A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Paihia for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Sendai or Paihia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Paihia, 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 lively, high energy, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a relaxing, fun-filled, and beautiful coastal town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Paihia travel costs.

Sendai and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Paihia?

Both Paihia and Sendai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Sendai is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Paihia is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paihia is more touristy than Sendai and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Sendai different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paihia 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 Paihia?

Sendai is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

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

Paihia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

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 Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Paihia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Sendai or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Paihia to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sendai or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Paihia is renowned for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Paihia are among the best in the world. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

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 Paihia Better for Hiking?

Paihia 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 Paihia. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Paihia?

Sendai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Sendai or Paihia Better for Families?

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

Paihia is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Paihia has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia 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 Paihia. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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 Paihia 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, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Paihia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Is Sendai or Paihia a more walkable city?

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

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.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Paihia?

In either Sendai or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Sendai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

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

One day in Sendai or Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sendai. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paihia. 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 Paihia?

Sendai 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.

Paihia is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sendai or Paihia?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paihia. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sendai or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Sendai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Paihia. This coastal town 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Paihia, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Paihia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai is in Asia and Paihia is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Paihia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paihia 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 Paihia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Paihia?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Paihia, 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.