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

Should you visit Perth 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 Perth and Dewa Sanzan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Perth and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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


Is there more to do in Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Perth. Although Perth and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Perth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Perth is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its hiking. Perth is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Perth different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth 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 Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

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

Perth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth 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 Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

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

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.


Is Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is great for hiking. However, Perth 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth 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 Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local 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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth 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, Perth is very family-friendly. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Both Perth and Dewa Sanzan are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Dewa Sanzan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

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

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

For backpackers, both Perth and Dewa Sanzan are nice places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.


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

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

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

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Perth
Dewa Sanzan

Perth is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Perth?

How long in Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Perth or Dewa Sanzan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3

One day in Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Perth. 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.

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this religious 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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

The relaxed city of Perth 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.

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 Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. 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.

You'll find museums around the traditional 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Perth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $158, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $86. 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 Perth and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Dewa Sanzan $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Dewa Sanzan $58
Compare Hotels in Perth and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Perth 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 Perth


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: Perth Hotel Prices and Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Dewa Sanzan $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Perth Airport(PER) to Fremantle Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $74
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $74
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $221
  • PER Airport to Perth City Centre Private Transfer: $34
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
  • Perth Airport (PER) to Perth city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $61
  • Departure Transfer: Perth to Perth Airport PER by Business Car: $79
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Perth 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
    Perth $62
    Dewa Sanzan $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $101
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $122
  • Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour: $124
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $148
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Dewa Sanzan $9.56

Tours and Activities in Perth

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

  • 1 Day Margaret River Sightseeing Tour from Perth: $133
  • 2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
  • 2 Hours Culture and Street Art Tour in Fremantle: $43
  • 2 hour whale watching experience departing Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
  • 6 Hours Pinnacles Express Tour : $128
  • Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise: $109
  • Bespoke Perth City and Surrounds Day Tour: $228
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Canning River Half-Day Kayak Wildlife Tour: $52
  • City of Perth Tour: $132
  • City of Perth Tour: $134
  • Discover Perth Full Day Tour: $101

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: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.47
    Dewa Sanzan $7.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Half Day Afternoon: $70
  • Swan Valley Half-Day Wine Tour - Small Group Experience: $70
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $70
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $78
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $82
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $98
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Full Day: $100
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $109
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: $115


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



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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Dewa Sanzan. The summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

In the summer, Perth is around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F)in July.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzanin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Perth or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Dewa Sanzan. The shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails.

In April, Perth is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzanin October. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzanin October. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzanin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Perth or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. Perth is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F)in January.

Perth usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzanin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Perth or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Perth is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzanin April. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzanin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Perth

Perth Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)