A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Sendai for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also well known for the statue of Lord Masamune. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Sendai is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sendai. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sendai is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Sendai. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is great for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Sendai for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Sendai is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai are high quality to visit with kids.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly destination. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly national park. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Sendai is a good national park 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai are nice places to visit.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good national park to visit for backpackers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Sendai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Sendai is fairly effecient and thorough. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Sendai is a very walkable national park. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sendai than in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Sendai.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Sendai, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With museums and nightlife around the high energy city of Sendai, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Sendai. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

When is the best time to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sendai. Most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chichibu-Tama-Kai as well as Sendai. The autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In October, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 17°C (62°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In January, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai