3 of 13

Japan

Write now Print Email Article Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites Contact this writer

It can be a tough decision on whether to take a vacation in China or Japan, since both countries have much to offer. China is immense and full to the brim with impressive temples and pagodas, and Japan has much the same but is more familiar to American and European tourists because it's westernized. I've been to both nations and I would have to say that Japan would be the more sensible option. Taking into account the low crime rate and the honesty of its citizens, it's safe to say you would experience minimal difficulties here.

Let's face it. Japan's public transportation system is marvelous because it's fast and always on time, the hotels and restaurants are top notch, and the cultural attractions are truly fantastic. Granted, it can be on the expensive side but how much money you spend really depends on you. There's also the issue of size. Japan is a small country and you can manage to see much of it in just two weeks or even less. On the other hand, unless you have unlimited time and tons of cash to spend, and not to mention plenty of patience, China is just too big and it's not realistic to see too much within the same period of time.

Japan does have the added advantage of being free of any political or cultural oppression. The country is one of the safest in the world, and although you do have to exercise some common sense while on buses and trains, violent crime is virtually non-existent. While in Japan I felt comforted by the fact that shopkeepers and merchants would not try to cheat me out of my money, and goods and services are of superior quality, especially electronics and clothing.

China does have some trouble spots, and they are big. Human rights abuses, the proliferation of fake merchandise and the somewhat boorish behavior of some of the locals can turn some people off. There's also the population problem. If you're looking for peace and quiet then China is not the place to be, unless of course you're going to some really isolated of corner of Tibet or the Xinjiang Autonomous Region which is far to west near Kazakhstan. There are people everywhere and the crowds can be unnerving.

Did I also mention the pollution in big Chinese cities? Be prepared to endure some really thick smog in Beijing and Nanjing in particular.

Learn more about this author, Scott Hayden.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

more options

hide

Add your voice

Know something about For westerners traveling to Asia, is it better to vacation in China or Japan? ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!