A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sendai or Brisbane?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Brisbane, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sendai travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brisbane travel costs.

Sendai and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Sendai and Brisbane are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sendai is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Sendai different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Sendai or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sendai and Brisbane.

Sendai has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Brisbane area. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Both Sendai and Brisbane have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Sendai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Brisbane know how to have a good time. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

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 Sendai or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Brisbane?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Sendai and Brisbane.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Families?

Sendai and Brisbane are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sendai is very family-friendly. 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.

Brisbane is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Sendai and Brisbane are both good to visit as a couple.

Sendai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Brisbane is a good city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Sendai or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Sendai or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Sendai or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Sendai and Brisbane are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Brisbane?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sendai or Brisbane?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sendai or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Sendai or Brisbane?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Sendai or Brisbane?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Brisbane. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Sendai and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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. Even though Sendai is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Brisbane?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Brisbane, 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 Sendai or Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sendai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sendai or Brisbane in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Sendai is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sendai in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sendai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sendai or Brisbane in the Autumn?

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

In October, Sendai is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 15°C (59°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sendai usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Sendai 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 Sendai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. Sendai is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sendai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sendai or Brisbane in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Sendai is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sendai in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Brisbanein October. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Sendai