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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Nagasaki or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai than Nagasaki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sendai is more popular for its beaches and shopping, while Nagasaki is known for its food. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Sendai is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also home to the statue of Lord Masamune.

How is Nagasaki different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nagasaki
Sendai

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Sendai and Nagasaki.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagasaki
Sendai

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

Nagasaki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki
Sendai

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Sendai.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Nagasaki
Sendai

Sendai is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Sendai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Sendai?

Nagasaki
Sendai

Sendai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Nagasaki or Sendai Better for Families?

Nagasaki
Sendai

Sendai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sendai. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nagasaki or Sendai Better for Couples?

Nagasaki
Sendai

With fun activities for couples, both Nagasaki and Sendai make for a good place to visit.

Nagasaki is a good city for couples to visit. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Sendai is a nice destination for couples. 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 Nagasaki or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki
Sendai

Nagasaki and Sendai are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki
Sendai

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Nagasaki and Sendai.

The public transit in Nagasaki can get you to most places easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Visitors to Sendai can move around easily with public transportation. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Nagasaki or Sendai a more walkable city?

Nagasaki
Sendai

Sendai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.


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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagasaki and Sendai. In our opinion, Sendai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sendai than Nagasaki. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Sendai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagasaki 2-3 
    Sendai 2-3

One day in Nagasaki or Sendai?

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

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 Nagasaki or Sendai?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Sendai?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Nagasaki. 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 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Nagasaki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $91, 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 Nagasaki and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $48
    Sendai $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $96
    Sendai $120
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki


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: Nagasaki Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $160
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $144
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $144
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $160
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $160
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka City Hotels: $144
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $160
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $144
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Port to Nagasaki Airport (NGS): $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $52

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 Nagasaki or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $28
    Sendai $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $52
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $163

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $23
    Sendai $18

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Experience Hasami Ware with professionals ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $125
  • 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $219
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Nagasaki from Nagasaki Cruise Port: $281
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
  • Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $187
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $97
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $240
  • Nagasaki Custom Full Day Tour: $203
  • Nagasaki Custom Half Day Tour: $128
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $72
  • Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $142

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
    Nagasaki $11
    Sendai $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Sendai?

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

Both Sendai and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagasaki is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Nagasaki gets 197 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 Nagasaki. In July, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Sendai. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Nagasaki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Nagasaki is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Nagasaki often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Nagasaki gets 189 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sendai. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Sendai. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Nagasaki is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Nagasaki usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during winter. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Sendai. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Sendai. The spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In April, Nagasaki is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Nagasaki

Nagasaki Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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