Dewa Sanzan is a remote religious site known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Dewa Sanzan?
A typical traveler spends $86 (¥12,673) per day on a trip to Dewa Sanzan. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Dewa Sanzan based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $43 (¥6,333) on meals
- $23 (¥3,429) on local transportation
- $58 (¥8,543) on hotels
A one-week trip to Dewa Sanzan for two people costs, on average, $1,199 (¥177,422). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$600
¥88,711
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,199
¥177,422
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One Month
Per person
$2,570
¥380,190
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,199
¥177,422
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,399
¥354,844
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One Month
For a couple
$5,140
¥760,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dewa Sanzan cost?
A one week trip to Dewa Sanzan usually costs around $600 (¥88,711) for one person and $1,199 (¥177,422) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dewa Sanzan on average costs around $1,199 (¥177,422) for one person and $2,399 (¥354,844) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dewa Sanzan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dewa Sanzan on average costs around $2,570 (¥380,190) for one person and $5,140 (¥760,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dewa Sanzan expensive to visit?
In Dewa Sanzan, budget travelers spend $38 (¥5,544) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $86 (¥12,673) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $165 (¥24,216) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Dewa Sanzan.
Dewa Sanzan is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You can find Dewa Sanzan to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like enjoying the free hiking trails and looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within Asia, Dewa Sanzan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Puerto Princesa or Bali.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dewa Sanzan?
The average Dewa Sanzan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dewa Sanzan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dewa Sanzan cost?
Dewa Sanzan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(¥1,869)
|
$29
(¥4,272)
|
$55
(¥8,162)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$10
(¥1,500)
|
$23
(¥3,429)
|
$44
(¥6,552)
|
|
Food2
|
$19
(¥2,771)
|
$43
(¥6,333)
|
$82
(¥12,102)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(¥619)
|
$10
(¥1,414)
|
$18
(¥2,703)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(¥244-731)
|
$4-11
(¥557-1,671)
|
$7-22
(¥1,065-3,194)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Dewa Sanzan on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $38 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Dewa Sanzan will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $86 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $165. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the religious site will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dewa Sanzan
Hotel rates in Dewa Sanzan vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $175 to $327. Expect prices to range from $85 for budget hotels to $653 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dewa Sanzan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $58 (¥8,543). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $29 (¥4,272) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dewa Sanzan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Dewa Sanzan
Dewa Sanzan lacks an efficient public transit system. 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.
Unfortunately, many areas of the religious site do not support walking. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (¥3,429) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dewa Sanzan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dewa Sanzan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
¥3,429
The main station connecting you to the mountains is Tsuruoka Station located in the city of Yamagata. From Tsuruoka, you can take buses to the foot of Mt. Haguro and Mt. Gassan. There are only occasional buses connecting to Mt. Yudono since most people just hike from Gassan to Yudono then back to catch the bus.
There is a shuttle bus that can take you to the top of Mt. Haguro and take you from the base of Haguro to the base of Gassan. Mt. Haguro is a fair distance from the other two mountains so the shuttle bus is highly suggested seeing as you'll be doing quite a bit of walking all day already!
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
How much does it cost to go to Dewa Sanzan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dewa Sanzan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dewa Sanzan
Dining options in Dewa Sanzan are quite limited and of mediocre quality. It's better not to waste too much money on meals when there are more valuable experiences to invest in. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Dewa Sanzan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dewa Sanzan is $43 (¥6,333) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$43
¥6,333
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dewa Sanzan is around $43 (¥6333) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $82. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dewa Sanzan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Many of the food options in the Dewa Sanzan area are either chain restaurants or traditional Japanese restaurants often serving udon and soba. These small restaurants are scattered throughout the area, a few can be found at the 8th and 9th stations, the top of Mt. Gassan, and in the parking lot of Mt. Haguro. For the most options, head to the shopping center by the Mt. Yudono bus stop. Keep in mind that there is limited water supply on Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono, so be sure to have plenty of water with you before starting your hike.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dewa Sanzan
It's not a shock that Dewa Sanzan draws crowds, as it is known for its hiking, museums and attractions, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dewa Sanzan typically cost an average of $9.56 (¥1,414) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.56
¥1,414
Dewa Sanzan's three mountains are covered in beautiful pagodas, temples, and picturesque hiking trails. At the beginning of the Mt. Haguro trail, just through the forest, is the Goju-no-to five-story pagoda. Goju-no-to was built about 600 years ago and is actually registered as a National Treasure. On the mountain, about halfway up, you'll find the area where Japanese poet Basho wrote one of his famous poems. The peak of Mt. Haguro is quite flat, though it does provide stunning scenery and is also the spot of the Sanzan Gosaiden shrine which is dedicated to the spirtis of all three mountains.
Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono are actually connected at a certain point and therefore are often hiked at the same time. On Mt. Gassan, you'll find the Gassan Shrine located at the peak of the mountain. After walking the trail across to Mt. Yudono, you'll find the illustrious Mt. Yudono Shrine which actually bans any photographs and bans visitors from telling outsiders what you witness in the shrine!
Hiking is the main activity and really the only way to truly explore all of the culture and temples in the area. If you're not a huge fan of hiking, stick to Mt. Haguro as the hike consists primarily of the 2446 stone steps. There is a teahouse located halfway up the steps, making for a good resting place. For more avid hikers, check out Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono for a full-day hike through both mountains. Take caution of the weather and navigation when hiking these mountains; a simple map from the tourist office should suffice for navigation while additional gear may be needed depending on the weather. The mountains tend to see large wind gusts, cooler temperatures towards the top, and have slippery rocks when it rains, meaning proper hiking gear that is built for these conditions is a necessity.
Hiking:
The hiking around Dewa Sanzan is simply top-notch. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Dewa Sanzan is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide for $249 details
- Mount Haguro E-Bike Sightseeing Tour in Yamagata, Japan for $202 details
Nightlife Budget in Dewa Sanzan
The nightlife scene in Dewa Sanzan is mostly non-existent. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.53 (¥1,114) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dewa Sanzan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.53
¥1,114
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Dewa Sanzan
Dewa Sanzan, Japan
Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.
The climate in Dewa Sanzan is extremely important to consider when planning a trip here as weather greatly affects the accessibility of the mountains. Due to snowy winters and rainy springs and early summers, the best time to visit tends to be between July and mid-October.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city of Dewa Sanzan is made up entirely of the three holy mountains, meaning there is no city center like that of other Japanese cities. You'll find many of the shops and restaurants are located near transport. There is a small shopping center by the Mt. Yudono bus stop which has a few restaurants and shops, it is especially popular for its souvenir shops.
Just outside of Dewa Sanzan is Oami, a small district of the neighboring city Yamagata, which has two popular temples, the Dainichibo and the Churenji. The city of Yamagata is more populated and has a few more options for food and accommodation.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Japan? In search of a party in Tokyo? Traveling alone to Osaka or Tokyo?
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.