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

Should you visit Yokohama or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama 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.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a under-rated, laid-back, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sendai

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

Yokohama and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Sendai?

Both Sendai and Yokohama have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Yokohama is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Sendai attracts visitors for its beaches. Sendai is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Yokohama different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Yokohama and Sendai have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Sendai.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Sendai for the nightlife scene. 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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Sendai?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sendai and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Sendai is well-known for its shopping. 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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Families?

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

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Yokohama makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Sendai are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Sendai is a good city 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 Yokohama or Sendai Better for Students?

Yokohama is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Yokohama and Sendai.

Public transit in Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Sendai has some very good public transit options. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Yokohama or Sendai a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Sendai both are superb when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Sendai is a very walkable city. 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 Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Sendai?

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

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

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Sendai?

Yokohama is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Sendai offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Sendai?

Yokohama 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.

Sendai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sendai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Sendai?

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

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Yokohama. This city 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Sendai, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama 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 Yokohama Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Sendai?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Sendai. The summer months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city activities 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 the summer, Yokohama is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In the summer, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Yokohama is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In October, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Yokohama during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Yokohama is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Yokohama usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Sendai. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Yokohama is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Sendai. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Yokohama