Which city is cheaper, Sapporo or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Sapporo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Tokyo or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Sapporo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Sapporo?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $183Sapporo $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $119. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $86Sapporo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $172Sapporo $142
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.
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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $22Sapporo $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
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Metro from Airport$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car: $401
- Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $299
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $299
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car: $290
- Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
- Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
- Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $249
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Business Car: $236
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Van: $236
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer in Hokkaido - Shinchitose Airport to Niseko: $658
- Niseko: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport (CTS): $452
- Shin Chitose Sapporo Airport Grand Limousine Transfer: $411
- Private Airport Transfer: Between New Chitose Airport (CTS) and Sapporo: $286
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $242
- Private Transfer - Sapporo to CTS Airport (9-seater) Legal Driver Guaranteed: $212
- Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $210
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Private Transfer: $200
- Shared Departure Transfer : Ski Resort in Hokkaido to Shin Chitose Airport: $156
- Private Airport Transfer: from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $151
- Shared Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to Shin Chitose Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Tokyo 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
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Food Meals for one dayTokyo $43Sapporo $34
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.89
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.89
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Meal at Airport$7.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
- Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
- Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
- West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
- Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
- Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
- Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
- Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
- Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
- Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
- 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Enjoy a Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local in Her Residential Sapporo Home: $59
- Enjoy a Japanese Cooking Class with a Charming Local in the Heart of Sapporo: $67
- Japanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local Professional in her Lovely Home: $67
- Japanese cooking class in Sapporo: $71
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
- Japanese Food tour in Sapporo (Hokkaido): $123
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $80Sapporo $19
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
- Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
- Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
- Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
- Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
- Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
- Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
- Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
- Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
- Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
- Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
- Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Bike Tours By Locals, Sapporo city and riverside cycling: $50
- CLONE OF Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch: $86
- Farm Tomita, Blue Pond, and Shirahige Waterfall Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $497
- Full-Day Private Guided Tour Ainu Culture from Sapporo: $620
- Furano and Biei Day Tour: $465
- Furano and Biei One-Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle from Sapporo: $878
- Furano and Biei Taxi Day Tour: $104
- Half-day Sapporo city and nature Tour: $118
- Hokkaido Private Walking Tour: $369
- Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Hell Valley Day Tour: $443
- Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch: $86
- Mt. Moiwa Ropeway / Moriscar Ticket: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $37Sapporo $9.01
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Sapporo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Sapporo.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Sapporo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tokyo or Sapporo in the Summer?
Both Sapporo and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 26°C (78°F) in July, and Sapporo stays around 21°C (69°F).
Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sapporo in the Autumn?
Both Sapporo and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Tokyo is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October are around 18°C (64°F), and Sapporo is about 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.
Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sapporo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Sapporo. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Sapporo stays around -5°C (24°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sapporo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Sapporo. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Tokyo is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 14°C (58°F) in April, and Sapporo stays around 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
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