A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Sendai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun 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.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Sendai?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, 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 Hongcun and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.

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

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Sendai?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Hongcun during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Sendai. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Sendai. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Sendai. 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 Hongcun in the winter. In the winter, Hongcun is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hongcun is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Hongcun