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

Should you visit Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kobe and Dewa Sanzan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kobe

Kobe is a quaint, subdued, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Kobe and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe. Although Kobe and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Kobe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kobe is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Kobe different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Dewa Sanzan and Kobe.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kobe. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kobe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Kobe 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 Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. 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.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Kobe is well-known for its shopping. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

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

Kobe is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Kobe and Dewa Sanzan both good destinations for a couple.

Kobe is a good city for couples to visit. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Dewa Sanzan is a nice destination for couples. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kobe and Dewa Sanzan are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Kobe has some public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

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 Kobe or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

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

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Kobe. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the multicultural destination of Kobe. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

The subdued city of Kobe 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.

You'll find museums around the traditional destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kobe or Dewa Sanzan?

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

The sacred religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Kobe and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

In July, Kobe is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Kobe usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Kobe gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kobe usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kobe or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

Kobe is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kobe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kobe usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kobe or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In the winter, Kobe is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kobe in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Kobe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan during winter. Kobe gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Kobe usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kobe or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Kobe during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

In April, Kobe is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 15°C (58°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Kobe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 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 Kobe