A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Dewa Sanzan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Dewa Sanzan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

Dewa Sanzan

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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: Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Dewa Sanzan $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
    Dewa Sanzan $24
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

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

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27


When comparing the travel costs between Cheju (Jeju) and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Dewa Sanzan. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Dewa Sanzan.

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dewa Sanzan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)