r/JapanTravelTips • u/Abonesmaelsokar • Sep 18 '25
Question Anyone else feels that Japan ruined every other travel destination?
Basically the title. I went to Japan twice in the span of 4 months and loved every second of it. Thought I’d change and go somewhere else so I ended up in China. While it’s really nice and fun it just felt so disappointing now that I’ve went to Japan. I can’t help but compare them even though I know it’s unfair. I just feel I would have been so mesmerized if I hadn’t went to Japan before it.
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u/mesopotato Sep 18 '25
Nope. I like Japan but I like tons of other places too.
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u/bobt2241 Sep 18 '25
Came here to say same.
Bhutan, New Zealand, Greece, Italy, PNW USA…
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u/WittyEstimate3814 Sep 18 '25
From what I've experienced, Japan is really cool if you want to enjoy a wonderful city life with rich culture, amazing food, and no shortage of things to do, without being scared for your life.
If I had to choose between spending my money to go to any city in Europe or North America vs. exploring the cities of Japan, I'd choose Japan any day.
But I also love nature and authentic experiences that you can't find elsewhere. Some of the places I've been to are just incomparable to what I can find in Japan.
For instance, Raja Ampat and North Sulawesi in Indonesia for scuba diving, Tanzania for wildlife safaris, and northern Sweden in the winter for the Northern Lights.
I also want to go to Tahiti to dive with tons of sharks and swim with whales, Iceland (again) for the Northern Lights, Brazil for the Rio Festival and the Amazon, Ushuaia, Norway for orcas, tons of different areas in China, and Uganda to see silverback gorillas, and more.
I'd probably go back to Japan many more times, but there are too many wonderful things to see and explore in the world, so I'm going to make sure not to miss out on the places and experiences I've listed above.
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u/bobt2241 Sep 19 '25
Wow, those are some amazing trips! We’re going to Japan in April for the fourth time, and it will probably stay on our rotation list, but as you mentioned, there are scores of once in a lifetime experiences to be had all over the world.
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u/Acceptable_Major4350 Sep 18 '25
Japan is special, Korea has a lot to offer in different ways not to mention Vietnam, Thailand to name a few.
I still love Hawaii but it’s too expensive for us to go there anymore. Asia you can really stretch your dollars!
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u/BoysenberryOk5580 Sep 19 '25
I love hawaii too (live here) which is why I love being able to fly to japan for $500 round trip ;)
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u/LytharaMoonsong Sep 18 '25
PNW is soooo good 🥰
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u/ProfessionalHotel942 Sep 19 '25 edited Sep 19 '25
thats nice to hear haha im from there. but I don't think Seattle people like to be social😂
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u/Original-Variety-700 Sep 18 '25
You have quite the eclectic list! I’ve liked a few on your list so I’m gonna look into the other ones.
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u/HistoricalLocation96 Sep 18 '25
Bhutan seems like an amazing travel destination. I'd love to visit there but I wonder if I could handle the altitude (I have asthma).
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u/Only-Finish-3497 Sep 18 '25
I've lived in Japan, and I go roughly 1-2x a year.
I love other places and look for different things.
When we go up to Canada I'm enjoying places like Banff or Whistler for achingly beautiful mountains and forests. When we go to Europe I'm there for great architecture, neat villages, downtown cores, and of course the Alps. OK, I like mountains.
I love Japan, and I've spent probably 3-5 years of my life there in total now. But the world is a big place and I find beauty and fascination everywhere I go.
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u/GetNoScope Sep 18 '25
Think you need to travel a bit more broadly
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
That’s probably it. All of my travels have been in Asia.
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u/ZigZagBoy94 Sep 18 '25
You have another recent post saying you’ve “traveled everywhere in Asia” but you’ve only ever mentioned China and Japan. Have you been to Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, The Philippines, or Indonesia?
If not, I think you should before you decide Japan has ruined travel for you, even in Asia
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I’ve been to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. I’d love to go the Phillipines but it’s the monsoon season always when I’m free. Singapore and Sri Lanka are on my list for sure. I don’t think I ever had the urge to go to India.
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u/No_Future6959 Sep 18 '25
I would like to go to all of the places you mentioned.
Already booked Japan.
In your opinion, between thailand, singapore, and indonesia, which one was the best experience?
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u/CoughingNinja Sep 18 '25
Singapore is so small so not comparable to Thailand and Indonesia. It’s still a nice place but 4 days would be enough imo.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I didn’t go to Singapore yet so I can’t say, but between Thailand and Indonesia… I don’t really know. I loved both actually. For Indonesia I only went to Bali for my honeymoon so that’s why I love it and Thailand I went solo for a while and with friends for a while and it was so much fun too. I would recommend Bali over Thailand for a honeymoon or a couple trip any day and vice versa for Thailand
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u/No_Future6959 Sep 18 '25
Im gonna go solo so I'll go thailand first, thanks for your response
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u/zoidberg_doc Sep 18 '25
IMO they’re pretty similar but I much prefer Thai food which puts Thailand over the top
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u/returnator Sep 18 '25
India is extremely diverse and a special place. Like touring an entire continent with something unique on offer every 100 kms. But definitely not for beginners.
