A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Sendai for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Sendai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tokyo and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Sendai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is known for its beaches. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Sendai is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Tokyo different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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.

Is Tokyo or Sendai Better for Music?

Tokyo is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sendai is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Sendai is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Sendai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Sendai?

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

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Sendai Better for Families?

Tokyo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Sendai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tokyo or Sendai Better for Couples?

Tokyo is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Sendai is a good 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 Tokyo or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Sendai are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Sendai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Tokyo or Sendai Better for Students?

Tokyo is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a great destination for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

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

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Tokyo or Sendai a more walkable city?

Tokyo is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Sendai. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Sendai?

Tokyo 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.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Sendai?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sendai. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Sendai?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Sendai, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Sendai.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Sendai?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tokyo or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Sendai. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Sendai. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Sendai. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sendai can be very cold. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Tokyo