A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dewa Sanzan. Although Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Dewa Sanzan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. It is also home to Haguro-san.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Dewa Sanzan is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook offer decent nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan doesn't offer many options. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Aoraki Mount Cook. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly mountain. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly religious site. 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 Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Aoraki Mount Cook has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Dewa Sanzan is a good religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook are both good destinations for backpackers.

Dewa Sanzan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dewa Sanzan is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums around the remote 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain 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.

Five days in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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.

The scenic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook 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.

A week in Dewa Sanzan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dewa Sanzan and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dewa Sanzan is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Dewa Sanzan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dewa Sanzan 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook than you might in Dewa Sanzan.

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