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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne?

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

Dewa Sanzan

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

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Melbourne is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne 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, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Melbourne are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dewa Sanzan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Melbourne is a good religious site for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne?

In either Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Dewa Sanzan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne?

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Melbourne is a friendly city where you can fill many days. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this religious site has to offer. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the remote religious site of Dewa Sanzan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a progressive city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Melbourne?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

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

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

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

Both Melbourne and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Melbourne. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. In January, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during winter. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Melbourne. Additionally, many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the spring, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Dewa Sanzan