A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Sendai for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Yaeyama Islands and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Sendai is famous 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.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Sendai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yaeyama Islands and Sendai.

Yaeyama Islands offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

Sendai offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Yaeyama Islands to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for the beache. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Yaeyama Islands are among the best in the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Sendai is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sendai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Sendai are great family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Yaeyama Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Sendai is a good archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sendai is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Sendai is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Sendai can move around easily with public transportation. 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 mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Yaeyama Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The vibrant destination of Sendai offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Sendai offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Yaeyama Islands. This archipelago 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands or Sendai in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. In the summer, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 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 Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Sendai in the Autumn?

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

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Sendai. The winter months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Sendai in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Yaeyama Islands is May to June.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Yaeyama Islands