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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port 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, shopping, and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Shanghai and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Shanghai different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Shanghai are world-renowned. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Shanghai 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, Shanghai is very family-friendly. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly port 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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Dewa Sanzan is a good port city 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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Shanghai is a bustling port city where you can fill many days. 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.

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Shanghai is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This port city 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this religious site makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dewa Sanzan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Shanghai is a trendy port city where you can fill many days. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This religious site offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Dewa Sanzan. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. 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. Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Shanghai is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dewa Sanzan. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Shanghai