A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Dewa Sanzan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Dewa Sanzan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Hangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Hangzhou and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Dewa Sanzan


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.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Dewa Sanzan $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
    Dewa Sanzan $24
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27


When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Dewa Sanzan. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Dewa Sanzan.

Hangzhou is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)