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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Dewa Sanzan and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Dewa Sanzan and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

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

Picton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Picton is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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 Picton Better for Beaches?

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

Picton is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Picton Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Picton.

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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

Picton 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

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 Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses 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 Picton a more walkable city?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dewa Sanzan or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dewa Sanzan than Picton 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 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Picton. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Picton?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The picturesque town of Picton offers museums and food. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the remote destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

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

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

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 Picton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally cooler than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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 Picton this time of year.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton 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 January than Pictonin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Picton in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pictonin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Dewa Sanzan