Comparison · Fukuoka vs Sapporo · Japan
Fukuoka vs Sapporo
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nryate, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches; choose Sapporo for Sapporo Snow Festival and Miso ramen. Fukuoka is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,420 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,420 km
- Less expensive
- Fukuoka
- Best time for Fukuoka
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Sapporo
- February and June–September
Side by side
| Fukuoka | Sapporo | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Known for | Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls and Mentaiko | Sapporo Snow Festival, Miso ramen and Sapporo Beer |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | February and June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$220 | $140–$260 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | August, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 10°C (50°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | Momochi Seaside Park beach | — |
| Airports | FUK | CTS, OKD |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Fukuoka for…
Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches. Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest city, with about 1.6 million people, and one of Japan's easiest to visit: the airport is two subway stops from Hakata Station and about 11 minutes from the Tenjin shopping district. The city has two centres — Hakata, the old…
Choose Sapporo for…
Sapporo Snow Festival and Miso ramen. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth-largest city, was laid out on a grid in the 1870s, so central addresses read like coordinates: Kita 3 Nishi 4 means North 3, West 4. The long ribbon of Odori Park divides the city, with Sapporo Station to…
Top sights compared
| # | Fukuoka | Sapporo |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yatai food stalls | Odori Park |
| 2 | Ohori Park | Sapporo TV Tower |
| 3 | Fukuoka Castle ruins | Sapporo Clock Tower |
| 4 | Kushida Shrine | Sapporo Beer Museum |
| 5 | Tocho-ji | Nijo Market |
Food compared
| Fukuoka | Sapporo |
|---|---|
| Hakata ramen | Miso ramen |
| Mentaiko | Genghis Khan |
| Motsunabe | Soup curry |
| Mizutaki | Seafood rice bowl |
Which is cheaper?
Fukuoka is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$220 per person there, against $140–$260 in Sapporo (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Fukuoka on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,420 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Fukuoka or Sapporo cheaper?
Fukuoka is usually less expensive: about $110–$220 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Fukuoka or Sapporo better for a first trip?
Pick Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches, or Sapporo for Sapporo Snow Festival and Miso ramen.
+How far is Fukuoka from Sapporo?
About 1,420 km in a straight line.