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

Should you visit Dubai or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Dubai and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Koyasan?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Koyasan and Dubai.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dubai. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Koyasan is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Koyasan is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Koyasan?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Families?

Dubai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Koyasan is a great town for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Is Dubai or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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 Koyasan Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Koyasan both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Koyasan has a few public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Dubai or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Koyasan. 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 Koyasan. 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 Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Koyasan?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Koyasan?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Koyasan, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Koyasan 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 Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Koyasan. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Koyasan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubai is much warmer than Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Dubai