A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Koyasan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Koyasan? 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.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Koyasan?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Koyasan, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Koyasan.

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

When is the best time to visit Dalian or Koyasan?

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 Dalian or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Koyasan. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dalian is generally cooler than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Dalian is cooler than Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dalian or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dalian in the winter. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Koyasan. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Dalian