{"id":58905,"date":"2022-11-15T02:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T15:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=58905"},"modified":"2026-04-14T22:32:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:32:06","slug":"japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan or\u00a0China: Where to travel next?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go<\/strong>, so here’s a breakdown of the food, culture, history and landscapes of Japan and China to help you decide.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an ever-growing bucket list, it’s never easy choosing where to travel next. Especially when it\u2019s between Japan<\/a> and China<\/a>. Both countries are steeped in history and boast incredible landscapes, world-class cuisines and more adventures than you can poke a chopstick at. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve hit a Great Wall<\/a>, fear not. We\u2019ve put together a handy guide weighing up all the main considerations to help you out \u2013 we\u2019re talking culture, food, cities, landscapes and weather. Failing this, you can always flip a coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Travellers<\/a>
Get up close and personal with Japan’s culture through a guided meditation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Culture in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Japanese culture is a fascinating mix of old and new. On the one hand, there are thousands of years of traditions influenced by Shinto, Buddhism and Confucianism; on the other is a trailblazing society setting trends in tech, fashion-forwardness and architecture. Sleek bullet trains whoosh past centuries-old temples and tea houses, and you might see geishas using state-of-the-art vending machines selling everything from tea to tofu (only in Japan!). You can experience this layered culture up close with traditional tea ceremonies<\/a> and guided meditations in Kyoto<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the younger generations continue to push the cultural boundaries, social harmony is the pillar of Japanese society, and traditional values like saving face, humility and respecting your elders are just as important today. Ancient Japanese philosophies are also integrated into daily life, including ikigai (reason for being), omotenashi (providing impeccable hospitality without expecting anything in return) and kaizen (continuous improvement).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Locals<\/a>
The best way to get to know locals is by travelling with one<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Culture in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As one of the world\u2019s oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history of dynastic rule and ancient cultures influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Relics of China\u2019s dynastic past are littered throughout the country, including the iconic Great Wall and the Forbidden City<\/a>. China has also gifted the world with many cultural riches including martial arts, Chinese medicine, kungfu, tai chi and Chinese calligraphy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 56 ethnic groups (the largest being the Han), modern Chinese culture is rich and complex.\u00a0Though China continues to grow and change\u00a0at a rapid pace thanks to a booming economy, centuries-old philosophies are\u00a0interwoven in daily life \u2013 including the theories of the five elements and yin-yang \u2013 and traditional values such as family, social harmony and loyalty remain at the heart of society. This contrast between the ancient and the modern is particularly strong in cities like Shanghai where giant skyscrapers loom over traditional lilong ‘stone gate’ houses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Meet the master preserving a secret women’s language in China<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Travellers<\/a>
Enjoy fresh sushi all over Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Japan brought sushi, ramen and tempura to the world (and for that, we can all be eternally grateful), but there\u2019s so much more on offer. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, seasonal produce and meticulous preparation. Most dishes comprise rice or noodles, a few side dishes and soup. Meat is a popular ingredient, though seafood is where Japan shines (hello, sashimi). Popular\u00a0dishes include unagi (grilled eel), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), yakitori (meat skewers) and shabu-shabu (Japanese-style hot pot). \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling thirsty after all that soy sauce? Quench with a cold beer or glass of\u00a0sake. Or swap your morning coffee for a matcha latte or antioxidant-packed green tea. Tea is a big deal in Japan, and if you attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, you’ll never look at a cuppa in the same way again. With so much to experience, perhaps the best way to approach it is on an expert-led food tour<\/a> to whisk you from monk-led mountainside meals to street-food crawls in cucumber-cool Osaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Meet Kumiko Kaba, Japan’s trailblazing female sake brewer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A Chinese speciality of pork and sauteed vegetables<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Food in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At risk of stating the obvious: China is massive<\/em> \u2013<\/strong> and so nearly every region has its own cooking style. Generally, Chinese food tends to be heavier than Japanese with more spices, chilli and oil. It’s also meatier with lots of beef, pork and duck, though seafood and tofu are also popular. Famous dishes to try<\/a> include kung pao chicken, Peking roast duck, mapo tofu and char sui. A word of warning: it can be hard to find vegetarian and vegan food in China, but it can be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like it hot, then Sichuan is calling your name. This province is known for the fiery Sichuan pepper, which, according to ancient Chinese medicine, helps the body to expel dampness and prevent disease. You\u2019ll definitely sweat after slurping on a Sichuan hot pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need to sate your thirst after all that pepper, try a refreshing beer (Snow and Tsingtao are two of the most popular brands), a baijiu cocktail or a glass of mijiu (a sweet, slightly bitter wine made from glutinous rice). Stay hydrated throughout the day with green, white or black tea \u2013 like Japan, tea is an\u00a0integral part of Chinese culture. Dedicated food tours<\/a> are key to cutting to the chase in a country this size, where you can learn to make hand-pulled noodles and sit back and sample Cantonese dim sum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
Learn about every day life in Japan by exploring its many cities<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cities in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to deny the allure of Japan\u2019s cities \u2013\u00a0even if you\u2019re more of a nature lover than an urbanite. Tokyo<\/a> is known as one of the coolest cities in the world with a fusion of futuristic technology and ancient landmarks. Get lost in the neon-lit streets, sip matcha in a quirky caf\u00e9 in Harajuku or scramble your way through the famous Shibuya crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for culture, head to charming Kyoto<\/a> to discover hundreds of colourful shrines and temples, relax in serene gardens and walk through Gion \u2013 Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. To get under the skin of Japan, head to Matsumoto<\/a> to explore impressive castles, traditional storehouses and amazing soba noodles. History buffs should also go to historic Hiroshima<\/a> to discover its shrines, peace parks and a sizzling food scene, centred around the signature okonomiyaki pancake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Where to go in Japan based on your travel vibes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Massive<\/a>
Hong Kong is a massive city surrounded by nature<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cities in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

