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The age-old question, “Should I visit Japan or Korea?”, comes up almost daily in my life as a travel advisor specializing in Asia. Japan, on one hand, has an infamous reputation for being a top bucket list spot, and for good reason. From beautiful temples and nature to bustling cities and modernity, it (often) lives up to the hype it gets. However, South Korea has been on the rise for travelers over the past few years. It now stands as a top contender in Asian destinations, with its beauty industry, pop culture, and food scene on the rise globally.
So, should you visit Japan or Korea? Both are incredible and deserve spots on your bucket list, but let’s dive into which country is the better fit for your current travel goals, preferences, style, and more.
Should I visit Japan or Korea? The case for Japan
Japan is one of the most desirable travel destinations globally, and it continues to gain popularity. Its beautiful temples, diverse natural landscapes, exciting cities, and local cuisine are world-class. Many people visit Japan on their first trip to Asia, since it has a strong tourist infrastructure and so many bucket list experiences.
It’s hard to go wrong if you choose Japan. It’s a much bigger country than some people realize, so while the typical tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are great, there are so many other options, no matter your interests. Prefer a less touristy trip, or maybe a nature-focused one? Japan caters to all travelers.
However, my potentially unpopular opinion is that Japan can easily be overrated. If you go blindly into a Japan trip doing the typical tourist route, but you don’t enjoy cities and crowds, you’re not going to like it. It’s super important that you find the destinations in Japan that best fit the kind of trip you desire. Because Japan is so big, this can become overwhelming, fast.
So, you should visit Japan if you’re willing to put in the time and research to go beyond the typical sights (or you let an expert, like me, do it for you!). Japan really shines when you go off-the-beaten-path, and this is an easy way to be a more sustainable traveler in a country dealing with overtourism, as well.
To sum it up…
Japan is perfect for…
- First-time Asia travelers who want a destination that’s safe, organized, and easy to navigate
- Culture lovers who want to experience temples, shrines, tea houses, samurai history, and Zen gardens
- Travelers who love variety, because Japan offers almost anything you could want – beaches, mountains, cities, culture – in one trip
- Food enthusiasts – think sushi, ramen, izakaya bites, wagyu, matcha desserts, and 7/11 snacks
- Solo travelers who want to feel comfortable and safe
- Anyone who loves unique cultural experiences, like onsens, themed cafes, anime adventures, and seasonal festivals
- Travelers with at least 10-14 days, since Japan shines with a slower itinerary and multiple regions
Should I visit Japan or Korea? The case for Korea
Korea has skyrocketed to travel fame over the past decade thanks to its worldwide takeover of food, pop culture, beauty, and more. More and more travelers are considering whether to opt for Korea over Japan, thanks to its affordability, trendiness, and less-traveled spots. While Japan has gotten more expensive and crowded, Korea hasn’t (yet) caught up with that.
Now is the perfect time to visit Korea before it explodes even further in popularity. With beautiful temples, delicious cuisine, modern cities, and scenic landscapes, Korea offers a lot of what Japan does, but in a different way.
Korea is smaller than Japan, making it perfect for a shorter trip. It has nearly the same efficiency, with a solid public transportation system, while costing less than Japan. You get a similar overall experience, but you don’t have to be as conscious about avoiding crowds and intentionally wandering off the beaten path for an authentic experience.
My hot take is that if you’re truly torn between Japan and Korea and think you could enjoy both equally, go to Korea. You can always go to Japan in the future, but Korea is the place to go now before it becomes as crowded and touristy as Japan.
(Warning: I might be biased because I lived in Korea for three years, but I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan, as well, and love both countries for different reasons.)
To sum it up…
Korea is perfect for…
- Travelers interested in modern Korean culture, like K-pop, K-dramas, fashion, skincare, and aesthetic cafes
- Anyone curious about wellness, beauty, and medical tourism, including skincare treatments, spa days, and affordable cosmetic services
- Food lovers interested in bibimbap, Korean BBQ, kimchi stews, fried chicken, cold noodles, and savory pancakes
- Night owls and partiers, with late-night eats, karaoke rooms, soju bars, and clubbing that goes past sunrise
- More budget-conscious travelers who still want clean, modern cities and great public transportation
- Those with shorter trips (10 days or less) who want an easy, high-impact itinerary
- People who love a mix of cities, nature, and culture without having to travel too far between destinations
Should I visit Japan or Korea? The case for BOTH
Of course, if you’re torn between the two and have enough time, why not both? Only a 2-hour flight apart, Korea and Japan are an amazing combo, especially for first-time travelers to Asia or those who are indecisive about choosing. They’re very different but adjacent vibes, so you’ll get tradition, modernity, and nature across both countries, but in their own unique ways.
The combination of Korea and Japan makes for one epic trip, but I only recommend it to those with at least 2 weeks to spare (but closer to 3+ weeks is better). The last thing I encourage is rushing through both countries and never getting a good sense for local life and culture because you’re traveling too fast to take it all in. It’s better to choose one if you’re short on time.
To sum it up…
You should visit both if…
- You just can’t decide on one of them and have enough time (at least 2 weeks)
- You don’t mind an additional flight or two
- You don’t think you’ll make another trip to Asia, so you don’t want to rely on the idea of doing them separately
Still can’t decide? Take the quiz!
Custom Travel Planning Services for Japan & Korea
Whether you’re now certain if you should visit Japan or Korea or if you need further personalized guidance in choosing, let me help you plan a custom itinerary for the trip of your dreams! Hi, I’m Hallie, a professional travel advisor with Two Sisters Travel Co specializing in Asia travel. I have the expertise and passion to bring your dream trip to life while you sit back, relax, and enjoy your stress-free vacation.
I lived in South Korea for three years and have traveled to Japan countless times. With my expert knowledge and first-hand experience in Asia, you’ll embark on the trip you’ve always dreamed of, empowered with confidence and minus the stress.
Ready to plan your Asia adventure?
Japan & Korea Travel Guides
If you want to learn more about travel in Japan & Korea, you’re in the right place. I have endless resources after living in and traveling around this part of the world for four years. Click on any of my Japan & Korea blogs to get started.
- 2-week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
- 16 best things to do in Busan, South Korea
- Busan itinerary: 2, 3, or 4 days in South Korea’s coastal gem
- Best things to do in Jeonju, South Korea
- Top 9 things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea & 2-day itinerary
- Best time to visit Korea: A seasonal guide to weather & activities
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Tokyo Itinerary: 3-5 days for first-time visitors
- 2 week Japan itinerary and travel guide
- Solo travel in Japan: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- The survival guide to being vegetarian (& vegan) in Japan
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