Sapporo is a vibrant city known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Sapporo and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're skiing on the slopes, exploring the museums, or eating the delicious cuisine.
How much does it cost to travel to Sapporo?
You should plan to spend around $126 (¥19,570) per day on your vacation in Sapporo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (¥7,974) on meals
- $15 (¥2,357) on local transportation
- $125 (¥19,320) on hotels
A one week trip to Sapporo for two people costs, on average, $1,766 (¥273,980). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$883
¥136,990
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,766
¥273,980
-
One Month
Per person
$3,783
¥587,100
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,766
¥273,980
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,531
¥547,960
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,567
¥1,174,200
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sapporo cost?
A one week trip to Sapporo usually costs around $883 (¥136,990) for one person and $1,766 (¥273,980) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sapporo on average costs around $1,766 (¥273,980) for one person and $3,531 (¥547,960) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sapporo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sapporo on average costs around $3,783 (¥587,100) for one person and $7,567 (¥1,174,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sapporo expensive to visit?
Sapporo is an extensive city brimming with engaging activities. Here, you'll find a mix of travelers, from those looking to save a buck to those ready to indulge in luxury. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Sapporo can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $56 (¥8,716) per day, mid-range travelers spend $126 (¥19,570) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $230 (¥35,741) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sapporo.
Within Asia, Sapporo is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Sapporo is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sapporo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sapporo?
The average Sapporo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sapporo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sapporo cost?
Sapporo on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$28
(¥4,366)
|
$62
(¥9,660)
|
$106
(¥16,420)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(¥1,031)
|
$15
(¥2,357)
|
$29
(¥4,504)
|
Food 2
|
$22
(¥3,460)
|
$51
(¥7,974)
|
$101
(¥15,644)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(¥1,094)
|
$16
(¥2,528)
|
$32
(¥5,005)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(¥263-789)
|
$4-12
(¥611-1,834)
|
$8-24
(¥1,232-3,697)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Sapporo, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $56 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Sapporo, such as Waya Hostel Sapporo, SappoLodge, and Untapped Hostel. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Sapporo, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Sapporo. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $126 per person, per day.
In Sapporo, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Richmond Hotel Sapporo Odori is a great choice for families, and Ibis Styles Sapporo is another great option. If romance is in the air during your visit to Sapporo, Shogetsu Grand Hotel is a must-see for couples. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Sapporo.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $230. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sapporo
Sapporo offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $48, but during peak summer or winter season, they can average $90. Prices range from $31 to $250, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sapporo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $125 (¥19,320). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 (¥9,660) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sapporo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sapporo include:
- Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta starting at $254
- JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo starting at $118
- Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei starting at $252
- Premier Hotel -Tsubaki- Sapporo starting at $57
- Mercure Hotel Sapporo starting at $60
Sapporo is a large city that boasts a wide variety of places to stay. You can find everything from hostels like Waya Hostel Sapporo to vacation rentals and high-end hotels. Staying closer to the city center generally means higher prices, but you'll be conveniently located near public transport and attractions.
Sapporo's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
Sapporo is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids. It's a large city, so don't be surprised if the rooms feel a bit small and cramped.
For those planning a honeymoon in Sapporo, luxury hotels are a great choice, with some favorites being Shogetsu Grand Hotel, Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park, and JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer or winter, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Walking is a favored way to experience Sapporo, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
During ski season, you may see prices climb, so it's best to secure your accommodations ahead of time. Many locations with easy slope access fill up quickly and can be pricey.
Transportation Budget in Sapporo
Sapporo is a vast city, so transportation is crucial, but thankfully, the public transit system here is excellent. 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 the most economical choice, but taxis and rideshares are available if you need them.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. 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.
Public Transit: 



(great)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (¥2,357) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sapporo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sapporo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
¥2,357
If you'll be frequently using public transit, consider investing in multi-day transit passes to save some cash.
