A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Dewa Sanzan for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dewa Sanzan. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Dewa Sanzan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dewa Sanzan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. It is also well known for Haguro-san.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Dewa Sanzan. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Dewa Sanzan This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan are destinations which offer superb hiking.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Dewa Sanzan can be found for those interested. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very family-friendly. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly national park. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Dewa Sanzan is a good national park for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan are nice places to visit.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good national park to visit for backpackers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable national park. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chichibu-Tama-Kai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Dewa Sanzan.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the relaxing national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums around the destination of Dewa Sanzan, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With museums around the sacred religious site of Dewa Sanzan, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

The relaxing national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

In the summer, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chichibu-Tama-Kai as well as Dewa Sanzan. Most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In October, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 17°C (62°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be very cold. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In the spring, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Chichibu-Tama-Kai