A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Canberra for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

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 Canberra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Canberra than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Canberra is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Also, Canberra is famous for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Canberra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Dewa Sanzan or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Canberra is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

Canberra is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Canberra are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dewa Sanzan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Canberra is a good religious site for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Canberra is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Dewa Sanzan or Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dewa Sanzan and Canberra. In our opinion, Canberra has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Canberra than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Canberra than Dewa Sanzan 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 Canberra.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Canberra. 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 Canberra?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this religious site makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dewa Sanzan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Canberra. This city 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 Canberra?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The diverse city of Canberra offers shopping and museums. 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 Canberra?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This religious site offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dewa Sanzan and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra?

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

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Canberra. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. In January, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Canberra. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Canberrain October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Dewa Sanzan