A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Sendai for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hong Kong or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a diverse , compact, and dense city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Hong Kong and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Sendai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hong Kong than Sendai. Hong Kong is bigger than Sendai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hong Kong is well known for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. Also, Hong Kong is famous for Victoria Peak. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Hong Kong different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Sendai?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hong Kong and Sendai.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

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 Hong Kong or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hong Kong and Sendai.

Hong Kong has a large number of nightlife venues. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Sendai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is an excellent place to visit for the beache. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hong Kong. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Sendai?

Hong Kong is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Families?

Hong Kong is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

Sendai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Sendai is a good city 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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hong Kong and Sendai are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Sendai is a good city 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 Hong Kong or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hong Kong is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Hong Kong has a great public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Hong Kong or Sendai a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hong Kong. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Sendai is a very walkable destination. 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 Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Sendai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.

One day in Hong Kong or Sendai?

Hong Kong is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

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 Hong Kong or Sendai?

Hong Kong 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy 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 Hong Kong or Sendai?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively 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 Hong Kong or Sendai?

Hong Kong is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city 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.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Sendai?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.