A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Dewa Sanzan vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Dewa Sanzan and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Dewa Sanzan and Sapporo are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Sapporo is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Dewa Sanzan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sapporo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Sapporo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a great religious site for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Sapporo is well-known for its shopping. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo 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, Sapporo is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun 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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Sapporo is very popular with students. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Sapporo has some very good public transit options. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a park-filled city where you can fill many days. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a park-filled big city where you can fill many days. This city 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 Sapporo?

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 snowy city of Sapporo offers museums and skiing. 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 Sapporo?

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 skiing and nightlife when visiting Sapporo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dewa Sanzan and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Sapporo. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Sapporo. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. Dewa Sanzan is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Dewa Sanzan during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Dewa Sanzan