Japan

Janet

My husband and I are starting to plan a trip to Japan next spring. Any fabbers who have spent time there, do you have recommendations for where to visit?

We may also take extra time and visit another location in east Asia while we are all the way on that side of the world. I know people who have enjoyed Vietnam, Hong Kong, etc. Any recommendations there as well?

We would be interested in a mix of experiences — city and country, cultural and natural interests. Good food, scenery, etc. We love Asian gardens and design.

Thanks in advance!

6 months ago

Off Topic

11 replies

Latest reply was from jasmine

Teresa

Active Member

My husband and I spent six months in Asia in 2024. Loved Japan, it’s exquisite. Tokyo is amazing, but Osaka is a fantastic stop if you have time. We did a self guided multi day hike/walk along the Nakasendo trail, through lovely countryside and old towns, you may be interested in checking that out. In Tokyo, we were able to attend a sumo training session, as there were no matches to watch, and that was a unique experience that I recommend! In Osaka, a mural tour on bikes was a fun activity.

So many fab places in Asia, but I recommend Taiwan as a sleeper destination. So beautiful, fantastic food, great transit, friendly people. Hiking is accessible in the mountains and national parks, tea country is a trekking area too—and even in the hills around Taipei, where you can take a bus to the trailheads. Wherever you go, hope you have a fantastic time.

6 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well, Janet. Hong Kong is my home town! I can write a book on what to see and where to go there. Few people know it better than me. My favourite city in the world

LOVE Japan. Faves are Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto. Must stay in a ryokan. Osaka is worth going to, too.

6 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

We went on a tour in February, focusing on birds. So, if you look at those lists of top places to go, we went to none of them. One place we went, though, in the Tokyo area, was the Hokusai museum. He was the artist who did Thirty Six Views of Mt Fuji.

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6 months ago

Peri

Veteran

I've never been, but my fantasy trip would include a tour of a tea plantation. Ideal would be if there was an educational/experience element to it, like seeing how the tea is grown, picked, processed, and then be able to have a tea ceremony of some sort where you get to taste and learn about the different types. If you are interested, I hope you get to do something like that.

I also second the Taiwan recommendation, I know second hand that it is a beautiful country. And there is this...Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same sex marriage. Not super hip and trendy Japan or Korea, nope...Taiwan. You have to admire a country that just quietly makes things right.

6 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This is awesome— thank you for the great info! I wondered about Taiwan. One of my dearest childhood friends was from Taiwan. She was amazing. Her parents moved their family to the states in 1969. My friend, who was 6 when we met, taught her parents English. She was a classically trained pianist and later became a doctor. Truly a brilliant person. I’ve always been fascinated with Asian countries and cultures. Can’t wait!

6 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I've been to Taiwan a few times too! Definitely worth a visit. I prefer Singapore to Taiwan, though, FWIW.

I do not reccomment going to HK in the Summer. It's very hot, wet and humid. You will not enjoy it. Nov to Feb is the best time to be there

6 months ago

DonnaF

Veteran

A friend who is/was in Japan just posted delicious looking pics of food sold on the Shinkansen bullet train so no need to scurry around to pick up food before hopping on the train.

6 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

How exciting! This sounds wonderful!

6 months ago

Gail

Veteran

I lived in Tokyo quite a few years ago and would probably have got to see a lot more had I not had an infant and a 2 year old . Not sure when you're planning to go but the cherry blossoms are amazing in the parks in Tokyo. Ginza is worth a visit as the department store there was very cool. Shibuya on a weekend is something to see simply because it is such a bustling place. Roppongi is the place for night life, I think I only managed to go a couple of times lol!
A trip to Kyoto on the Shinkansen is worth a trip too.

6 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

Kyoto is my favourite place to visit in Japan to get a dose of Japan's history and culture including gardens. This is the place to do a Tea Ceremony in a beautiful garden and teahouse.

I recommend The Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto for cherry blossoms

Philosopher's Path - Kyoto Travel

Gion is the famous district where the Geisha live. We enjoyed staying at a small hotel in Gion Mume as then we were close to the historical parts of Kyoto -

MUME - 2025 Reviews (Kyoto, Japan) - Photos of Boutique Hotel - Tripadvisor

Tokyo is a fun and vibrant city - I like to stay in Shibuya, Cat Street has an amazing array of shops and is close to Harajuku, which is a must-see experience, although not quite as edgy and fun as it used to be.

Ginza is more up-market and has luxury brands. The most amazing store is Dover Street Markets - like an art gallery!

New Items | DSM Ginza

6 months ago

jasmine

Active Member

There are currently LOTS of tourists visiting Japan because of the weaker yen, so if crowds are not your thing I would avoid the most popular spots and try to seek out places that are less well known. This list has some good recommendations from a local: https://www.reddit.com/r/Japan....._and_many/

6 months ago

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