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

Should you visit Nikko 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 Nikko 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a historic, cultural, and tranquil town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sendai

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

Nikko and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Nikko and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. 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 Nikko different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko 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 Nikko are world-renowned. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nikko has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Sendai for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is renowned for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Nikko is one of the most recognized in the world. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Nikko 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 Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Sendai?

Sendai is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Nikko or Sendai Better for Families?

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

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Nikko or Sendai Better for Couples?

Nikko is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nikko has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Sendai is a good town 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 Nikko or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko and Sendai both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Nikko can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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.

Is Nikko or Sendai a more walkable city?

Nikko and Sendai are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Sendai is a very walkable town. 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 Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nikko and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nikko than in Sendai. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

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

One day in Nikko or Sendai?

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Nikko or Sendai?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Sendai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sendai. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Sendai?

Nikko 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. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko 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 Nikko 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 Nikko or Sendai in the Summer?

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

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

Nikko usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Nikko 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. Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nikko usually receives more rain than Sendai. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nikko or Sendai in the Autumn?

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

In October, Nikko is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 16°C (61°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nikko usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko 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 Nikko in the winter. Nikko is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

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

In January, Nikko usually receives less rain than Sendai. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nikko or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Nikko during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nikko is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nikko in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. Nikko usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Nikko