Sendai is a lively city known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Sendai that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Sendai?
You should plan to spend around $125 (¥19,723) per day on your vacation in Sendai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $55 (¥8,623) on meals
- $17 (¥2,700) on local transportation
- $115 (¥18,111) on hotels
A one week trip to Sendai for two people costs, on average, $1,751 (¥276,122). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$875
¥138,061
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,751
¥276,122
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One Month
Per person
$3,752
¥591,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,751
¥276,122
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,502
¥552,244
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,504
¥1,183,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sendai cost?
A one week trip to Sendai usually costs around $875 (¥138,061) for one person and $1,751 (¥276,122) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sendai on average costs around $1,751 (¥276,122) for one person and $3,502 (¥552,244) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sendai will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sendai on average costs around $3,752 (¥591,690) for one person and $7,504 (¥1,183,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sendai expensive to visit?
Sendai is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Sendai can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $55 (¥8,657) per day, mid-range travelers spend $126 (¥19,723) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $238 (¥37,272) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sendai.
Within Asia, Sendai is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Sendai is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sendai Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sendai?
The average Sendai trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sendai travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sendai cost?
Sendai on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(¥3,990)
|
$57
(¥9,056)
|
$107
(¥16,887)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(¥1,181)
|
$17
(¥2,700)
|
$33
(¥5,160)
|
|
Food 2
|
$24
(¥3,772)
|
$55
(¥8,623)
|
$104
(¥16,478)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(¥1,216)
|
$18
(¥2,779)
|
$34
(¥5,310)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(¥359-1,078)
|
$5-16
(¥821-2,464)
|
$10-30
(¥1,570-4,709)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Sendai, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
Sendai on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $55 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Sendai, like Miyagi Guest House (Sendai). Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking. Moreover, the city provides great public transportation, which allows budget travelers to save on expensive taxi or Uber fares.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Sendai will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $126 per person, per day.
Sendai offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae is an excellent option for kids, and Hotel Metropolitan Sendai is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Sendai here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $238 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sendai
Hotel rates in Sendai vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $85 to $159. Expect prices to range from $35 for budget hotels to $590 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sendai for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $115 (¥18,111). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $57 (¥9,056) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sendai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sendai include:
- Westin Hotel Sendai starting at $165
- Sendai Royal Park Hotel starting at $69
- Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae starting at $60
- Akiu Grand Hotel starting at $130
- AKIU ONSEN HOTEL HANANOYU starting at $276
With Sendai's good public transit system, you can stay further out of the city and save on accommodations, though commuting could take more time and cost you more in transit fees.
If you're headed to Sendai with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Many enjoy the charm of walking through Sendai, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.
Transportation Budget in Sendai
Sendai has a fantastic public transit system. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station. For a quick and affordable way to get around, public transit is your best bet. Taxis and rideshare services are also available throughout the city.
Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (¥2,700) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sendai. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sendai is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
¥2,700
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City for $187 details
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai city central private transfer for $83 details
How much does it cost to go to Sendai? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sendai will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sendai
The food in Sendai is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the city worth checking out. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sendai can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sendai is $55 (¥8,623) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$55
¥8,623
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sendai is around $55 (¥8623) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $105. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sendai are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Sendai is famous for a few dishes, including: gyutan, grilled beef tongue; sasakamaboko, fish sausage; and zundamochi, sweet soybean paste eaten with rice balls. If you're a fan of sushi, head to Kameki Sushi which is often considered to be the the best sushi restaurant in all of Japan.
Sendai is home to a quite unqie night life, considered so because of their wide range of bars and clubs throughout the city. There's Ha'penny Bridge, a Guinness pub, and One More Time, which has all of the nostalgia of a 1950's bar in America, but is often filled more with locals than tourists. For night clubs, there's LUXS Sendai, a popular club with live DJs and occasional performances. There's also the Ceskoya, a pub that puts on a variety of performances, ranging from comedy shows to cultural nights.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sendai. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town for $128 details
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner for $136 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sendai
Tourists are naturally attracted to Sendai due to its museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sendai typically cost an average of $18 (¥2,779) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
¥2,779
The best option for English speaking tourists is to take a free guided tour from Gozian Sendai Volunteer English Interpreter and Tour Guide Group who will take you around to all the major sights in Sendai. Some of which include the Sendai Castle Ruins which has a replica of the original castle gate and has even been the theme of a popular poem by Doi Bansui called "Kojo no Tsuuki"- "The Moon Over the Desolate Castle".
A must see is Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Maasamune, the founder of the city of Sendai. The mausoleum itself if ornately designed with beautiful woodwork in bright colors and the museum located on the grounds provides fantastic artifacts from the Date family. From there, head to Rinno-ji, an old temple with a large garden that becomes even more vibrant when the azaleas bloom.
Sendai is known for hosting the famous festival of Tanabata where the streets are adorned with large decorations and streamers. There are dances, parades, and plenty of vendors selling everything from handmade goods to ice cream! Sendai is also a great place for whisky and beer, as they are home to the Nikka Whisky Distillery and Kirin Brewery; you can tour both of them, receiving free samples at each one.
Sendai is also a popular site for sports fans and are home to the Vegalta Sendau pro soccer league, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles pro baseball team, and the Sendai 8ers basketball team. Depending on the time you're there, you may be able to catch a game. Tickets can be bought at the stadiums.
Museums and Attractions:
Sendai stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sendai. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Cycling Adventure for $215 details
- Zao Fox Village Bus Tour with Strawberry Picking for $117 details
Nightlife Budget in Sendai
The nightlife in Sendai is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $10 (¥1,643) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sendai per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
¥1,643
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 2, 2024
Traveling in Sendai
Sendai, Japan
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.
Sendai sees a lot of rain throughout the year; primarily from winter through summer and into September when typhoon season hits. Although, the weather is not unbearable as temperatures tend to stay in the low 40's (Fahrenheit) during winter and the high 70's in the summer. If you'd prefer to stay out of the rain, October and November tend to be good times to visit as they provide sunnier, drier, days with temperatures staying in the mid to low 60's.
Neighborhoods & Around
Sendai is divided into five wards: Aoba-ku, Izumi-ku, Miyagino-ku, Taihaku-ku, and Wakabayashi-ku. In Aoba-ku, you'll find the poualr Ichibancho shopping district and the Jozenji-Dori, a famous walking path lined with statues situated between Kotodai and Nishikicho parks. Aoba is also home to the city center and the major tourist attractions. Izumi-ku is more residential and home to many of the college campuses in Sendai.
Miyagino-ku, Taihaku-ku, and Wakabayashi-ku are also more residential areas with smaller shops catering to locals. It is important to note that Wakabayashi is still rebuilding itself after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which nearly wiped out the entire ward.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.