A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Koyasan vs. Sendai for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Koyasan and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Koyasan or Sendai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sendai than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sendai is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Also, Sendai is famous for the statue of Lord Masamune.

How is Koyasan different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koyasan
Sendai

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Koyasan and Sendai.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Sendai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Koyasan or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan
Sendai

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Sendai both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koyasan. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Sendai is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Koyasan or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Koyasan
Sendai

Sendai is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koyasan or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Koyasan
Sendai

Sendai is a good destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Sendai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.


Is Koyasan or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan
Sendai

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Koyasan to see the historical old town. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Koyasan
Sendai

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

Koyasan has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Sendai?

Koyasan
Sendai

Sendai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Koyasan or Sendai Better for Families?

Koyasan
Sendai

Sendai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koyasan or Sendai Better for Couples?

Koyasan
Sendai

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

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Sendai is a good town 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 Koyasan or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan
Sendai

Koyasan and Sendai are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Koyasan or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan
Sendai

Sendai is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sendai has some very good public transit options. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Koyasan or Sendai a more walkable city?

Koyasan
Sendai

Koyasan and Sendai both are great when exploring on foot.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Sendai?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Koyasan 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 Sendai.


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

One day in Koyasan or Sendai?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Sendai, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Koyasan or Sendai?

Koyasan 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.

In Sendai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sendai has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Sendai?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Koyasan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koyasan is $79, 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 Koyasan and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koyasan $40
    Sendai $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koyasan $80
    Sendai $120
Compare Hotels in Koyasan and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Koyasan 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 Koyasan


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: Koyasan Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koyasan $33
    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 Koyasan or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Koyasan 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
    Koyasan $19
    Sendai $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koyasan $13
    Sendai $18

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
    Koyasan $4.95
    Sendai $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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



When is the best time to visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Sendai. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koyasan is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In the summer, Koyasan often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sendai. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koyasan is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koyasan in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In October, Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Koyasan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Koyasan is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 6°C (42°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sendai. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Sendai. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Koyasan is a little warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Sendai. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Koyasan

Koyasan Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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