A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Christchurch for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sendai or Christchurch?

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

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

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sendai travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Christchurch travel costs.

Sendai and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Christchurch?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sendai than Christchurch. Sendai is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sendai is better known for its big city activities, while Christchurch is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Also, Sendai is famous for the statue of Lord Masamune. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Sendai different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sendai and Christchurch.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Christchurch. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

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

Christchurch has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

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 Sendai or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Both Sendai and Christchurch have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Sendai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Christchurch know how to have a good time. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Sendai or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

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 Sendai or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Christchurch?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sendai and Christchurch.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Sendai or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Christchurch is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or Christchurch Better for Families?

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

Christchurch is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Sendai or Christchurch Better for Couples?

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

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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 Sendai or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Sendai or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Christchurch is a great city to visit as a student. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Sendai or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Sendai and Christchurch are very good when it comes to walkability.

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.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Sendai or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

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

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

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

One day in Sendai or Christchurch?

In Sendai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this high energy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. 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.

A weekend in Sendai or Christchurch?

Sendai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch 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.

Five days in Sendai or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Sendai or Christchurch?

Sendai is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Sendai and Christchurch, 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. Even though Sendai is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Christchurch?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sendai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sendai or Christchurch in the Summer?

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

Sendai is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Christchurch in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sendai is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sendai in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sendai or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Christchurch. The winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

The weather in Sendai can be very cold. In January, Sendai is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 2°C (35°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Sendai often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Christchurch in the Spring?

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

Sendai is cooler than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Sendai