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

Should you visit Sapporo or Picton?

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 Picton 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sapporo travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Sapporo and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Picton are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Picton attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Sapporo different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Skiing?

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

Sapporo is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Picton is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Picton both to be very good 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, Picton makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is a great town for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Picton?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Picton 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Picton are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Picton 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Is Sapporo or Picton Better for Students?

Sapporo is a well-known place for students. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Sapporo or Picton a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Picton are very good 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.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sapporo or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sapporo than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

Families should spend more time in Sapporo than Picton. 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 Picton. 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 Picton 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 Picton?

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A weekend in Sapporo or Picton?

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.

In Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Picton?

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.

Picton 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 Picton?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Picton?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Picton, 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 Picton?

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

Both Picton 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 Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sapporo is a little warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Sapporo usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Picton. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Sapporo is cooler than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sapporo in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sapporo or Picton in the Winter?

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

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sapporo is generally much colder than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around -5°C (24°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Picton. Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pictonin July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton 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 Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Sapporo is much colder than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

In April, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Sapporo