Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kerose]

at the end of summer i'll be leaving asia to return to the states.

i didn't have too many opportunities to travel, but i did visit the philippines and beijing.

another 'must' on my list: japan. i only have a long weekend - four days - what's the best bet to utilize the short time i have in japan:

tokyo or kyoto?


and any tips on cheap travel options?

thanks

[huffdaddy]

[bucheon bum]

yeah, what exactly do you enjoy doing?

If big cities are your thing, can't really beat tokyo. It is a fun city to just wander around and explore.

[Big_Bird]

Well, since tokyo is an anagram of kyoto, just cut the letters out of a newspaper, but them in a paper bag, shake it a bit, and see which order you pull the letters out. That should settle it.

[xtchr]

[kerose]

i'm a big city girl and i very much enjoy visiting cities and i think i'd be disappointed if i came to asia and didn't see tokyo.

i want an authentic cultural japanese experience, so i've been told: "go to kyoto".

if i skip tokyo, will i be missing out big time?

[Harpeau]

[kat2]

Haven't been to Tokyo, but Kyoto is fantastic. I feel like I really saw the cultural end of Japan. However, big cities aren't my thing when I travel. I want to see the sites, not go shopping and clubbing.

[Trumpcard]

Having lived in Kanto and Kansai, I'd recommend Tokyo. For a long weekend, spend 1 day exploring Nikko or Kamakura (very close to Tokyo) to get the cultural experience, then spend 2 days exploring Tokyo, partying and shopping in Shibuya and Shinjuku. Kyoto and Nara are near Osaka and Kobe. If you wanna check out a big city, definitely Tokyo over Osaka any day!

[just because]

Osaka is just next door(an hour by commuter train) to kyoto so you still get to do the big city thing but kyoto has all the historical stuff as well...

I would say kyoto over tokyo any day of the week.....

[bradshaw]

i second just because's response. kyoto, by far, has so much more to offer. history, culture, shopping, food, nightlife ... it's got it all. if you're after the big city chill, osaka is approximately 30 mins via train (depending on where you are in kyoto). if you stick to the kansai area, nara and kobe are close enough considering your limited time in japan. i lived in osaka for nearly two years and wasn't overly impressed with tokyo considering what the kansai region has to offer. good luck on making your decision!

[chris_J2]

Another vote for Kyoto.

[mrd]

I've spent a week in Tokyo and a week in Kyoto - and I would, hands down, suggest visiting Kyoto over Tokyo for four days. In fact, I think that would provide you with a great opportunity to see lots of Kyoto and Nara (a 45 min train ride away), and if you wanted to see a big city for an afternoon, jump on the shinkansen for 15 minutes and you're in Osaka - lots to see and do there - although its no Tokyo. If you like to party, Kyoto has lots of places for that too.

[faster]