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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back 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.

Nagasaki and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo than Nagasaki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nagasaki is famous for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park.

How is Nagasaki different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sapporo and Nagasaki.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nagasaki and Sapporo both to be excellent destinations.

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Sapporo.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Sapporo?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Nagasaki or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Nagasaki and Sapporo.

The public transit in Nagasaki can get you to most places easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Visitors to Sapporo can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Nagasaki or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Sapporo?

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

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

In Nagasaki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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. 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 Nagasaki or Sapporo?

In Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Sapporo?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 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 Nagasaki and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Sapporo. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nagasaki is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Sapporo. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nagasaki is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagasaki in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagasaki usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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, Nagasaki is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 7°C (44°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Nagasaki usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Nagasaki during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.

Nagasaki is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Nagasaki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Nagasaki