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Japan

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Which is best China or Japan? Well, we have to ask why these two are even being compared, they are as different as England and Italy and both have equally as much to offer in terms of their own uniqueness. I suppose it depends on the westerner who is travelling, but my short answer is simple: go to both. Go to one, save up and make it your goal to go to the other as soon as you can. I'll point out the main areas of difference, which could be pluses to some and minuses for others.

Let's take for example organisation. If you like trains that run to the second and prices you can be sure apply to everyone whether local or tourist, then go to Japan. The transport system can't be beaten for efficiency, cleanliness, speed and the manners of the train conductors who bow to the whole carriage as they walk through the train. All cities and villages have great links for trains and buses and every tourist office will have someone who will drive you to your hostel themselves rather than see you stranded, such is the kindness and conscience of the average Japanese person. You could also take a taxi driven by a white-gloved and bow-tied taxi driver who will open the door for you automatically and charge you fairly by the meter. The same standards of fair pricing and hygiene apply to all hotels, bars and restaurants, of which there are many great ones everywhere in Japan.

If this all sounds far too clinical, controlled and too much like home then go to China. Expect to have to barge your way to the front at the ticket office, expect only to be given information which is good as the questions you ask and be prepared to haggle everywhere. Look out for "special" prices, those on the take, complete chaos as taxi drivers fight over your custom, but adventurous journeys none the less. The people are very warm, outgoing, willing to use any English they can command and try to engage you in banter wherever you are. There will never be a dull moment, something will always amuse you.

If you like to be left alone then go to Japan. Most youngsters and the middle aged people tend, on the whole, to keep themselves to themselves, too shy to use the English they have all studied since elementary school. They will always try to help you when you are lost, but the ones who like to have a chat are the older generation who seem a bit more chilled out and will gladly have a chuckle with you about your height (if you are a particularly tall westerner that is!).

Scenery what can I say? Both have truly magnificent, stunning, historical and cultural sights that tell a thousand stories. There is so much to see and do in both countries; old and new cultures are equally as captivating. I concede that in Japan everything is more maintained whereas China seems to be more well, raw I suppose, but some people prefer this. Having lived in Japan and visited China I couldn't tell you which country wins on the sight seeing front, or the culture front, for both big cities and smaller villages will fascinate you despite being totally different.

If you like non-threatening karaoke then go to Japan. If you're vegetarian or have a big appetite then go to China, for portion sizes are small, not that cheap and full or fish and meat stock in Japan. On the whole China is a lot cheaper, but perhaps not as pristine as it is in Japan. Inevitably, it should be your personal preferences that decide for you, whichever you choose you will not be disappointed.

Learn more about this author, Sam Porter.
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