A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kyoto vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kyoto or Sapporo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Sapporo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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 vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Kyoto and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Kyoto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park.

How is Kyoto different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Kyoto is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Kyoto is not a skiing destination.

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

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Kyoto or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Kyoto and Sapporo.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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.

Is Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Sapporo know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Sapporo Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Sapporo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sapporo and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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.

Is Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Sapporo are great to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. 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 Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and Sapporo are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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

Is Kyoto or Sapporo Better for Students?

Kyoto and Sapporo are great places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kyoto and Sapporo.

Public transit in Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 Kyoto or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Sapporo. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Sapporo. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Sapporo 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 Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or Sapporo?

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Sapporo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Sapporo?

In Kyoto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto 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. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Sapporo?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Sapporo. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and skiing around the laid-back big city of Sapporo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Sapporo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In the summer, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Sapporo. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sapporo. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Sapporo. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Kyoto is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Kyoto is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Kyoto