A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Dewa Sanzan vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dewa Sanzan. Although Dewa Sanzan and Shiretoko National Park are both popular with visitors, Dewa Sanzan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. It is also home to Haguro-san. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dewa Sanzan is a moderate religious site for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan is not a good place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People don't go to Dewa Sanzan for the nightlife. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is not a good place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

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

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

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

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dewa Sanzan is a moderate religious site for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

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

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable place. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park 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 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find museums around the sacred religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 comparing the travel costs between Dewa Sanzan and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Shiretoko National Park. The hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Dewa Sanzan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. Dewa Sanzan is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Dewa Sanzan often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Shiretoko National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during spring. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Dewa Sanzan