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

Should you visit Sendai or Dunedin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Dunedin, 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 high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sendai and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai than Dunedin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sendai is more popular for its big city activities, while Dunedin is known for its hiking. Sendai is more touristy than Dunedin and 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. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Sendai different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

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

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 Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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

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

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 Dunedin area. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Both Sendai and Dunedin have very good 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 Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Both Sendai and Dunedin have good beaches worth visiting.

Sendai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dunedin. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

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

Dunedin has hiking trails worth exploring. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Dunedin?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sendai and Dunedin.

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 Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Families?

Sendai and Dunedin are both very good 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.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Sendai and Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a good city for couples to visit. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Sendai or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Dunedin is a great city to visit as a student. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai is well known for its public transit. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Sendai or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Sendai and Dunedin are very good 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.

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Dunedin?

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

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

One day in Sendai or Dunedin?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dunedin. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sendai or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Dunedin. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sendai and Dunedin, 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. Even though Sendai is in Asia and Dunedin 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 Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Dunedin?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Dunedin, 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.