A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Fraser Island for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sapporo or Fraser Island?

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 Fraser Island 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 park-filled, snowy, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a breathtaking, idyllic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Sapporo and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Fraser Island are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fraser Island is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Fraser Island and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Fraser Island is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Sapporo different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Skiing?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Fraser Island is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Fraser Island is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

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

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.


Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Fraser Island is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great island for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fraser Island for the hiking trails. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sapporo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Both Sapporo and Fraser Island are very good 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.

Fraser Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

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

Fraser Island is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

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 Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Fraser Island are very good 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 Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

Is Sapporo or Fraser Island Better for Students?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for students. However, Fraser Island is not popular with students.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Fraser Island is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.


Is Sapporo or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Sapporo
Fraser Island

Sapporo is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

In either Sapporo or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island than Sapporo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

Families should spend more time in Sapporo than Fraser Island. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Fraser Island 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.


  • How many days in Sapporo or Fraser Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sapporo 2-3 
    Fraser Island 3-5

One day in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Fraser Island, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island 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 Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Fraser Island, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the snowy big city of Sapporo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Fraser Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fraser Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Fraser Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sapporo. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fraser Island. Many people enjoy the when visiting Fraser Island. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Sapporo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sapporo is $106, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sapporo and Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sapporo $63
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sapporo $126
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Sapporo and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Sapporo or Fraser Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sapporo


Hotels in Fraser Island


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sapporo $15
    Fraser Island $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $37
  • New Chitose Airport ↔ Sapporo, Best Transfer Pick up Service : $66
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $93
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $119
  • [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $135
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $143
  • Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $154
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $158
  • SkyExpress Private Transfer: Sapporo to Otaru (8 Passengers): $289
  • Private Transfer: between Sapporo and Upopoy: $467

Is it cheaper to fly into Sapporo or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Sapporo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sapporo $30
    Fraser Island $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local in Sapporo: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $82
  • Japanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local Professional in her Lovely Home: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sapporo $16
    Fraser Island $44

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.

  • JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.04
  • Hand-rolled sushi experience tour at Sapporo Nijo Market: $44
  • Sapporo Morning Walking Tour: $46
  • Nopporo Forest Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo, presenting a retro Cycle cap: $50
  • Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $53
  • Experience traditional Japanese cuisine, making soba noodles in Sapporo, in a fun and casual way.: $53
  • Japanese buckwheat noodle making experience in Sapporo,japan: $57
  • Popular No.1! Soba Making Experience and Tempura Plan: $60
  • Mondo's most popular plan! Experience making soba noodles and the king of Japanese cuisine, tempura, in Sapporo!: $62
  • Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch: $68
  • Personalized Experience with a Local: $69
  • in Sapporo! Hand-made soba experience and shabu-shabu experience plan of Yezo deer meat (Gibier meat) from Hokkaido: $69

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $52
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $72
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $98
  • Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise : $79
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $109
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour: $180
  • K'gari/2-Day Tagalong Tour from Hervey Bay: $340
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $164
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sapporo $7.98
    Fraser Island $20


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



When is the best time to visit Sapporo or Fraser Island?

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

Both Fraser Island and Sapporo during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sapporo is generally cooler than Fraser Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fraser Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sapporo usually gets less rain in July than Fraser Islandin January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sapporo or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Fraser Island. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Sapporo is much colder than Fraser Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Sapporo or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Fraser Island. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the cuisine during these months.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Fraser Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sapporo usually gets more rain in January than Fraser Islandin July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Sapporo or Fraser Island in the Spring?

Both Fraser Island and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Fraser Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In April, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Sapporo

Sapporo Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)