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

Should you visit Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Tokyo and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Tokyo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Tokyo is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Tokyo different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Music?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Dewa Sanzan is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is great for hiking. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tokyo is a high tech city where you can fill many days. 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.

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this religious destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tokyo is a iconic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tokyo is a cutting edge city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan?

Tokyo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums around the traditional destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Dewa Sanzan. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

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

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Tokyo gets 137 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. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

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

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo 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. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Tokyo gets 175 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, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 161 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 Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 Tokyo