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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Taupo?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Dewa Sanzan and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taupo than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taupo is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums. Taupo is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Also, Taupo is famous for the Craters of the Moon reserve. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dewa Sanzan or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is among the world's best ski destinations. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

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

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dewa Sanzan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Taupo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo 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 Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

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 Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Taupo?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

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 Taupo Better for Families?

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

Taupo is one of the most popular family destinations. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo 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, Taupo has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo 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, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures 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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to 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.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Taupo?

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this sacred destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning town of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The stunning town of Taupo offers food and shopping. 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 Taupo?

You'll find museums around the remote destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.