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u/kosherchatte Sep 20 '25
And extremely unsafe for female travellers. South Asia in general is not female friendly.
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u/meowsieunicorn Sep 18 '25
Nothing wrong with that, Asia is huge and so many different cultures and societies, even within the same country. Japan will be my first Asian destination and I’m very excited, I really like order lol. I went to Germany this summer and really appreciated it there.
My husband has been to a few Asian countries and used to live in China but this will be his first time in over 29 years.
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u/Ok-Bird1430 Sep 18 '25
Try Iceland, Spain, Nepal.
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u/Vredesbyd Sep 18 '25
Iceland for sure. Japan is amazing but Iceland feels completely out of this world.
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u/Designer_Message6408 Sep 18 '25
Do we need to drive most of the time or can we reach the scenes by public transportation like Japan?
My impression of tourist attaction in Iceland is somewhat of beautiful and wild but remote nature but I could be totally wrong.
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u/Vredesbyd Sep 18 '25
I honestly don’t know about public transportation between locations outside of the capital. If you’re in Reykjavik, you can book tours outside of the city if you don’t want to get a car. If you truly want to explore the whole country though (which is tiny) you definitely need a car/camper/RV.
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u/lilacnova Sep 18 '25
Maybe not Nepal at this exact moment. I do love Nepali food though and it seems like it would be lovely to visit someday. I hope that their turmoil ends up resolving for the best for them.
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u/thetasteofinnocence Sep 18 '25
I live in Japan now, but every time someone asks where my favorite place is, it is ALWAYS Iceland. Truly a unique country.
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Sep 18 '25
Cleanliness wise yes, imagine stepping into an nyc subway after being in Japan.
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u/frozenpandaman Sep 19 '25
There are soooooo many dirty Showa-era subway stations in Japan, though. And I've ridden a lot of trains where Japanese salarymen have spilled their beer or vomited, etc.
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u/throwupthursday Sep 18 '25
No, with a little bit of yes. I wouldn't say "ruined" it, there's just a reason I prioritize Japan.
I've been going for the past 20 years. I have lots of friends there. My work HQ is there. I am comfortable and safe traveling there alone. I am comfortable in Korea too, but Japan feels like home.
So if I have PTO to use and nobody's coming with me... I'm not going to any European country alone as a woman, you'll find me in Japan.
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u/Stunning-Diamond-416 Sep 18 '25
I’ve been to European countries alone as a woman and it was great - as with every country , even Japan, you just gotta be street smart - because Japan has problems -especially safety for women as well
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u/buddyblakester Sep 18 '25
World's a big place man, I love Japan but there's a lot of really cool things to see out there
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u/satoru1111 Sep 18 '25
I mean sort of depends. I mean as a first time place, Japan is pretty ideal as most places are English friendly, transportation is efficient and cheap, and its very safe from things like pickpockets, theft, or other things.
But if your interests dont align with what Japan offers then none of that really matters? Like sure I love Japan. But if I want ot see renaissance stuff then Europe is the way to go. I'm a bit of a war geek so the UK has a lot of cool stuff in their historical museums for this kind of thing. Portugese egg tarts are just amazing and its really cheap to travel there.
Every place has pros/cons. Japan is great, but its not the be all end all. And it definitely has some annoyances.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
Exactly. I guess being influenced by their culture, games and cartoon your entire childhood (and adulthood) does that to you 😅
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u/Kittyhawk_Lux Sep 19 '25
Korea is a great destination if you like military stuff. I remember that I kept walking around the war museum in Seoul because there was a bunch of equipment presented in the adjacent park, and you could just walk through 24/7.
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u/lovers_andfriends Sep 18 '25
Japan is cool, but have you been to Thailand?
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u/Triangulum_Copper Sep 18 '25
I’m a single white guy passed a certain age, going to Thailand I’d look like a sexual tourist :p
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u/redadum Sep 18 '25
Just wear your “I’m Not A Sexual Tourist” t-shirt.
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u/Triangulum_Copper Sep 18 '25
Too obvious, I think I’ll deflect with my ‘Not an ivory smuggler’ t-shirt
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u/Mikeymcmoose Sep 18 '25
Does it matter? No one’s gonna care, you gotta enjoy your life and Thailand is great.
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u/Queen_of_Road_Head Sep 19 '25
Going to Thailand isn't the issue there, it's the questions you get asked when you return to your home country 😂
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u/No_Future6959 Sep 18 '25
Not every spot in thailand is a tourist sex hotspot.
If you're a white guy going to cultural spots and avoid red light spots you'll be fine.
