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

Should you visit Mashiko or Sapporo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko 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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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 museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Mashiko and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Mashiko and Sapporo are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park.

How is Mashiko different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great city for skiing. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

Is the Food Better in Mashiko or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapporo is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a town with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Sapporo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Mashiko and Sapporo both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Families?

Mashiko and Sapporo are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mashiko. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Mashiko and Sapporo are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

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

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

Is Mashiko or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

Is Mashiko 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, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Mashiko or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Sapporo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Sapporo?

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

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

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mashiko or Sapporo?

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Mashiko has to offer.

Because Sapporo 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Sapporo?

Mashiko 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 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.

A week in Mashiko or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mashiko and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Mashiko.

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

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko 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 Mashiko 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 Mashiko or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Mashiko is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In July, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mashiko or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Mashiko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mashiko is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mashiko in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 133 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 Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mashiko or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Sapporo. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mashiko is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 3°C (38°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Mashiko usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mashiko or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Sapporo. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.

Mashiko is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Mashiko