A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Sendai for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Sendai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sendai attracts visitors for its beaches. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Sendai.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

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

Known for shopping, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Sendai are great family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Sendai is not popular with students.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur has a great public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Sendai are great when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Sendai is a very walkable city. 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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Sendai. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this high energy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Kuala Lumpur 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming big city of Kuala Lumpur. This 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Sendai?

Sendai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 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 Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, 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. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Sendai. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Kuala Lumpur