China has some of the oldest and biggest cities in the world. They might be crowded and chaotic, but they\u2019re filled with landmarks that reveal China\u2019s fascinating past. For culture, head to the sprawling capital of Beijing<\/a> to visit seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, wind through a labyrinth of narrow hutong alleyways, stroll along a section of the Great Wall and watch a dazzling Chinese opera show.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also the frenetic Shanghai<\/a> with its intriguing blend of cultures and architecture (think\u00a0art deco buildings and lantern-lit canals hidden among towering skyscrapers). Enjoy the city\u2019s eclectic food scene, see the Tudor mansions of the famous Huaihai Road or take a short train ride to Xitang \u2013 a charming water town that was once a hub for 19th-century trade.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Travellers<\/a>
Get off the beaten path with someone who calls this country home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Landscapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Landscapes in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Japan has been blessed by Mother Nature in many ways with a diverse landscape of towering peaks, dense forests and pristine\u00a0coastline. It’s also home to more than 100 volcanoes, including the majestic\u00a0Mt Fuji, due to its location on the Ring of Fire. Even in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you\u2019re only ever a short train ride away from nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like hiking, tackle one of the many trails of Mt Aso<\/a> or head to Arashiyama\u00a0Bamboo\u00a0Grove in Kyoto<\/a> to walk among towering bamboo. For water-based pursuits, soak in Hokkaido’s mineral-rich onsens<\/a>. It’s also worth visiting Miyajima Island\u00a0off Hiroshima<\/a> to meet some of its four-legged residents (spoiler alert: sika deer).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Travellers<\/a>
Travel off the tourist trail in China<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Landscapes in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

China is\u00a0the third-largest country in the world and so the landscapes are incredibly diverse. In fact, China is\u00a0a\u00a0\u2018megadiverse\u2019 country \u2013 a group of nations that harbor the majority of Earth’s species and high levels of wildlife and plant endemism \u2013 with over 550 species of mammals, 1200 species of birds, 31,000 types of flora and 27,000 species of fungi. From beautiful wetlands to\u00a0vast plateaus, and sweeping deserts to cascading rice terraces, there are sigh-worthy scenes to explore in every province.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your way to Guilin to admire karst hills from the Li River<\/a>, witness the remarkable colours of the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye Geopark<\/a>, hike to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei<\/a> to stand above the clouds or discover the floating peaks of Zhangjiajie<\/a> (you might even recognise this scene from Avatar<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A serene Japanese temple where nature and traditions meet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Weather<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weather in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to weather, Japan has it all. Most regions sit in a\u00a0temperate climate zone with four distinct seasons. There\u2019s never a \u2018bad\u2019 time to travel to Japan, but spring (March to May) is one of the most popular seasons when the\u00a0cherry blossoms are in full bloom<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

September to November is also a time of year when the landscapes turn red, orange and gold with autumn foliage. Winter is mild in places like Osaka and Tokyo which get a light dusting of snow, while northern Japan and Hokkaido<\/a> gets dumped with powder \u2013<\/strong> this means one thing: hit the slopes. Winter is the quietest time of year, but perfect if you want to explore the usually busy streets in solitude. Plus, a piping hot bowl of ramen hits differently when it\u2019s cold outside.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Traditional<\/a>
Connect with locals during rural visits in China<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Weather in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With so many climate zones, the weather varies a lot in China. Depending on when and where you visit, you might experience intense heat and humidity in summer and thick blankets of snow in winter. China\u2019s northern regions have hot, dry summers, while destinations along the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid. Snow is possible in winter in many regions, but especially in the northern reaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking and outdoor activities<\/a> are best in summer and autumn, though tourism usually\u00a0peaks between June and August so bear this in mind if you want to dodge the crowds. Winter is the low season, but it’s a fantastic time for cultural festivals with the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and Chinese New Year. For mild weather and smaller crowds, the shoulder months of May or October might suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China or Japan? You decide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This one’s a solid draw. Both destinations promise to deliver on food, culture, history and landscapes. Japan is smaller than China and so it might be easier to cover more ground and experience more culture in a shorter space of time. But you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure no matter which country you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling inspired? Check out Intrepid’s small-group tours in China <\/a>and Japan<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16233,"featured_media":91493,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1313],"tags":[180,32,3094,21],"class_list":["post-58905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-asia","tag-china","tag-east-asia","tag-japan"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nJapan or\u00a0China: Where to travel next? | The Good Times by Intrepid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From culture to food, cities to landscapes, check out this handy guide to help you choose your next travel destination.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japan or China: Where to travel next?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From culture to food, cities to landscapes, check out this handy guide to help you choose your next travel destination.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Good Times by Intrepid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/intrepidtravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-11-14T15:13:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-14T12:32:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Tokyo-Shinjuku-Crossing-day-group-shots-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Cliona Elliott\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Intrepid_Travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Intrepid_Travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Cliona Elliott\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/japan-or-china-where-to-travel-next\/\",\"name\":\"Japan or\u00a0China: Where to travel next? 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