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

Should you visit Kamakura or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Sendai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kamakura and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Kamakura or Sendai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sendai than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sendai is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and hiking. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Sendai is famous 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.

How is Kamakura different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kamakura
Sendai

Both Kamakura and Sendai have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Many visitors head to Sendai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Kamakura or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura
Sendai

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

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura
Sendai

Both Kamakura and Sendai are very good when it comes to partying.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Kamakura or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Kamakura
Sendai

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Kamakura and Sendai are nice choices.

Kamakura is a good option for a beach vacation. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Many people head to Sendai to enjoy the beach. 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 Kamakura or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura
Sendai

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Kamakura
Sendai

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Kamakura has hiking trails worth exploring. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Sendai?

Kamakura
Sendai

Sendai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Sendai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.


Is Kamakura or Sendai Better for Families?

Kamakura
Sendai

Sendai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sendai is 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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Kamakura or Sendai Better for Couples?

Kamakura
Sendai

Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Sendai is a good coastal 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 Kamakura or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamakura
Sendai

Both Kamakura and Sendai are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Sendai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Kamakura or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kamakura
Sendai

Sendai is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sendai. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Kamakura or Sendai a more walkable city?

Kamakura
Sendai

Sendai is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. 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.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kamakura and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sendai than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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


  • How many days in Kamakura or Sendai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamakura 1-2 
    Sendai 2-3

One day in Kamakura or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kamakura. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Sendai offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Kamakura or Sendai?

Kamakura 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sendai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Sendai?

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

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kamakura or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Kamakura. This coastal 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Kamakura?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kamakura is $105, 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 Kamakura and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamakura $75
    Sendai $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamakura $150
    Sendai $120
Compare Hotels in Kamakura and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Kamakura 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 Kamakura


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: Kamakura Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamakura $15
    Sendai $18

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 Kamakura or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Kamakura 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
    Kamakura $21
    Sendai $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamakura $5.66
    Sendai $18

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Japanese Culture Tour in Kamakura Temples: $115
  • 3-Hours Walking Tour in Kamakura: $81
  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.60
  • Exciting Kamakura - One Day Tour from Tokyo: $260
  • Full Day Private Discovering Tour in Kamakura: $154
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $41
  • Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $54
  • Kamakura Anime Train Photo Tour: $59
  • Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour: $182
  • Kamakura Custom Full Day Tour: $216
  • Kamakura Custom Half Day Tour: $135
  • Kamakura Full-Day Private Tour: $169

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
    Kamakura $13
    Sendai $11


When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura 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 Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Kamakura during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamakura in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In the summer, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Kamakura gets 137 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 Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sendai. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Sendai. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Kamakura is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 18°C (64°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Sendai. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Sendai. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sendai can be very cold. Kamakura is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Kamakura usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Kamakura or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the spring, Kamakura is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamakura in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Sendai. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Kamakura

Kamakura Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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