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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

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 Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dewa Sanzan and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Dewa Sanzan and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its museums & sights. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach?

Dewa Sanzan is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Airlie Beach is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

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 Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Airlie Beach is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

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 Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Airlie Beach is a perfect choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach is not to be missed. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Airlie Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Airlie Beach 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, Airlie Beach is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

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 Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Airlie Beach has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Dewa Sanzan is a good religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

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 Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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 Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this religious religious site offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the slow-paced town of Airlie Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the slow-paced destination of Airlie Beach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums around the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the slow-paced town of Airlie Beach. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dewa Sanzan and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dewa Sanzan is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dewa Sanzan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Airlie Beach. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dewa Sanzan is generally cooler than Airlie Beachin January. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 23°C (74°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the summer, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Airlie Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Airlie Beachin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Dewa Sanzan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Airlie Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in January average around -1°C (30°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 16°C (62°F)in July.

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Airlie Beach. Furthermore, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin October. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 9°C (47°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Dewa Sanzan