A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Shiretoko National Park vs. Sapporo for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

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 museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Sapporo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Shiretoko National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sapporo is known to be 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Both Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Sapporo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo Better for Students?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for students. However, Shiretoko National Park is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Shiretoko National Park is not popular with students.


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

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sapporo. 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Sapporo

Sapporo is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park than in Sapporo. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Sapporo 2-3

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Sapporo because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

In Shiretoko National Park, 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 hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Sapporo is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Shiretoko National Park 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.

Sapporo is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Shiretoko National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $74, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $106. 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 Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $33
    Sapporo $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $66
    Sapporo $126
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo? 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 Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Sapporo


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $26
    Sapporo $15

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: $38
  • New Chitose Airport ↔ Sapporo, Best Transfer Pick up Service : $66
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $122
  • [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $136
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $142
  • Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $155
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25
    Sapporo $30

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: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Sapporo $16

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • English Guided Private Tour in Hokkaido : $3.31
  • JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.14
  • Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.47
  • Hand-rolled sushi experience tour at Sapporo Nijo Market: $44
  • 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: $58
  • Popular No.1! Soba Making Experience and Tempura Plan: $61
  • Mondo's most popular plan! Experience making soba noodles and the king of Japanese cuisine, tempura, in Sapporo!: $63
  • Personalized Experience with a Local: $68
  • Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $10
    Sapporo $7.98


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

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



When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Sapporo. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is cooler than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In the summer, Shiretoko National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park is around the same temperature as Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Shiretoko National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during autumn. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In October, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Shiretoko National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shiretoko National Park is generally cooler than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around -6°C (20°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

In the winter, Shiretoko National Park often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Sapporo. Most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. Shiretoko National Park is cooler than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Shiretoko National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during spring. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)