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

Should you visit Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dubai and Dewa Sanzan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dewa Sanzan

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

Dubai and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Dewa Sanzan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dubai 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 Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Dewa Sanzan is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Dubai 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, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Dubai is very good for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a great religious site for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Dubai 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, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. 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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Dewa Sanzan are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Dewa Sanzan is a nice destination for couples. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

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

Dewa Sanzan is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Dubai 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 Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

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

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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 Dubai or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Dubai and Dewa Sanzan are decent when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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 Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. 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.

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this remote destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dubai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Dewa Sanzan?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find museums around the sacred destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Dewa Sanzan is in Asia, 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

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

Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Dewa Sanzan. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails.

Dubai is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Dubai