A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Sapporo for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hong Kong or Sapporo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Sapporo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a compact, dense, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Hong Kong and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hong Kong than Sapporo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hong Kong is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo is known for its skiing. Hong Kong is popular for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also home to Victoria Peak. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

How is Hong Kong different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Hong Kong. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hong Kong is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. 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.

Hong Kong is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hong Kong and Sapporo.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. 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 Hong Kong or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Hong Kong have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hong Kong and Sapporo.

Hong Kong has a large number of nightlife venues. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Sapporo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is a great city for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hong Kong attract visitors from all over. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong is a great city for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Hong Kong specifically to go shopping. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Families?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an extremely popular city to visit for families. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

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 Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hong Kong is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Hong Kong can get you around easily. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. 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.

Is Hong Kong or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Sapporo is very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hong Kong and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than in Sapporo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hong Kong, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hong Kong than Sapporo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hong Kong that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Sapporo. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled big city of Sapporo. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Hong Kong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hong Kong has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back city of Sapporo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hong Kong or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Sapporo is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hong Kong and Sapporo, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Sapporo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hong Kong Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Sapporo?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong and Sapporo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.