Is Hokkaido Expensive?

Is Hokkaido expensive to visit?

Hokkaido is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $112. If we compare it to the rest of Asia, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as other cities in the country.

Hokkaido has popular destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit is Sapporo. For more affordability, you can visit Sapporo.

Sapporo, Japan (©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO)

How expensive is Hokkaido?

Travelers spend an average of $112 per day when visiting Hokkaido (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Hokkaido here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Hokkaido?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Hokkaido costs around $336 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $673.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Hokkaido?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Hokkaido will cost around $785 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $1,570.

Is it expensive to backpack in Hokkaido?

Hokkaido has a very limited selection of hostels and budget accommodation, so it's not the first place that comes to mind for backpackers looking for social and cheap accommodations. This makes it hard at times to travel here as a backpacker, so you'll have to be resourceful to travel on a tight budget here. Low-cost hotels are always an option, as are guesthouses or couch surfing options. The difficulties in finding budget accommodation are especially tough for solo travelers who might need to pay for the full price of a hotel room on their own. Otherwise, you can save money here by finding free activities, eating at low-cost restaurants or cooking your own food, and using public transportation when available.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Hokkaido?

In Hokkaido, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $16 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $19.

• Chopsticks Making Experience in Sapporo: $42
• Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour from Sapporo Station: $173
• Sea Kayaking Tour – Otaru Coastal Adventure: $96
• Gluten-free soba making experience and gluten-free tempura plan!: $83
• Private Kimono & Photo Experience with a Tokyo-Trained Stylist: $160
• Private Sushi ＆ Matcha Experience near Sapporo: $77
• Authentic Kendo Experience in Sapporo with a 6 Dan Instructor: $115
• Hike Mt. Usu and visit Lake Toya Day Tour: $154

Is food expensive in Hokkaido?

In Hokkaido, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $46 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $48.

• Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $104
• Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
• Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
• Sapporo: Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $102
• Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72

Is transportation expensive in Hokkaido?

The prices of local transportation in Hokkaido can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $21 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $17. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Hokkaido

If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, Japan, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.