Sapporo

As of May 2026, Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko have 1,468 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 20% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Sapporo generates ¥5M per year. High-performing properties earn ¥11M/year, while low-performing properties earn ¥2M/year. The wide performance gap suggests that revenue is highly sensitive to specific asset positioning rather than market-wide demand, as supply increases weigh on average earnings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Sapporo. Average annual revenue is ¥5M with 41% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to ¥11M/year. This variance highlights a segmented market where top-tier inventory captures significant premiums despite broader downward pressure on revenue metrics.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Sapporo is 41%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of ¥31K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of ¥11K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Sapporo, with annual revenue of ¥9M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Sapporo market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Sapporo area. Sapporo: Moderate. Minpaku license required, 180-day annual cap unless residential-zoned area. Standard enforcement through complaints and inspections. Otaru: Moderate. Minpaku registration mandatory, 180-day cap in mixed zones, fewer restrictions in residential areas. Enforcement via neighbor complaints. Niseko: Lenient. Minpaku registration required but widely ignored by hosts operating year-round. Minimal enforcement due to tourism dependence, many unlicensed operations tolerated. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Sapporo Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing oversaturated conditions. Supply has grown 20% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates supply growth outpacing demand, pressuring returns. The resulting competitive environment forces a reliance on occupancy efficiency to maintain profitability amidst rising inventory levels.

Launch around November, 2-3 months before peak winter season (February peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 87% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (October-April) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Sapporo listings include: Air Conditioning (95%), Tv (94%), Washing Machine (94%), Kitchen (90%), Heating (89%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, Tv, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 74% more (¥10M/year vs ¥6M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Sapporo over the last 12 months: May: ¥178K, June: ¥230K, July: ¥374K, August: ¥387K, September: ¥234K, October: ¥197K, November: ¥198K, December: ¥432K, January: ¥459K, February: ¥702K, March: ¥318K, April: ¥105K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Sapporo is ¥31K, up 20% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average ¥24K/night, 2-bedroom properties average ¥36K/night, 3-bedroom properties average ¥46K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average ¥61K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Sapporo book an average of 38 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 35 days, 2-bedroom: 42 days, 3-bedroom: 46 days, 4+ bedroom: 46 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Sapporo Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 20%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 26%, average nightly rates increased 20%, and lead time decreased 16%. These shifts point to a market transitioning toward shorter booking windows and increased price sensitivity as supply expansion dilutes occupancy.

In Sapporo, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekends show 32% higher occupancy than weekdays.