A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Lake Tekapo, 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Sendai and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sendai. Although Sendai and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Sendai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sendai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Lake Tekapo 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. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Sendai different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sendai is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sendai is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. 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 nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

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

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Sendai is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Sendai and Lake Tekapo are both great 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.

Lake Tekapo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Sendai and Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sendai and Lake Tekapo are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Lake Tekapo is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Sendai is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sendai. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Sendai or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Sendai is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sendai or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sendai than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Lake Tekapo 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.

One day in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Sendai. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Sendai. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

The lively city of Sendai offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. 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.

A week in Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Lake Tekapo?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3140 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Lake Tekapo, 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.