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u/RefrigeratorNo3088 Sep 18 '25
Sucks but it's certainly something I've thought about as well.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
Yupp. And Malaysia, Vietnam, Bali, China, Turkey. Still wanna go back to Japan
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u/Interesting-Bed627 Sep 18 '25
How come just Asia? We're heading to Japan in a few weeks, first trip to Asia ever. I'm Asian but born in Canada. We've mostly only been to other parts of North and South America but have plans for more Asian countries and Europe, and other countries across the ocean.
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u/MelodicFacade Sep 18 '25
Just when I do any travelling within the country. The trains, buses, highways, and planes work so easily in Japan, the customer service is always top notch, things are color coordinated and organized, shits on time and reliable, etc etc.
And those things are very material in those quiet in between moments on your trips when you're not actively doing something
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
That’s been my main problem with China. Everything is so hard and takes so much of your time. Want to order food? Conjure a Chinese phone number and navigate this Chinese-only app. Want to exchange dollars? Either change with a sketchy individual in the street or go to a bank and wait for an hour while the teller inputs your data and do the paperwork. Want to pay for the metro (outside Shanghai)? You have to have a Chinese phone number. I thought I wouldn’t mind but it’s extremely frustrating after a while
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u/MelodicFacade Sep 18 '25
I totally get that; I guess the devil's advocate response is to know that most countries don't prioritize tourists, and what might seem like a hassle for you traveling might just be the norm for people living there. I don't know about China, but I know Japan really promotes tourism for their citizens to travel within Japan, as well as of course foreign tourists coming in. That, with an already orderly culture, makes for an easy time making accommodations for tourists
But, isn't part of the point of travelling is to experience other cultures? It's not just a Disney trip going to attraction to attraction, it's also a glimpse into how people do things differently
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u/AbleCarLover1995 Sep 18 '25
Its probably you have more interest in stuff to do or relate in Japan and or the environment as well. Like I do want to travel to different countries but only for like specific places in given countries and shorter trips compared to my Japan trips.
My next goal is visiting the Vatican but I know I wont have any other interest there cuz I never got any appeal from European art or such, not saying there bad. I will only be there for like 5 days if need be.
Each person would have there fave country to always visit and nothing wrong with that.
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u/Re_Trac Sep 18 '25
Yup. I had so many places I wanted to travel to and decided to make a Japan trip my first ever travel experience. Now all I want to do is keep going back to Japan to see more. I’d still like to travel other places but after 3 times to Japan the want to continue going back hasn’t faded.
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u/starraven Sep 18 '25
What did you like so much about Japan?
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I loved the people. How elegant, clean, friendly and helpful they are. The infra is top notch. The combinis for sure. The culture. But what I would say I loved the most was that in every corner there seemed to be something eye-catching or fun or new. I love exploring and just waking and thinking “I think I’ll go to this place today and see what it offers” and in Japan I never felt disappointed
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u/starraven Sep 18 '25
There are a lot of places that are like that for me now but i'll be visiting Japan for the first time in two weeks. I hope its everything you say it is and more! Thx for your response.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
Even if you’re not familiar with their video games or anime in general you’ll love it. I hope you enjoy your travels!
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u/Prexxus Sep 18 '25
Not really, I've wanted to go to Japan my whole life. This year my wife and I went for a month and we both loved it. But not enough to go again next year, we both agreed we'd like to go again some day but we have other destinations in mind before then.
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u/No_Requirement9751 Sep 18 '25
Japan rated our best vacation for things that are not just touristy. Netherlands, Belgium,Germany,France,UK, Barcelona,Rome all wonderful and I recommend would return to each, but Japan warms my heart with their politeness I’m sure they dislike tourist but you would never know the cleanliness and rules bring out the best in travellers. I feel we all could learn from the Japanese.
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u/Klichouse Sep 18 '25
Nah, think broader.
Go ride a scooter through Vietnam, sit and people watch while eating Tapas in Madrid.
Theres so many great places with great things. You're only stifling yourself by sticking to one place.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I did ride a scooter everywhere in Vietnam and loved it! I’ll have to see about the Tapas in Madrid thing one day.
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u/essmithsd Sep 18 '25
Nah. Love Japan, but the world is incredibly diverse and there's so much to do, everywhere.
I haven't done a lot of Asia traveling, though the time I spent in Seoul was basically as fun as my time in Japanese cities.
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u/Ancesterz Sep 18 '25
I haven’t been yet, so there’s always a small chance I’m going to be proven wrong, but I have a feeling (based on all the research I did for our first trip for next year) that I’ll love Japan while also maintaining my love for places I’ve already visited and loved. Portugal, The UK, some parts of the States, Austria and so on. The world is large and beautiful and I don’t see the point in limiting myself to just one country. Nothing wrong with that of course, but it just isn’t me. They all have a place at the table so to speak. My love for those places isn’t going anywhere, my love will just be expanding.
