A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Taupo for Skiing, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sapporo or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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 vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Taupo is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Taupo is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Sapporo different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is a world-class destination for skiing. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for snow skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

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

Sapporo is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Taupo 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, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Sapporo or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Sapporo know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Sapporo or Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Taupo?

Sapporo is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Sapporo or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sapporo or Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Taupo, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Taupo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Sapporo or Taupo a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable city. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Taupo?

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

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

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

One day in Sapporo or Taupo?

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.

In Taupo, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This town 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 Taupo?

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.

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

Five days in Sapporo or Taupo?

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.

Taupo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Taupo?

You'll find museums and skiing around the snowy 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Sapporo and Taupo, we can see that Taupo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sapporo is in Asia and Taupo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Taupo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Taupo, 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.