A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Sendai for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Sendai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Sendai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bali than Sendai. While Sendai is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Sendai and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Bali different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sendai and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Sendai?

Sendai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Sendai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Bali is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bali is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Bali is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Bali is renowned for the beache. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Bali is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Sendai?

Both Bali and Sendai are excellent shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Sendai.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sendai. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Couples?

Bali is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Sendai is a good island for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bali is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Sendai is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Is Bali or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sendai can get you to some places easily. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Sendai is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Bali?

How long in Bali or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Sendai. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Sendai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bali, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Sendai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bali that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Sendai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bali.

One day in Bali or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Sendai?

Bali is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sendai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cosmopolitan destination of Sendai. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The high energy city of Sendai offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Sendai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bali or Sendai?

Sendai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Bali during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Sendai. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bali as well as Sendai. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sendai can be very cold during winter. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Bali often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Bali is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Sendai. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Bali