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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

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 Hobart can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Hobart

Hobart is a historical, charming, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hobart than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hobart is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Also, Hobart is famous for Battery Point. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Hobart specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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.


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

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

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 Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart 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 Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

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 Hobart Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

You'll find superb hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Hobart.

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 Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.


Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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 Hobart Better for Families?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart 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, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

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 Hobart Better for Couples?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hobart makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Dewa Sanzan and Hobart are both notable 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 Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

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

Hobart has some public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan
Hobart

Hobart 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.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dewa Sanzan and Hobart. In our opinion, Hobart has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hobart than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hobart 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 Hobart.


  • How many days in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3 
    Hobart 2-3

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Hobart. 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.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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 Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The charming city of Hobart offers shopping and 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.


A week in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Hobart or Dewa Sanzan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dewa Sanzan is $70, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $141. 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 Dewa Sanzan and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dewa Sanzan $30
    Hobart $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dewa Sanzan $60
    Hobart $160
Compare Hotels in Dewa Sanzan and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Dewa Sanzan or Hobart? 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 Dewa Sanzan


Hotels in Hobart


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 and Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $24
    Hobart $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

Also for Hobart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $30
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart Airport (HBA): $30
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Hobart Cruise Port: $30
  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $230
  • Hobart to Hobart Int Airport (HBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $13
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Dewa Sanzan 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
    Dewa Sanzan $26
    Hobart $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hobart

For Hobart, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hobart Half Day Wine and Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $9.95
    Hobart $24

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

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

  • Mount Haguro E-Bike Sightseeing Tour in Yamagata, Japan: $202
  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $248

Tours and Activities in Hobart

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.

  • 2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Tour - Bruny Island & Port Arthur: $166
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $236
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $34
  • 9 Day Tasmania Tour in Circle: $2,715
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $27
  • Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart: $84
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $82
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $179
  • Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart: $185
  • Cascade Historic Tour: $17
  • Cruise Ship - Wine Shore Excursion - Hobart: $150
  • Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dewa Sanzan $7.84
    Hobart $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cascade Brewery Historic Tour: $17
  • Cascade Brewery Experience: $24
  • Winery, Distillery and Brewery - Guided Tasting Tour: $133
  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $146
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart & SE Tasmania: $150
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart & SE Tasmania: $153
  • From Drink Tasmania Whisky Distillery Tour: $203
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $209
  • Coal Valley Tour with lunch, gin and wine tastings: $227
  • Distillery Tours, Thirty Tastings, Cheese & Lunch: $238
  • Tassie Distillery Tour - Up to 30 tastings Lunch and morning tea : $244


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dewa Sanzan and Hobart, we can see that Hobart 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 Hobart 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart 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 Hobart Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Hobart?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Hobart 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 Hobart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Hobart. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hobart in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during summer. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Hobartin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Hobart. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails. Additionally, most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is around the same temperature as Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Hobartin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Hobartin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hobart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In January, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Hobartin July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during winter. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Hobartin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Dewa Sanzan during the spring are popular places to visit.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Hobartin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Hobartin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)