A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kamakura vs. Dewa Sanzan for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Kamakura 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Kamakura and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamakura. Although Kamakura and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Kamakura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamakura is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its hiking. Kamakura is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Kamakura different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

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

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

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

Kamakura has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its old town. However, Dewa Sanzan does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Dewa Sanzan does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

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

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly coastal 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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

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

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Dewa Sanzan is a good coastal 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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kamakura and Dewa Sanzan are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Dewa Sanzan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kamakura and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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

One day in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

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

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the ancient destination of Kamakura. This coastal 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this religious site makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dewa Sanzan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

The charming coastal city of Kamakura offers shopping and museums. 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. 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. This religious site offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Kamakura during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

In the summer, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamakura in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

In October, Kamakura is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 18°C (64°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. Kamakura is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Kamakura is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamakura in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 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 Kamakura