Watch out for pickpockets while traveling on buses and trains and in the stations. Remember, Sapporo is a bustling city.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- New Chitose Airport Private Transfer to Sapporo/Furano/Mult Dests for $154 details
- Shared Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to Shin Chitose Airport for $111 details
- [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! One way for $222 details
How much does it cost to go to Sapporo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sapporo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sapporo
The food in Sapporo is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sapporo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sapporo is $51 (¥7,974) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
¥7,974
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sapporo is around $51 (¥7974) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $101. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sapporo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $15 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
A unique delicacy of Sapporo is hairy crab, an expensive treat that can be found at any seafood restaurant. As with pretty much everywhere in Japan, ramen noodles are also very popular-though Sapporo has its own variation called miso ramen where miso paste is added to the stock of the noodle dish. Sapporo soup curry with vegetables and chicken is another local favorite. Looking at the bigger picture, on the island of Hokkaido as a whole, you can also enjoy dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, chocolate and ice cream, seafood especially as sushi, fruits like honeydew melon and strawberries, and meat including sausages, ham, bacon and beef. The drink of choice in Sapporo is Sapporo Beer which can be sampled at the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum. Haskap, a local variety of edible honeysuckle, similar to blueberries, is also unique to Sapporo. Romantei is one of the most popular sweet shops in the city, while Aji No Tokeidai is the best known ramen noodle chain.
To save money, consider dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many establishments in tourist districts or business areas feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often just more affordable and smaller versions of their dinner selections. With a bit of searching, you could enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a reasonable price. Then, just have a light dinner.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Sapporo, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with a Professional Shiori for $88 details
- Japanese Cooking Class with Local Chef Sakura in Central Sapporo for $67 details
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour for $95 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sapporo
It's evident that Sapporo is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its skiing, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sapporo typically cost an average of $16 (¥2,528) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
¥2,528
As far as sights go, those in Sapporo are many and varied. The Clock Tower takes the stage as the oldest building still standing, constructed in 1878 for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now the Hokkaido University). Sapporo TV Tower stands as a carbon copy of the Eiffel Tower, while Odori Park sits at the city center as a quiet place filled with flowers, trees, and fountains during the summer. Ishiya Chocolate Factory is one of the city's novelties with a tour, restaurants, and a souvenir store to indulge in, while the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum offers a tour and history of Japan's unique brewing past. On the outskirts of the city, there is even a large historical village, called the Hokkaido Pioneer Village, which gives visitors a snapshot of Japan in the industrialized age.
In regards to the natural wonders of the region, Moiwayama, also called Moiwa Mountain, offers scenic overlooks of the city, Asahiyama Park has beautiful colors in the spring and fall also with scenic overlooks, Jozankei houses access to hot springs, Moerenuma Park offers a place to relax amongst landscape installations, and Hokkaido University Botanic Garden features two rock gardens, a rose garden, a lilac display, a greenhouse, and many others.
For art, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art modern art museum offers a collection that includes both Japanese and Western art and temporary exhibits, while the Sapporo Art Park makes for a great way to enjoy oversized sculptures outdoors.
Staged in early February, Sapporo's most famous event is the Sapporo Snow Festival. With an ice sculpture competition that attracts artists from around the world, the festival brings in close to two million tourists each year. It is held in the city center near Odori Park and features activities for all ages with the sculptures beautifully lit at night. Along with this winter theme, skiing and other winter mountain sports have been a continuously popular activity of the region. Mount Teine, which was featured in the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a ski mountain near the city with a good mix of beginner and experienced slopes. Niseko Ski Resort is also very famous, one of Japan's top destinations for skiing, located about two hours from Sapporo.
Skiing:
One of the biggest reasons tourists come to Sapporo is to hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding. 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.
Museums and Attractions:
Sapporo is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out HokkaidÅ Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Sapporo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full Day Private Skiing / Snowboarding Tour in Sapporo for $235 details
- Snowshoeing and Onsen Adventures in a Winter Wonderland -Sapporo. For $235 details
- Explore Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (night tour) for $39 details
Nightlife Budget in Sapporo
In Sapporo, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.88 (¥1,222) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sapporo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.88
¥1,222
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Sapporo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery for $171 details
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery for $173 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 29, 2024
Traveling in Sapporo
Sapporo, Japan (©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO)
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Susukino is the city's so-called red light district and the center for festivals and entertainment. With restaurants, bars, and hotels lining the streets this is the place to be if you wish to experience the nightlife of Sapporo. Odori Park is also nearby which plays a key role in Sapporo's famous snow festival as well. Both Odori and Susukino are near the city center where you can find historical buildings, shopping malls, and other parks. Some important landmarks of the area include the former Hokkaido government office building, the Sapporo Clock Tower, the Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu), and the Sapporo TV Tower. The Sapporo Factory, also nearby, was a former base of the Sapporo Brewery and has now been repurposed as a shopping mall with many restaurants, offices, and movie theatres.
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.