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

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Sendai, 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.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a tranquil, scenic, and traditional town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Yamaguchi and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai than Yamaguchi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sendai is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Yamaguchi is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also home to the statue of Lord Masamune. Yamaguchi is popular for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sendai and Yamaguchi.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yamaguchi can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

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 Yamaguchi or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yamaguchi is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Yamaguchi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

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 Yamaguchi or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Yamaguchi or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Yamaguchi 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.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Yamaguchi has hiking trails worth exploring. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Sendai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Sendai Better for Families?

Sendai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yamaguchi. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.

Is Yamaguchi or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Yamaguchi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

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

Yamaguchi and Sendai are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yamaguchi. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Sendai is a good town 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 Yamaguchi or Sendai 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, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Yamaguchi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

Is Yamaguchi or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Yamaguchi is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yamaguchi and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sendai than in Yamaguchi. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Yamaguchi. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sendai. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Yamaguchi 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cosmopolitan destination of Sendai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yamaguchi. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Sendai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. This town 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 popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In July, Yamaguchi is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. In July, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Yamaguchi during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Sendai. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Yamaguchi is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yamaguchi in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In January, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Sendai. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Yamaguchi is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 14°C (57°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Yamaguchi