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

Should you visit Sapporo or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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 snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sapporo and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Canberra, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Canberra is known for its hiking. Sapporo is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Sapporo different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Canberra is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. 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.

Canberra is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Canberra 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Canberra makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Sapporo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Canberra?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Sapporo is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Canberra are excellent 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.

Canberra is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Couples?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Sapporo or Canberra Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Canberra are excellent 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 Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sapporo has some very good public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Sapporo or Canberra a more walkable city?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Canberra?

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

Families should spend more time in Sapporo than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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.

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

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 Canberra, 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.

A weekend in Sapporo or Canberra?

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 Canberra, 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 Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Sapporo or Canberra?

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 Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Canberra?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Canberra. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sapporo is generally around the same temperature as Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Canberrain January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Canberra. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Sapporo is much colder than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Canberrain April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Sapporo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Sapporo usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Sapporo