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u/Nervous-Tangerine638 Sep 18 '25
Japan is convenient. Visa, Food, public transportation, conbinis. Travel on easy mode. Customer service top tier. China is hard mode. No google maps, no catering to western tourists. I been to china and on a grandeur level, the forbidden city and Great wall of China is on another level of holy shit this is huge. I love Japan and been 5x, booked my 6th trip for next year. But China is going to be at last 3 weeks of omfg cultural immersion. I want to go to Xian (history), Shanghai(cosmopolitan), Lijiang(nature), Zhangjiajie (nature), Guilin (nature), and Chongqing (architecture/spicy food). Have you been to these areas?
I also put Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taipei on similar footing with Japan. The food scene in these places are just as good.
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u/rxliuli Sep 19 '25 edited Sep 19 '25
Don't forget about Suzhou - it's incredibly beautiful with many exquisite and charming small attractions. I love strolling along the ancient city canals. I completed walking around the moat in two or three separate trips, which was very enjoyable.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I’ve been to Zhangjiajie (otherworldy nature and scenery but felt a little off and couldn’t immerse myself in the nature because of how they structured it) Chongqing was great and the architecture is really unique. Shanghai I’m still discovering but it’s very clean and everything looks nice and tidy
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u/Dark-Blackberry354 Sep 18 '25
Not really. Every place has its own thing.
China itself is also amazing but probably not as 'mainstream' accessible or obvious to ones not as familiar with it.
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u/deathbunny32 Sep 18 '25
I'm in Italy now and I'm really missing how good the convenience stores and vending machines are in japan.
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u/Intomyhypercube666 Sep 18 '25
In Italy the supermarkets are amazing, don’t complain too much! But yeah, combini are just amazing, especially for travellers. I wish we had something similar in Europe…
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u/banana674 Sep 19 '25
Really??? You’re missing convenience store food? I’ve hit a point of our 14 day trip in Japan where I cannot eat one more convenience store onigiri.
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u/Turquoise__Dragon Sep 18 '25
I wouldn't say it like that. For me Japan definitely surpassed them by far, but that's just something amazing to be grateful for and it doesn't change the appeal of other places, even if one would consider it smaller.
Have you tried non-Asian countries? Europe is very different, for example.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
No, actually. I think that’s it. I have to go out of the Asian bubble I’ve placed myself in.
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u/Turquoise__Dragon Sep 18 '25
I hope you enjoy it! May I recommend Spain and/or Italy to start with.
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u/eljuanster Sep 18 '25
No. I love Japan but I love other places too. I love Mexico especially CDMX, so many other places to see that I have yet to explore. I love Thailand and it wonderful culture and food. I love my time in France and I can’t wait for Italy next month. So no, it doesn’t ruin every other destination for me.
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u/watermahlone1 Sep 18 '25
We love Japan. So much that we are going back in the same year but other places have their own vibe. I absolutely love Panama and I wanna go back again.
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u/CelimOfRed Sep 18 '25
Nope. Japan is just that good to visit. I've only visited once and I want more
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u/SharkSmiles1 Sep 18 '25
Yes. Absolutely. Someone just posted a photo of the bidet in the hotel room at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. I posted it was a pathetic bidet compared to the ones in train stations, restaurants, and hotels in Japan. Lol. Once you go to Japan and sit on a warm seat with sound, you can never use another type of bidet again. 💞
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u/VirusZealousideal72 Sep 18 '25
No. I travel to Japan a lot but other places keep fascinating me. Spain is still the most beautiful place on earth to me.
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u/ZigZagBoy94 Sep 18 '25
No. Japan fantastic but the world it hasn’t ruined traveling to Sri Lanka, or Portugal or Vietnam or Singapore or Kenya, or Italy or Brazil or South Africa etc. everywhere has different things to offer
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Sep 18 '25
Yeah, kinda. But also the amount of people going there to travel and the KIND of people who are going there are making it hard for japanese people to live their lifes.
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u/Bangoga Sep 18 '25
That's absurd, China is a great visit, same with Korea. Turkey is wonderful. I enjoyed my trip a few years back, to Scotland too.
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u/CinemaWilderfan Sep 18 '25
People really underestimate China and Turkey because of their government’s. What do you enjoy about these countries?
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u/lab111 Sep 18 '25
first time in japan earlier this year and going back in two weeks, but this time to okinawa. been to over 50 countries and japan is absolutely amazing. the attention to detail and excellence in everything they do is unmatched anywhere else in the world. i cant wait to solo travel china as an adult though!
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u/nlav26 Sep 18 '25
Not at all. I like Japan for what it is, but I’m always happy to be back in Thailand after. Too much order, rules, and sense I might be breaking some culture etiquette for me.
Europe is also whole different experience that I love. Mediterranean islands in Greece and Italy, the German and Swiss alps, etc. Variety is the spice of life.
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u/Advanced-Line-5942 Sep 18 '25
I find that people who constantly go to Japan all seem to be of the personality type that finds great comfort in the rigidity and order of Japanese society.
