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

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a tranquil, scenic, and traditional town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yamaguchi. Although Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Yamaguchi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yamaguchi is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking and shopping. Yamaguchi is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways. It is also home to Akiyoshido (a limestone cave). Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Yamaguchi different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

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

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Dewa Sanzan can be found for those interested. 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.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi is a family-friendly town. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly town. 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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Dewa Sanzan is a good town 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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yamaguchi. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Dewa Sanzan is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi has some public transit options. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Dewa Sanzan

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

Yamaguchi is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3

One day in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

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

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the scenic destination of Yamaguchi. This town 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.

You'll find museums around the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this religious site has to offer. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

The scenic town of Yamaguchi offers food 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious religious site of Dewa Sanzan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Yamaguchi. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Yamaguchi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yamaguchi is $81, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $66. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $46
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $92
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yamaguchi


Hotels in Dewa Sanzan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices and Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $20
    Dewa Sanzan $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

Also for Yamaguchi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Yamaguchi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yamaguchi $22
    Dewa Sanzan $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.49
    Dewa Sanzan $9.34

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Small-Group Zenpoji Temple Zen Experience in Yamagata: $216
  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $236

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $8.02
    Dewa Sanzan $7.36


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



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

Both Dewa Sanzan and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking.

In July, Yamaguchi is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 26°C (79°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. In July, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Yamaguchi during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Dewa Sanzan. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dewa Sanzan. In the winter, Yamaguchi is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yamaguchi in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Yamaguchi usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty.

In April, Yamaguchi is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 14°C (57°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)


Related Articles for Yamaguchi
Related Articles for Dewa Sanzan