Which city is cheaper, Sendai or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Tokyo vs. Sendai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
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.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Sendai?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $183Sendai $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $183, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $86Sendai $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $172Sendai $134
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Sendai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $22Sendai $20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
-
Metro from Airport$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230
- Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Hotels: $133
- Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port: $133
- Private Transfers from Tokyo City, Yokohama or Port: $211
- Private Transfer to/from Narita Itl. Airport (NRT): $187
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $114
- Tokyo to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $141
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $80
- Tokyo hotel/address to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
- Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Haneda Airport (HND): $194
- Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $111
- Sendai International Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai and Tokyo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayTokyo $43Sendai $37
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.89
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.89
-
Meal at Airport$7.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
- Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
- Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
- West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
- Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
- Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
- Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
- Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
- Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
- Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
- 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Tour - Japanese Meal in a Historic Port Town! Enjoy the Food Tour!: $138
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $80Sendai $20
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
- Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
- Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
- Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
- Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
- Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
- Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
- Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
- Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
- Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
- Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
- Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Private Sendai Tour: $242
- A Special Tour to Visit the Ice-clad Crater-Lake and the Frost-covered Shrine: $96
- Explore the Ice Monster Forest in Zao! Snow Vehicle Tour to See the Snow Rime: $96
- Matsushima's oysters gourmet experience: $162
- Minamisanriku Ai Indigo Tour: $248
- Oku-Matsushima 2-Day Local Homestay and Fishing Experience: $268
- Private Tour - A Perfect Tour for Sendai Beginners to Visit Famous Spots!: $128
- Private Tour - A Tour to Get Luck Through Three Bridges and an Island!: $113
- Private Tour - A breath taking spot, Akiu! Enjoy wine and hot springs: $118
- Private Tour - A cultural experience tour in Matsushima!: $162
- Private Tour - Craft, Hot Spring, Thank you for Nature's Bounty in Zao: $133
- Private Tour - Energy charge with a trip around power spots in Sendai!: $118
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $37Sendai $12
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$4.42
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.
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.
In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Sendai stays 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.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
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.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Sendai stays 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
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.
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 are around 5°C (42°F), and Sendai is 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.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
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.
In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai stays 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Related Articles for Tokyo
Related Articles for Sendai
Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.More City Comparisons
Yokohama vs. TokyoYokohama vs. Sendai
Yamaguchi vs. Tokyo
Yamaguchi vs. Sendai
Yaeyama Islands vs. Tokyo
Yaeyama Islands vs. Sendai
Tokyo vs. Osaka
Tokyo vs. Nikko
Tokyo vs. Nara
Tokyo vs. Nagoya
Tokyo vs. Nagasaki
Tokyo vs. Nagano
Tokyo vs. Matsue
Tokyo vs. Kyoto
Tokyo vs. Koyasan
Tokyo vs. Kobe
Tokyo vs. Kanazawa
Tokyo vs. Kamakura
Tokyo vs. Ise
Tokyo vs. Hiroshima
Tokyo vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Tokyo vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Tokyo vs. Atami
Tokyo vs. Okinawa
Tokyo vs. Mashiko
Tokyo vs. Dewa Sanzan
Tokyo vs. Shiretoko National Park
Tokyo vs. Sapporo
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.