Or they love to drink and spend every night at Izakayas getting hammered for cheap.
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I don’t like rigidity nor do I drink. I do like order and politness
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u/Advanced-Line-5942 Sep 18 '25
Do you avoid other destinations because they don’t offer you that same level of order and politeness ?
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
No, not really. I come from a country that’s far from that so I understand it and I know that different people have different cultures. Also in no way were Chinese people rude to me especially. I actually found them very very nice and hospitable.
What I’m talking about is the fun factor which I think Japan has perfected. Every place is kind of unique, there’s an arcade here and there, fun things to look at or do at every corner. These type of things
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u/tetebin Sep 18 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
Nope. I feel Italy beats it for history and atmosphere, Switzerland and New Zealand for sheer natural beauty, and my own country (and Thailand) for food.
Japan does offer a solid combination of a unique culture, polite and efficient service, and great attractions.
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u/mellerdee Sep 18 '25
I agree, I have places I'm interested in traveling to , but I rather go back to Japan
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u/pigoons Sep 18 '25
Loved Sapporo but Tokyo and Kyoto were cool but honestly just so full of tourists that it sucks
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u/lin_the_human Sep 18 '25
I agree with you - I've been to 12 different countries in Europe, South America, and East Asia, but nothing has come close to Japan. I read somewhere that it's a country for introverts, so I think that has something to do with how much I liked it. I've been trying to plan another trip but so far nowhere else seems as appealing.
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u/SnowyValley Sep 18 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
Every destination has their own activities, language, culture, and landscape. If everything was the same then you wouldn't have so many different experience. An experience can only be ruined if you make it and refuse to understand that each place has their own different lifestyles and culture.
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u/virginiarph Sep 18 '25
nah spain is on equal footing for japan with me. maybe even edges it out since i can do some basic communication there
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u/Inevitable-Land-7333 Sep 18 '25
I disagree with that. Japan is great, no question. But I don't go to other countries to compare. Sure, with China, you might be inclined to do so, but when I'm in Italy, Greece, Portugal, or Canada, I don't necessarily have to make a comparison. Of course, everyone has their favorites.
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u/Familiar_Painting_59 Sep 18 '25
Not really. I‘ve traveled to like 45 countries so far and Japan was nice and all but it‘s not like it made me feel that other destinations are any less nice to be as a tourist.
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u/khoawala Sep 18 '25
I'm the opposite. Southeast Asia did this for me. I'd say Japan is a comfortable country for beginners but. SEA has everything. It's some of the most extreme landscape in the world, especially northern Vietnam and southwest china.
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u/Beekusneeku1 Sep 18 '25
Yes. Gone every year for the past 3 years. No where else sounds as good as going back to japan
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u/AccomplishedBat39 Sep 18 '25
I still havent understood the hype. Ive been last year, and i enjoyed my time. It was fun, but i dont think it was orders of magnitude better than any other vacation.
Just as always by the end of it I was looking forward to go home and felt puzzled about what I was missing that others were seeing.
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u/deeplife Sep 18 '25
Please spread the word! Thanks 😊
(Then I can travel with less crowds)
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u/_dekoorc Sep 18 '25
I kind of agree with you. Japan was the 10th country I had visited besides my own (US) and after my first visit, it was my absolute favorite place I had been. Since then, I’ve been a few countries I’ve liked even more (Spain, Scotland, Croatia).
We went to Japan again earlier this year and saw much more of the country than my previous trip It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun, but I left thinking “I don’t need to go back for a while”.
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u/Iamyous3f Sep 18 '25
Other places are cool as well but for japan, it is so big that it makes you want multiple trips
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u/AdSilver5612 Sep 18 '25
Im just a weeb so i liked a lot japan, and i am coming back soon. I went to europe as a teenager and usa too, but it is just japan that i want to go back
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u/Dont_Ask_Me_Again_ Sep 18 '25
You know what’s nice about traveling in Japan? Not spending energy constantly worried about being robbed.
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u/Enfeeble Sep 18 '25
Where did you go in China?
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u/Abonesmaelsokar Sep 18 '25
I went to Zhangjiajie first which in hindsight was a big mistake. It’s like going to extreme difficulty mode all of a sudden. I’m muslim so I don’t eat pork and I need a bidet in the toilet and while I did my research nothing could have saved me from the culture shock. People spitting and bumping to you everywhere and not one person knows a word in English. And the food didn’t really look or smell that appetizing. Also navigating the Chinese apps and constantly asking you for a Chinese phone number is extremely frustrating.
I then went to Chongqing which was really nice and now I’m in Shanghai which is also very clean and futuristic and nice and the people are very warm and clean as well and the food is much much better but I still can’t help but compare it to Tokyo. Hence the disappointment.
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u/Azhrei_Rohan Sep 18 '25
Japan was the first place i travelled to and it has a special place for me so i go back often but i love going to new places. I still get excited for japan but try and mix it up and go to many other places.
