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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Katoomba. Although Dewa Sanzan and Katoomba are popular destinations, Katoomba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Katoomba is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also well known for Scenic World. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Dewa Sanzan and Katoomba.

Dewa Sanzan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Katoomba. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Katoomba is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

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 Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

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 Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba specifically for its hiking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

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 Katoomba Better for Families?

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

Katoomba is one of the most popular family destinations. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

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

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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 Katoomba Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

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.

Because Katoomba is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dewa Sanzan is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 23°C (74°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the summer, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Dewa Sanzan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in January average around -1°C (30°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Katoombain July. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Katoomba. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 9°C (47°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Dewa Sanzan