A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darwin vs. Sendai for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Darwin or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Sendai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Darwin

Darwin is a multicultural, authentic, and local town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Darwin and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Sendai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sendai than Darwin. Sendai is bigger than Darwin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sendai is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Darwin is more popular for its hiking. Sendai is more touristy than Darwin and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Also, Sendai is famous for the statue of Lord Masamune. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Darwin different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sendai is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Darwin and Sendai.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Darwin. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Sendai is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Darwin or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Sendai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Darwin or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Both Darwin and Sendai have notable beaches worth visiting.

Darwin has a beach worth visiting. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

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 Darwin or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Darwin 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 Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Sendai?

Sendai is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Sendai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Darwin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Darwin or Sendai Better for Families?

Darwin and Sendai are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Darwin is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

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 Darwin or Sendai Better for Couples?

Darwin and Sendai are both notable to visit as a couple.

Darwin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Sendai is a good town 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 Darwin or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Darwin and Sendai are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Darwin. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Sendai is a good town 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 Darwin or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is notable for its public transit. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sendai can get you around easily. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Darwin or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable town. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Darwin and Sendai. In our opinion, Sendai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sendai than Darwin. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Sendai than Darwin. 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 Darwin. 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 Darwin 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 Darwin or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Darwin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sendai. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Darwin or Sendai?

Darwin 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.

Sendai 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.

Five days in Darwin or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. 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.

A week in Darwin or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Darwin. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Sendai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Darwin and Sendai, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Darwin is in Pacific and Sendai is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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 Darwin or Sendai?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sendai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Darwin or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Darwin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

Darwin is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In the summer, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Sendaiin July. Darwin gets 173 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually gets more rain in January than Sendaiin July. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Sendai. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Darwin is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Darwin gets 267 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 April, Darwin usually receives less rain than Sendaiin October. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Darwin or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Sendai. Many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. In July, Darwin is generally much warmer than Sendaiin January. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In the winter, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Sendaiin January. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets less rain in July than Sendaiin January. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Darwin is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Darwin usually receives less rain than Sendaiin April. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Darwin