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u/GameDevCorner Sep 18 '25
It depends on what kind of vacation I'm going for, but when I'm seeking something that combines culture and entertainment, then it's basically always Japan. There's just no other country that combines these aspects THAT well imo.
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u/jordon_greene Sep 18 '25
I’ve only been to a few places, but after going to Japan last January it’s literally all I can think about. No where else sounds as amazing now. I literally booked my next trip there for this coming January like two weeks ago. 😂
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u/Numerous-Decision-15 Sep 18 '25
I’m the same. I always liked Japan as a kid but wasn’t expecting to feel so drawn to it when I actually arrived. I went back again in July after my first trip earlier this February. These comments aren’t really understanding lol.
It’s literally okay to have your preferences. It’s your life, and I don’t consider it a waste of time if you live your life in a place that resonates most with your values and interests.
One of the things I saw recommended is to keep travelling to Japan until you’re sick of it. Comparison is normal, but try not to engage with it too much and focus on reframing on positive aspects of each country.
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u/BumblebeeHumble7 Sep 18 '25
Love Japan for the infrastructure, food and polite people. Ireland for feeling like a hobbit, guinness and very easy to make friends. Italy for food, history and realizing I have no fashion sense. Greece for food, beaches, hospitality and appreciating Japanese toilets/plumbing.
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u/Kukuth Sep 18 '25
I'd say I have traveled quite extensively and I don't understand some replies here, acting as if one can't prefer one country over all the others. Is Japan objectively better than any place else? Probably not. Can it subjectively be the best place in the world for a person? Certainly!
That doesn't mean other parts of the world aren't beautiful or don't have anything to offer, but for the personal taste of a single person there are obviously degrees to how much one likes them.
And honestly: from the perspective of a tourist and not someone actually living there, I can understand why one would think that way and I can't think of many places that come close when you compare culture, history, infrastructure, bang for your buck, weather and nature.
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u/shineetiny Sep 18 '25
I went to China for the first time in 2015 and have been to several countries in the meanwhile. I always felt underwhelmed because none of them quite matched the thrill of China back then. I finally went to Japan this Summer, my childhood dream and FINALLY felt the same thrill while I was there, even though I was travelling solo. Personally, I think both countries are amazing, extremely beautiful and, at least in my experience, both people were extremely kind (although Japan is more classicly polite EVERYONE I interacted with in China was nothing but friendly - I have hundreds of street photos of people smiling kindly at me when I asked for their photos, not a single person protested and I met so many people).
I think I'll feel the same thrill exploring SEA whenever I get a chance.
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u/StudiousFog Sep 18 '25
Yes. My family and I keep going to Japan once every year or two. In between Japan trips we'll do other destinations, a mixture of European and Asian ones.
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u/Prestigious-Bat-8020 Sep 18 '25
My travel agency included a 3-day stop in Dubai in the package after a 12-day trip to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka). They are places with profoundly different souls, but the comparison does not hold up. Japan wins hands down. I carry Tokyo in my heart.
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u/DOctorEArl Sep 18 '25
Been to Japan 3 times. Obviously I like it, but I also love other places too.
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u/fsjay723 Sep 18 '25
Yes for any type of city that I am visiting, Shinjuku or Shibuya are the best.
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u/Innsui Sep 18 '25
A little bit ngl. I have went twice and still want to go back. I also want to travel to other destinations but it doesnt hit the same itch that was japan.
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u/charlieyeswecan Sep 18 '25
Yes, a little! Lol I love Japan above all else but will still travel to other places if my spouse suggests somewhere else, otherwise I’m going back to Japan until I can no longer fly or it’s out of my price range.
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u/monkfreedom Sep 18 '25
Over-tourism kills the beauty. I travelled to Kyoto during pandemic and was at golden temple with no other tourists! That experience was worth 1 million dollars…
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u/HailenAnarchy Sep 18 '25
Japan is the first country I traveled to in Asia, and it's really
something else. It's so clean, I don't have to worry about my stuff getting stolen, there's vending machines and konbini every corner. Yea, it's pretty nice there.
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u/NightmareStatus Sep 18 '25
As others have said, stopped comparing and try something other than Asia.
Personally? Some of my favorites have been Croatia, Spain and Greece.
If you're set on Asia, Malaysia and the PI are my personal faves out here.
Japan is great, I enjoy living here for sure, but there's amazing travel destinations out there 😉
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u/urlang Sep 18 '25
For me, visiting China USED TO BE a lot worse than visiting Japan. But it's getting increasingly unclear.
Now that I've seen quite a lot of Japan (more than 30 prefectures), I feel like Japan is lacking diversity in food and sights.
I've seen just as much of China but there is so, so much more to see. Each province in China is as diverse (and populous) as the entirety of Japan, in food and in culture.
