A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dewa Sanzan than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dewa Sanzan is better known for its museums & sights, food, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. Also, Dewa Sanzan is famous for Haguro-san. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dewa Sanzan is a moderate religious site for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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, Mount Aspiring National Park is very family-friendly. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

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

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Mount Aspiring National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Dewa Sanzan and Mount Aspiring National Park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Dewa Sanzan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The remote destination of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This religious site offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find museums around the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.