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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Dewa Sanzan and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find museums around the remote destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active city of Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find museums around the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. If you have a weekend, this religious site makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the thrilling destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city 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 Surfers Paradise?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the glamourous city of Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. 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 city.

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.

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

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise?

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

Both Surfers Paradise and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dewa Sanzan is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. Furthermore, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around 13°C (56°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Surfers Paradise. Many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around -1°C (30°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 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 Surfers Paradisein July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein October. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Dewa Sanzan usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Surfers Paradisein October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Dewa Sanzan