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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Dewa Sanzan and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotorua is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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 Rotorua Better for Families?

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

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Rotorua has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dewa Sanzan and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua?

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

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

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The world-renowned town of Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

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

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

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

Both Rotorua and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally cooler than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Rotorua. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Rotorua. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Dewa Sanzan