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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

Shanghai and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Sendai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Sendai. Shanghai is bigger than Sendai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Shanghai different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Shanghai are world-renowned. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Shanghai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Sendai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a good destination for the beach. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Sendai?

Shanghai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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.

Is Shanghai or Sendai More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Sendai are great family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sendai. 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 Shanghai or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Sendai is a good port city 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 Shanghai or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Sendai is a good port 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 Shanghai or Sendai Better for Students?

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

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Both Shanghai and Sendai offer great public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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.

Is Shanghai or Sendai a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Sendai both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Sendai. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Sendai?

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Shanghai or Sendai?

Shanghai 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.

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.

Five days in Shanghai or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 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.

A week in Shanghai or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling big city of Shanghai. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Sendai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Sendai in the Summer?

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

Shanghai is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Shanghai gets 232 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 Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sendai in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Sendai. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sendai. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sendai in the Spring?

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

Shanghai is a little warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Sendai. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Shanghai