A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Dewa Sanzan vs. Sado for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Dewa Sanzan and Sado: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sado. Although Dewa Sanzan and Sado are popular destinations, Sado has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis. It is also well known for .


How is Dewa Sanzan different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Sado 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 Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History 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 Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

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

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Sado 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 Sado. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Sado Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

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

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 Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.


Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Sado is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

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 Sado Better for Families?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Sado is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Sado is a family-friendly island. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

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 Sado Better for Couples?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Both Dewa Sanzan and Sado are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Dewa Sanzan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Sado is a good religious site for couples to visit. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.


Is Dewa Sanzan or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Dewa Sanzan and Sado are both nice 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 Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Dewa Sanzan is a moderate religious site for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Sado a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan
Sado

Dewa Sanzan is a moderate religious site for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sado is not a very walkable religious site. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.


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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dewa Sanzan or Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional island of Sado. 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 Sado?

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the cultural destination of Sado. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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 Sado?

You'll find museums around the remote destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural island of Sado offers food 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 Sado?

The remote religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 museums and food when visiting Sado. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Dewa Sanzan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dewa Sanzan is $66, while the average daily cost in Sado is $63. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dewa Sanzan and Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dewa Sanzan $28
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dewa Sanzan $56
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Dewa Sanzan and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Dewa Sanzan or Sado? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dewa Sanzan


Hotels in Sado


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices and Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $23
    Sado $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Dewa Sanzan or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado and Dewa Sanzan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dewa Sanzan $24
    Sado $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $9.34
    Sado $8.53

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Small-Group Zenpoji Temple Zen Experience in Yamagata: $216
  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $236

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dewa Sanzan $7.36
    Sado $67


When comparing the travel costs between Dewa Sanzan and Sado, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Sado Expensive?.



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sado in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Sado. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dewa Sanzan is generally around the same temperature as Sado. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 23°C (74°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sado during autumn. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Dewa Sanzan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in January average around -1°C (30°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Dewa Sanzan often gets more sunshine than Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Sado.

In April, Dewa Sanzan is generally cooler than Sado. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 9°C (47°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sado during spring. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sado. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)


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