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

Should you visit Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Dewa Sanzan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Ise and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ise than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ise is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Ise is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. Also, Ise is famous for the Ise Jingu shrine complex. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Ise different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ise and Dewa Sanzan.

Ise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Ise is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ise. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Ise is very good for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Ise to enjoy the beach. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Ise 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 Ise. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

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

Ise is a family-friendly city. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. 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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Both Ise and Dewa Sanzan are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Ise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Dewa Sanzan is a good city 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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise and Dewa Sanzan are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ise is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

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

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Ise?

How long in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ise and Dewa Sanzan. In our opinion, Ise has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ise than Dewa Sanzan. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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

One day in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Ise. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums around the traditional destination of Dewa Sanzan, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Ise. 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.

Many people visit Dewa Sanzan for a weekend. With museums around the religious religious site of Dewa Sanzan, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

The authentic city of Ise offers museums and food. 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.

The destination of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ise or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dewa Sanzan, a popular religious site, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

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

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

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 Ise or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ise as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

Ise is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Ise often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ise usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In the autumn, Ise is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ise in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Ise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Ise. In October, Ise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ise or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Ise during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The weather in Ise can be very cold. In January, Ise is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 5°C (40°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Ise often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ise usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Dewa Sanzan. The beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

Ise is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Ise usually receives less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ise usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Ise