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

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Torquay: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Torquay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Torquay than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Torquay is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. Also, Torquay is famous for Bells Beach. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Dewa Sanzan and Torquay.

Dewa Sanzan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.


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

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

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

Torquay has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

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 Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

Torquay 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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

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 Torquay Better for Beaches?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

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

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.


Is Dewa Sanzan or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

You'll find excellent hiking in both Dewa Sanzan and Torquay.

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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Torquay?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

Torquay 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 Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to 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 Torquay Better for Families?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

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

Torquay is a family-friendly surf town. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

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 Torquay Better for Couples?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

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

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

Dewa Sanzan and Torquay 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 Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

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

Torquay has some public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan
Torquay

Torquay 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.

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Torquay?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Dewa Sanzan or Torquay?

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy surf town of Torquay. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Torquay?

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Torquay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This surf town 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 Torquay?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The laid back surf town of Torquay 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay 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 Torquay is $91. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dewa Sanzan $30
    Torquay $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dewa Sanzan $60
    Torquay $82
Compare Hotels in Dewa Sanzan and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Dewa Sanzan or Torquay? 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 Torquay


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $24
    Torquay $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Dewa Sanzan or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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
    Torquay $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dewa Sanzan $9.95
    Torquay $11

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: $249

Tours and Activities in Torquay

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

  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $76
  • Full Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $111
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $99
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $97
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $55
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $97
  • Sunset Twilight Cruise in Hervey Bay: $38
  • Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $87
  • Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dewa Sanzan $7.84
    Torquay $7.83


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



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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Torquay. The hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is around the same temperature as Torquay in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Torquayin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Torquay. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. Additionally, many visitors come to Torquay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Torquay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Torquay averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Torquay in the Winter?

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

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Torquayin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Dewa Sanzan during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Torquay in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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