A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Dewa Sanzan for Hiking, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its nightlife and shopping. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. It is also home to Mount Fuji. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Dewa Sanzan can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Dewa Sanzan offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Dewa Sanzan can be found for those interested. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very family-friendly. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly national park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Dewa Sanzan is a good national park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has some public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

One day in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the majestic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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.

The religious destination of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This religious site offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

The world renowned national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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.

You'll find museums around the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Dewa Sanzan. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 26°C (78°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dewa Sanzan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dewa Sanzan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 14°C (57°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park