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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Christchurch

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

Dewa Sanzan and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Christchurch than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Christchurch is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Also, Christchurch is famous for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Christchurch 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 Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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

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 Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Christchurch.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Christchurch is well-known for its shopping. 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.

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 Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

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 Christchurch Better for Couples?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan 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.

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 Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan 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.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch Better for Students?

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

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

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

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

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 Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch 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.

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

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 Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 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 Christchurch.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch?

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this remote religious site offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Christchurch. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Christchurch?

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Christchurch?

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The cultural city of Christchurch offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Christchurch?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Christchurch. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Dewa Sanzan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°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, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Christchurch. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is around the same temperature as Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

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

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Christchurch. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Christchurch 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 Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

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

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

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

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Dewa Sanzan