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

Should you visit Sendai or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or San Jose, 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 lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sendai travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Sendai and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sendai than San Jose. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sendai is more touristy than San Jose and is known 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. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Sendai different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sendai is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Sendai and San Jose.

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 San Jose area. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Sendai or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

Both Sendai and San Jose have superb 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 San Jose know how to have a good time. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Is Sendai or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

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.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or San Jose?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Sendai and San Jose.

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 San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Sendai or San Jose Better for Families?

Sendai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Sendai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Sendai or San Jose Better for Couples?

Sendai is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Sendai is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Sendai or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose 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 San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

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 San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Sendai is fairly effecient and thorough. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Sendai or San Jose a more walkable city?

Sendai is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. 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.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sendai or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sendai than San Jose 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 San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Sendai than San Jose. 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose 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 San Jose.

One day in Sendai or San Jose?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Jose. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sendai or San Jose?

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.

San Jose 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 San Jose?

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 San Jose. 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 San Jose?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of San Jose. 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, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or San Jose?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and San Jose, 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 San Jose?

Sendai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or San Jose in the Summer?

Both San Jose and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Sendai is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Sendai usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Sendai. In July, Sendai usually receives less rain than San Jose. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sendai or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Sendai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Sendai is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Sendai often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Should I visit Sendai or San Jose in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and San Jose. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Sendai is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sendai usually receives more rain than San Jose. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sendai or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sendai as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In April, Sendai is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Sendai often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Sendai