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

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nagano and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Sendai?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Sendai. While Sendai is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is more popular for its beaches and shopping. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Nagano different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for Skiing?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sendai is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Sendai is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nagano and Sendai.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Nagano or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Nagano and Sendai.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Sendai offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Nagano or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for the beache. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Nagano 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 Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Sendai?

Sendai is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Sendai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Nagano and Sendai are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Sendai is known to be 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.

Is Nagano or Sendai Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Sendai are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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 Nagano or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Sendai are notable places to visit.

Nagano is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Nagano or Sendai Better for Students?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Sendai can get you around easily. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nagano or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagano and Sendai. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nagano than Sendai. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano 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 Nagano.

One day in Nagano or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sendai. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Sendai?

Nagano 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 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.

Five days in Nagano or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

A week in Nagano or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Nagano. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Sendai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano or Sendai?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nagano or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Sendai. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sendai. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Sendai. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the autumn, Nagano is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. 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 Nagano in the winter. In January, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sendai. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sendai. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Nagano