards is an interesting experience and somewhat unique these days. If you need to get around Hokkaido, this is a great option.
Hakodate Airport Check-in
We arrived at the HKD airport about 90 minutes before departure. This is way more time than we needed. Our taxi ride to the airport took a lot less time than we expected. We first ran our bags through the scanner then went to the check-in counter.
At the counter, the gate agent showed us a picture of the seat map. Then using an iPad she translated that we’d be sitting in row 1. Next, the direct translation was “These seats face opposite the direction of travel.” Val and I looked at each other smiled and said “Ok.”
We had about 70 minutes before our flight. There’s not much after security here at HKD, but there is an observation deck and little restaurant before security so we decided to head there for a drink and snack.
Hakodate Airport Observation Deck and Restaurant
Upstairs, at the end of the hallway there is the entrance to the outdoor viewing deck along with what I would call a snack bar style restaurant.
But unlike in the US where a snack bar is burgers and hotdogs, here at Hakodate Airport they’re serving sushi bowls!
Val and I decided to share a bowl and a few beers. It was the perfect snack before getting on the flight to Sapporo.
Outside the sun was setting as I stepped out onto the observation deck. These areas are very common in Japan. Every airport I’ve ever visited in Japan has an outdoor observation area. It was time for us to head through security and to the gate.
JAL ATR42 Boarding
At our gate, the agent was just getting setup for boarding. All of the chairs were facing the windows, another thing somewhat common in Japanese Airports.
Out JAL(Hokkaido Air Service) ATR42 was waiting outside. No jet-bridge on the ATR, it’s rear boarding door is pretty much always boarded with the built in stairs.
Boarding started right after we arrived at the gate. The boarding process was very orderly, it’s by zone. We boarded when our zone was shown on the boards by the agent. All of the announcements were done in Japanese.
After walking down the stairs we were outside and made the walk over to the plane. It’s very fun walking on the ramp like this. It was also a somewhat cool night and the lighting was perfect for the white livery JAL ATR.
I like how in Japan there’s a somewhat un-supervised walk between the terminal and the plane, then here at the plane there’s a greeter and some ropes to direct us to the rear door. As you can probably tell by the dress of the other passengers, this is mostly a business commuter flight.
JAL ATR42 Economy Cabin
Up the stairs and onto the plane. The JAL ATR42 has 48 seats arranged in an all economy configuration.
JAL ATR42 Economy Seats
Most are like this, 2-2 facing forward on the plane.
However, here are our seats. At the very front of the plane, there are two seats that face rearward. This is where Val and I will be sitting.
This is also an exit row. Unlike in the US, there’s no local language requirement for sitting here.
Ok, there’s no way around this, you’re facing a stranger and almost play footsie with them. Also, we’re absolutely the only passengers who are not Japanese Business people so that’s fun.
So yea, not exactly the most private seats but this flight is less than 30 minutes in the air so it’s not a big deal.
JAL ATR42 Takeoff In Flight
So flying backwards is a little odd. Especially on takeoff, it’s a strange feeling to be pulled away from the seat instead of being pushed back into it.
We took off right on time and pointed towards Sapporo. It’s a little cloudy below, but the flight itself was very smooth. We leveled off and it’s again a slightly different sensation as you would get facing forwards. Not uncomfortable, just odd.
We climbed pretty quickly and the flight attendant came through and offered a little candy. I went for the lemon, Val had the tangerine. It’s obviously not much, but it’s better than most other airlines would offer on a 90 mile, 25 minute flight.
The plane is in really good shape and very clean. This ATR is only 3.5 years old, but is been well kept in that short time. The flight attendant then passed through and collected the little candy wrapper. W’re only about 10 minutes from landing. There was an announcement made, but again in Japanese. Very common on small domestic flights.
Just a few minutes later we landed at Sapporo Okadama. This is a smaller airport much closer to the Sapporo city center than the New Chitose Airport.
Sapporo Okadama Airport Arrival
Our little ATR parked at the gate and we headed into the terminal.
Just like when we boarded, we were just kinda released into the wild and made our way into the airport to collect our luggage.
One look back at our Hokkaido Air Systems, JAL ATR42. It was a great clear night and I love a short flight that get’s me right into the city.
Japan Airlines ATR42-600 Final Thoughts
Like most things in Japan, the JAL ATR42 is a perfectly pleasant experience but nothing over the top. Our flight from HKD to OKD was on time, the plane was clean, and the service was friendly. The unique thing of sitting in the opposite direction is kinda fun. The leg room is pretty solid though. You do have to look at the people sitting across from you, but not a big deal. I certainly wouldn’t decline these seats, they’re perfectly pleasant.
I’m such a fan of little airports, so flying between Hakodate and Sapporo Okadama was great. Nothing like a short commute getting to or from an airport.
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