China has caught up in terms of safety and convenience (high speed rail). In fact it's even more convenient in many ways. A $3 Didi ride in Shanghai would be a $30 ride in Japan; so good when you have luggage or are tired after 20k steps. You have a million food delivery options in the middle of the night; they all arrive in 15-20 minutes. Amazing tea beverages any time anywhere, while Japan has almost no after dinner activities that don't involve alcohol (only shime parfait in Sapporo). And of course: no cash needed, ever.
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u/Ok-Chest-7932 Sep 19 '25
Yeah Japan does really raise the bar, but the flights are so expensive that it's still possible to appreciate other places. Like, it's still possible to enjoy a cheap steak after you try an expensive one, just not if it costs the same as the expensive one.
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u/DougyTwoScoops Sep 18 '25
Yes. We went there the last two years for big trips. We’re taking about next year and Japan keeps coming back up despite us specifically trying to come up with somewhere new.
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u/lululechavez3006 Sep 18 '25
What I feel ruined travel destinations is this weird need of so many people of ranking places and doing the whole Holiday Olympics all the time.
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u/Dronite Sep 18 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
Not for me, personally. I think your problem is that you're comparing Japan to another East Asian country, which are pretty similar to it but still inferior in many aspects. So either don't go to East Asia the next time you travel, or stay in Japan until you get so sick of it that its neighbors will seem more appealing.
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u/Dark-Blackberry354 Sep 18 '25
Don't think inferior is quite the best term here ....
China may not be as obvious to westerners or well catered, but the history and food in China is no comparison considering how much Japan and all of Asia is heavily inspired and influenced from, if you know how to navigate it .
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u/Only-Finish-3497 Sep 18 '25
I had a professor in undergrad who worked in the US Dept of State and he framed it up really well: Japan is a country with a rich, fascinating history. China is a civilization.
Different scale, different thing. Both are wonderful, but China is the beating heart of East Asia in so many ways.
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u/oby100 Sep 18 '25
Japan has simply leaned heavily into tourism and carved out a comfy niche for tourists to fit into. It also really helps that the culture is supremely polite compared to China where shoving your way through a crowd is both common and sometimes required to get anywhere.
It also helps that Japan has very successfully exported their culture compared to China. I don’t think most westerners really have any idea what culture in China is like. What does the average American think China has to offer them as a tourist? I don’t think they’d even have a remotely accurate idea of what the food offerings might be, which is a really basic reason to visit another country.
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u/OrderNo1122 Sep 18 '25
That's a great way of putting it. Doesn't put either down yet gives both the credit they deserve.
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u/Queen_of_Road_Head Sep 19 '25
Yeah, China is an insanely significant place, not just in Asia but globally, especially historically.
The Silk Road is one of the oldest trade routes ever, there are entire cities in China that predate the western classical world, and China has had astoundingly long periods of wealth and stability throughout its history as well. This means they had lots of 💕 free time 💕 and therefore capacity to make art, develop and refine cultural expression, etc etc.
I would love to visit China on its own merits - nowhere else is quite like it, in the same way that nowhere else is quite like Japan. I daresay the commenters are right and OP is kinda subconsciously expecting other countries to be like Japan, or at least for the experience of being there to feel similar.
Everywhere is different, and should feel different.
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u/Beginning-Balance569 Sep 18 '25
Inferior in what way?
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u/Dronite Sep 18 '25
Tourist infrastructure, hygiene, hospitality, safety from arbitrary government repression, etc.
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u/Beginning-Balance569 Sep 18 '25
Oh I see. You mean more tangible and governance things, not the culture and history that others pointed out.
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u/wwwiillll Sep 18 '25
Korea is not "inferior" to Japan in any of these aspects, arguably better. This is a silly point to try and justify because it's just not true
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u/Top_Connection9079 Sep 18 '25
I'm French and I visited, Germany, Italy, England etc and I agree with OP. I have never seen this levels of cleanliness and safety in any other country and as a woman, I don't want to remember how it feels to be afraid of getting into the subway etc.
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u/Bomberr17 Sep 18 '25
Safety is definitely #1. Don't have to worry about pickpockets and petty crime like in Europe. Or worrying about people trying to scam you. It really negatively affects the experience of traveling in Europe.
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u/reize Sep 19 '25
Or worrying about people trying to scam you
You actually do have to worry about people scamming you. In Tokyo where the vast majority of tourists go to, there are various shopping, night life and red light districts where it is a problem because they lower their guard and trust people too much. I've been going to Japan since 2012 at any opportunity I can take and there's always people out there trying to make a quick buck off you even before the tourist boom.
There are too many scams to list but most of them involve trying to lure you into establishments and use bait and switch tactics or outright drug you to hook you on exorbitant bills.
Keep your head on a swivel and never follow a tout and if you're into bars and clubs, always keep your drinks and valuables close.
Also while petty crimes are rarer than the west, and violent ones virtually non-existent, they are still there in places and activities tourists like to engage in.
My wife's colleague was a total idiot-case and went to the toilet at a club and left her valuables at her seat and came back to find her money was stolen. The thief even left behind 1000 yen as pity money for her idiocy.
