A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milford Sound. Although Dewa Sanzan and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Milford Sound has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Milford Sound is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. It is also home to Mitre Peak. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound?

Dewa Sanzan is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dewa Sanzan is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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 Milford Sound?

Dewa Sanzan is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan and Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Dewa Sanzan and Milford Sound.

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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable religious site. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound?

Dewa Sanzan and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Dewa Sanzan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Couples should spend more time in Milford Sound than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Dewa Sanzan or Milford Sound?

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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