A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sapporo or Brisbane?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Brisbane 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.

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 shopping, museums, and skiing.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sapporo and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Brisbane?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brisbane than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Brisbane, Brisbane has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brisbane is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Sapporo attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and big city activities. Sapporo is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre.

How is Sapporo different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is great for skiing. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Brisbane and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

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

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Sapporo and Brisbane.

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.

Brisbane offers plenty to do in the evening. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Brisbane?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapporo and Brisbane both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Brisbane are superb to visit with kids.

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.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Sapporo is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Brisbane are superb places to visit.

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Brisbane are superb places to visit.

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.

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Sapporo is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you to most places 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.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Sapporo or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Brisbane are superb when it comes to 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.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Brisbane?

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

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

One day in Sapporo or Brisbane?

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.

In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Sapporo or Brisbane?

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.

In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sapporo or Brisbane?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Sapporo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Brisbane?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Brisbane, 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 Sapporo or Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sapporo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sapporo or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sapporo is cooler than Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In July, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Sapporo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sapporo is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sapporo in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brisbanein April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Brisbane. The winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. In January, Sapporo is generally much colder than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around -5°C (24°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Brisbanein July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Brisbane. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Sapporo is much colder than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the spring, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Sapporo