A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yangshuo vs. Sendai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yangshuo or Sendai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Sendai?

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Yangshuo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Yangshuo Prices
    China Prices
    Sendai Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yangshuo $86
    Sendai $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yangshuo and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yangshuo $26
    Sendai $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yangshuo $52
    Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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.

Hotels in Yangshuo


Hotels in Sendai


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: Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yangshuo $43
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Yangshuo 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 day
    Yangshuo $33
    Sendai $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yangshuo $24
    Sendai $19

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.

  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
  • Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
  • 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
  • 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
  • 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
  • All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
  • Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
  • Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
  • Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
  • From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
  • From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
  • From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yangshuo $34
    Sendai $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yangshuo is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Yangshuo is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Sendai in the Winter?

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

Sendai can be very cold during winter. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Yangshuo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Yangshuo is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Yangshuo

Yangshuo Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)