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

Should you visit Nagoya or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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.

Nagoya and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Nagoya and Sapporo are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, while Nagoya attracts visitors for its food. Sapporo is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Nagoya different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

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

Nagoya is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya or Sapporo?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Nagoya and Sapporo.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

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 Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Families?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Nagoya or Sapporo Better for Students?

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

Nagoya is popular with students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nagoya. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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.

Is Nagoya or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Nagoya and Sapporo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Nagoya is a very walkable destination. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Sapporo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Sapporo than Nagoya. 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Sapporo?

Because Nagoya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Sapporo. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagoya or Sapporo?

Because Nagoya 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagoya has to offer.

Sapporo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagoya or Sapporo?

Nagoya 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Sapporo?

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

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back big city of Sapporo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Sapporo?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Sapporo. Many visitors come to Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Nagoya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during summer. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagoya or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Sapporo. Most visitors come to Nagoya 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, Nagoya is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagoya in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagoya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sapporo. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nagoya 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. The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. In January, Nagoya is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 4°C (40°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Nagoya gets 180 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, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagoya or Sapporo in the Spring?

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

Nagoya is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Nagoya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Nagoya gets 189 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 Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Nagoya