Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Sendai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
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 The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.
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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Sendai $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
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Food Meals for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33Sendai $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Sendai $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Sendai. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Sendai. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Sendai. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Sendai. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.