Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

I've been back from Europe for 13 days and already got the travel itch.

Found a GREAT fare to fly into Tokyo and out of Seoul in September. Ive been to Tokyo and LOVED it, but want to visit some other cities in Japan on the way to Seoul.

Anyone have any Japan city recommendations? Anyone ever been to Seoul?

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

I wasn't a huge fan of Tokyo when I went. It was great and all, but I loved Kyoto and Nara. Osaka was good for nightlife and they have some good food there. Kyoto has so much history and I loved the Koi there. Also, there was an awesome tempura restaurant in Kyoto, that was one of the best meals of my life.

I've never been to Seoul.

I have a review of my trip if you want to take a look:

Japan Review

Message edited 5/2/2008 9:52:17 PM.

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

How long are you in Japan for?

Kyoto is fantastic, you can hop on the Skinhansen and be in Kyoto in about 2 hours. There lots of history and Geisha stuff to see. You can spend a few days in Kyoto and still not see everything there is to see.

I love Tokyo, its NYC on speed, you can take a few day trips with organised companies out to Mt Fuji, and see some of the hot springs in Hakkone. Also, don't miss Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo if you like all things Hello Kitty. It was amazing...(okay, not for everyone, but I loved it)

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

Thanks so much for the replies!

Gonna dive right into that Japan review!!

We haven't decided how we will break down our days. We will have 8 solid ones that we need to divide between Japan and Korea. Ive already done Tokyo, but we'll spend some time there for DH.

Quick follow-up question. I remember Tokyo was REALLY expensive for food/beer. Are the other cities Kyoto, Osaka, etc. cheaper for this stuff? If it is cheaper Id probably stay there longer.

Thanks!

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

I didn’t notice that it was expensive because I travel on the Pound Sterling, I found Japan comparable to London for me really.

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

Posted by klingklang77

I didn't think Tokyo was expensive for food b/c in Australia things can be more expensive than the US. I found Japan equal in price to NY. I thought Kyoto and Osaka a little bit cheaper, but not that much. Shopping for clothes can be expensive, but food and restaurants are comparable to NY- you can find cheap places and expensive places. Beer is about $4-5 dollars at a pub and no tipping, so same as NY, IMO.

I always judge expensivity (so not a word!) by the price of a beer at a pub.

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

I asked a Korean friend for recommendations for you:

budnamujip For kalbi (beef ribs) & bibimbap.

Hanwoori
for naengmyon (pronounced nay-myun) a cold soup

Get some mandoo (dumplings) and Korean fried chicken (it doesn't taste anything like American fried chicken) and kimbap (looks like sushi, but isn't).

All of this stuff is available in Koreatown in the city, if you want to try it before you go.

Re: Just booked a trip to Japan/Korea. Anyone ever combine these two countries in one trip?

Posted by baghag

I asked a Korean friend for recommendations for you:

budnamujip For kalbi (beef ribs) & bibimbap.

Hanwoori
for naengmyon (pronounced nay-myun) a cold soup

Get some mandoo (dumplings) and Korean fried chicken (it doesn't taste anything like American fried chicken) and kimbap (looks like sushi, but isn't).

All of this stuff is available in Koreatown in the city, if you want to try it before you go.