A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kanazawa vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kanazawa or Sapporo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Sapporo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and skiing.

Kanazawa and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sapporo than Kanazawa. Sapporo is bigger than Kanazawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sapporo is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Also, Sapporo is famous for Odori Park.

How is Kanazawa different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is great for skiing. However, Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Sapporo.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Kanazawa or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kanazawa and Sapporo offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sapporo. 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 Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Sapporo for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Sapporo both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Sapporo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Sapporo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Sapporo is very popular with students. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

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

Sapporo is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Sapporo is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Kanazawa or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Kanazawa and Sapporo are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. 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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanazawa and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sapporo than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

Families should spend more time in Sapporo than Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Sapporo?

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Sapporo is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

In Kanazawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer.

Sapporo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sapporo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Sapporo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa 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.

When is the best time to visit Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanazawa is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Kanazawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Kanazawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Kanazawa is a little warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Sapporo. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Sapporo. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Kanazawa