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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a cultural, natural, and rural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Dewa Sanzan and Rockhampton are both popular with visitors, Rockhampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rockhampton is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Rockhampton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is very good for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

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

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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Rockhampton Better for Families?

Rockhampton 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, Rockhampton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

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

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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 Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan and Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

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

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional town of Rockhampton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This religious site 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the natural destination of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

The sacred religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. 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.

The charming town of Rockhampton offers shopping and museums. 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 Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

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

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

Both Rockhampton and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Rockhampton. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Rockhampton. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Dewa Sanzan