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

Should you visit Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Nara and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Nara different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nara 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 Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Nara is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Nara has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

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

Nara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for its Old Town?

Nara 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 Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Dewa Sanzan does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Nara and Dewa Sanzan both have great trails.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Nara is well-known for its shopping. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Nara 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, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

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

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Dewa Sanzan are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Nara is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Nara?

How long in Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tranquil city of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

The historic city of Nara offers shopping and 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.

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 Nara or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The traditional 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 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 Nara and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

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

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

Nara is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Nara often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 183 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 Nara. Nara usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

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

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Nara gets 159 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. Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nara usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nara as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Nara can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nara is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Nara usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

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

Nara is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nara. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Nara gets 127 mm (5 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 Nara