A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Okinawa vs. Sendai for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Okinawa 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 Okinawa 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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Okinawa and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Sendai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Sendai. While Sendai is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is known for its shopping and big city activities. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Sendai is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Okinawa different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Okinawa or Sendai.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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 Okinawa or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Okinawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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 Okinawa or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Both Okinawa and Sendai are great when it comes to partying.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Okinawa or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is renowned for the beache. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Okinawa are among the best in the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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.

Is Okinawa or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Okinawa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Sendai?

Sendai is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Okinawa or Sendai Better for Families?

Okinawa is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Okinawa is an amazing family-friendly archipelago to visit. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Sendai is a good archipelago 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 Okinawa or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Sendai are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Sendai is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Okinawa or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Sendai. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

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

One day in Okinawa or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Okinawa or Sendai?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Okinawa or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Okinawa. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Okinawa or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lush destination of Okinawa. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa 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 Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Okinawa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. In the summer, Okinawa often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 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 Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Sendai. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Okinawa is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Okinawa usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Sendai. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Sendai. The winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, Okinawa is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Okinawa is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Sendai. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Okinawa