A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a dramatic, iconic, and world renowned national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great city for skiing. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sapporo and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Many visitors head to Sapporo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapporo is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Sapporo is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo make for a excellent place to visit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Sapporo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its public transit.

Sapporo offers a very effecient public transportation network. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than in Sapporo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

Families should spend more time in Sapporo than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sapporo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sapporo than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sapporo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sapporo.

One day in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Sapporo is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Sapporo. It offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo than you might in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sapporo. The winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Sapporo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park