A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Lake Tekapo for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dewa Sanzan. Although Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Dewa Sanzan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums and attractions, while Lake Tekapo is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. It is also home to Haguro-san.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dewa Sanzan is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo can be an enjoyable experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Dewa Sanzan. 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.

Lake Tekapo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo offer decent nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan doesn't offer many options. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Lake Tekapo. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

Neither Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo offer decent shopping options.

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.

Lake Tekapo has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly religious site. 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 Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dewa Sanzan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Lake Tekapo is a good religious site for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo are both good destinations for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

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

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dewa Sanzan than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than Lake Tekapo 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 Dewa Sanzan.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the remote religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the small town of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This religious site 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the small destination of Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

The traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers 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.

The basic town of Lake Tekapo offers . 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.

A week in Dewa Sanzan or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Dewa Sanzan and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dewa Sanzan is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive? and Is Lake Tekapo Expensive?.