A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Nikko vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nikko 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 Nikko 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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 skiing, nightlife, and food.

Nikko and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Sapporo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Nikko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sapporo is better known for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is well known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Also, Sapporo is famous for Odori Park.

How is Nikko different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nikko or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is great for skiing. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a skiing destination.

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

Nikko 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, Nikko has many famous sights for visitors. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan 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 Nikko or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nikko and Sapporo offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Sapporo Better for its Old Town?

Nikko 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 Nikko is revered around the world. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a great town for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Sapporo?

Sapporo is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Nikko or Sapporo Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Sapporo are great to visit with kids.

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Sapporo is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Nikko or Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nikko and Sapporo are great places to visit.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Sapporo is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Nikko or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko and Sapporo both offer great public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Nikko can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you around easily. 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 Nikko or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Nikko and Sapporo are great when it comes to walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Sapporo is a very walkable town. 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 Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nikko and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nikko than in Sapporo. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Nikko 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 Nikko or Sapporo?

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

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 Nikko or Sapporo?

Nikko 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Nikko 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 Nikko or Sapporo?

Nikko 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 Nikko or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko 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 Nikko 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 Nikko or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, 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 July, Nikko is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 25°C (77°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Nikko usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Nikko gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Nikko during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Nikko is a little warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Nikko gets 167 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 Nikko. Nikko usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sapporo. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Sapporo. Many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Nikko. In the winter, Nikko is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nikko in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Nikko gets 212 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, Nikko usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Sapporo. Many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Nikko is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 13°C (55°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Nikko often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Nikko gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Nikko