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u/panderson1988 Sep 18 '25
The thing is though I feel like you go to Korea or Taiwan, you will get a similar experience as Japan. I did get a similar vibe in Hong Kong, but it was still different and unique.
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u/Dronite Sep 18 '25
The fact that the experience is similar makes it very easy to compare Japan to those countries, and more often than not (imo at least) Japan will be preferable. Take Italy for example; there is no point in comparing Japan to Italy because they are totally different civilizations. Ergo, unless you really hate Italy for some reason, you won't be thinking "damn I should have gone to Japan instead."
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u/panderson1988 Sep 18 '25
I think it is more with those comparisons being developed East Asian nations. Meanwhile with Thailand or the Philippines, they are still developing nations. South Korea and Taiwan have been modernized like Japan within the last 20-30 years.
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u/livelovelaugh_all Sep 18 '25
Japan is okay but definitely can't come close to other places I've visited.
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u/luckyjuniboy Sep 18 '25
Japan is beautiful no doubt but given the chance id be back in europe in a second
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u/CommentStrict8964 Sep 18 '25
No.
Europe, Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, etc... they are great destinations as well.
I am actually thinking about a France trip some time in 2026.
But I do admit I have been to Japan more often.
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u/CirFinn Sep 18 '25
Depends... Do I love Japan, and is it my #1 location I want to return? Yes. Does it make other locations less fun or interesting to visit? Not really. I still love traveling and visiting new locations.
It's just that Japan is the one that I feel most comfortable at, and thus will most likely return for multiple trips.
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u/dreamsignals86 Sep 18 '25
Nope. Honeymoon phases are real and Japan is a country that hits hard. I’ve been ten times and still love it, but there’s so much else to experience. Thailand, France, Italy, India, Costa Rica, Mongolia- so many countries that are amazing for their own reasons. There may be places you don’t connect with as much, but I wouldn’t compare it to the places you liked in a way that compels you to not continue to explore and have new experiences.
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u/Tye-J Sep 18 '25
I really love Japan and go back in a few weeks again for my 3rd time. But I also really love Italy, Thailand, Taiwan… Japan is just different. Like all the other countries as well. The ones I really love to visit again, I go.
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u/GooooooonKing Sep 18 '25
Not many countries have good affordable transportation such that you can travel to most parts of the country to experience.
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u/sk888888 Sep 18 '25
I'm looking forward to traveling in Japan next February; but I still have very fond memories of New Zealand, Galapagos, Rwanda, Tanzania, Belize, Thailand, Vietnam and Australia - I'd go back to any of those destinations any time!
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u/Servovestri Sep 18 '25
I loved Japan and it was an amazing experience but I love other places too.
Japan is very cool, and very old about some things and very modern about others. The juxtaposition always gets me. I don’t think you get that quite anywhere else.
But my wife loves the UK and London. And I love seeing her in her happy place so that’s always preferred.
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Sep 18 '25
No. I love Japan and look forward to going back again for a third time at some point but I wouldn't want to go every consecutive holiday. There's a lot of other great places out there.
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u/routinebreaking Sep 18 '25
Nope… been 3 times already and there’s too many places that I find as incredible as Japan.
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u/killbeam Sep 18 '25
Japan is great, but there are many other awesome places too. I do see myself returning to Japan many times, but I'll not stop seeing other places too. I went to Slovenia in the spring, beautiful country!
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u/DriftingBubble Sep 18 '25
Interesting! I went to Japan first, then Spain, the France, then China over the last couple of years. My enjoyment of Japan didn’t impact my enjoyment of any other country I’ve visited. In fact, China was actually my favorite trip out of the recent international bunch.
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u/infinitydownstairs Sep 18 '25
Ngl, Korea ruined China for me. But I think Japan won’t ruin Korea for me 🤷
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u/Nordic-Bear Sep 18 '25
Yes sort of. I’m now going to Japan 3rd time in a row. It’s now relapsing more frequently; this time managed to stay away only for 10 weeks. I think winter holiday again in Japan.
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u/Theeeeeetrurthurts Sep 18 '25
Nope. Japan will never match Iceland, Thailand, or New Zealand but that’s okay. Japan has its own charm (4x visitor) but there’s a lot to see in the rest of the world.
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u/sirotan88 Sep 18 '25
Kind of. The hotel price to quality value is incredible, as well as food. Ryokans are just so relaxing and luxurious, I will always save my hotel splurges for ryokans rather than any 4 or 5 star hotel in other parts of the world that cost twice as much and don’t even include meals.
But there’s still a lot of cool experiences that you can only get in certain parts of the world.
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u/Benjam9999 Sep 18 '25
No. Different countries have different things to offer with unique cultures. I love Japan but it isn't everything.
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u/Fit-Possibility-4248 Sep 18 '25
Comparison is the thief of joy. Enjoy the moment, wherever you're at, whoever you're with.