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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle. Although Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle are both popular with visitors, Newcastle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Newcastle is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also home to the Bathers Way. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Newcastle 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 Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

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

Newcastle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

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

Newcastle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

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

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.


Is Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Dewa Sanzan is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

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

Newcastle is well-known for its shopping. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international 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 Newcastle Better for Families?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Newcastle is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Newcastle Better for Couples?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Both Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle are good 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.

Newcastle is a good religious site for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle are both good 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 Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

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

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan
Newcastle

Newcastle is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that can be explored 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 Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dewa Sanzan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

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.

The high energy city of Newcastle offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle 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 Newcastle is $96. 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 Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dewa Sanzan $30
    Newcastle $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dewa Sanzan $60
    Newcastle $94
Compare Hotels in Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle


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 Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $24
    Newcastle $8.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $30
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $91
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $30
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $271
  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $782
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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
    Newcastle $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $9.95
    Newcastle $16

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 Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $96
  • 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $279
  • Animal Lovers Boutique Tour: $183
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $35
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $38
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $52
  • Aussie Country Adventure. Departing Newcastle. : $165
  • Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $155
  • CARRINGTON: Spirit School Distilling Experience: $238
  • Coastal 2.5-hour Adventure Boat Tour from Newcastle: $85
  • Eat And Drink Newcastle History Walking Tour: $62
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dewa Sanzan $7.84
    Newcastle $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.90
  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $6.91
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
  • Distillery Tour at Earp Distilling Co.: $14
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $14
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $21
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $24
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $27
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $35
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $52


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



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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Newcastle. Most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is around the same temperature as Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the summer, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally cooler than Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Dewa Sanzan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein July. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 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 Newcastlein July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Newcastle. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


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