A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Hiroshima vs. Sendai for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Hiroshima and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Hiroshima and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hiroshima attracts visitors for its museums and food. Sendai is more touristy than Hiroshima 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. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima
Sendai

Hiroshima is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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.


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

Hiroshima
Sendai

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hiroshima has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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 Hiroshima or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Sendai

Sendai is a great city for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Sendai has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Hiroshima or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Hiroshima
Sendai

Sendai is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Sendai?

Hiroshima
Sendai

If you're looking to go shopping, Hiroshima and Sendai both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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.

Is Hiroshima or Sendai Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Sendai

Sendai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sendai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Hiroshima or Sendai Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Sendai

Both Hiroshima and Sendai are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hiroshima is a nice destination for couples. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Sendai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Hiroshima or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Sendai

For backpackers, both Hiroshima and Sendai are nice places to visit.

Hiroshima is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima
Sendai

Hiroshima and Sendai both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Hiroshima can move around easily with public transportation. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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.

Is Hiroshima or Sendai a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Sendai

Hiroshima and Sendai are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Sendai?

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

Families should spend more time in Sendai than Hiroshima. 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.


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Sendai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Sendai 2-3

One day in Hiroshima or Sendai?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sendai. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Sendai?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Sendai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 high energy city of Sendai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hiroshima or Sendai?

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

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Hiroshima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $102, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hiroshima and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $65
    Sendai $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $130
    Sendai $120
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Sendai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hiroshima


Hotels in Sendai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hiroshima Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.83
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $60
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $225
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $225
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $238
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $494
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $211

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Hiroshima change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hiroshima $30
    Sendai $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $42
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $69
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $83
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $84
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $99
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $160
  • Hiroshima Food Tour with a Local Foodie, 100% Personalised & Private: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.46
    Sendai $18

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Kimono and Calligraphy Experience in Miyajima: $68
  • 4 Hour Hiroshima Miyajima Private Tour: $84
  • An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy: $101
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $39
  • From Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour: $112
  • From Private Tour to Kure: $212
  • Full Day Bus Tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima: $115
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima : $164
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $34
  • Hiroshima & Miyajima Island Private Guided Tour: $162
  • Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $165
  • Hiroshima Best Spots 6h Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $110

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $74
  • Zao Fox village 1Day Bus Tour with Strawberry picking: $143
  • Zao Snow Wall 1DAY Bus tour with Ohanami ExperEence: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Sendai $11


When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Sendai?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Sendai in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hiroshima is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hiroshima in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Sendai. The autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In October, Hiroshima is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 17°C (63°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hiroshima usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sendai. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the winter. Hiroshima is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Hiroshima during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hiroshima is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hiroshima in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Hiroshima often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)