Korean Job Discussion Forums

hiu254 · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Location: Smells like Ajumma

I have the long weekend off at the start of May and can't decide whether to go to Japan or China.

I live down South so can either take the ferry to Fukuoka for 2 nights or take a package guided tour thing to Beijing for three nights. The cost seems to be about the same, as long as its less than a million I don't really mind.

Any advice or opinions?

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

I absolutely love Japan, but 3 days in Fukuoka vs Beijing would make me recommend China. Now if you were going to Kyoto for 3 days it would be a much harder decision.

Of course you don't need a visa to enter Japan, but might have to shell out a bit more for one for China. I think it's up to $150 for Americans these days. Not nearly as much for other countries though if I remember correctly.

hiu254 · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Location: Smells like Ajumma

scratch that, its now Tokyo vs Beijing.

Also, any idea what sort of budget 4 days in Tokyo would require?

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

That depends on what you want to do in Tokyo.

I've stayed at the Toyoko Inn when I've stayed in Japan. About 9,000 yen a night in Tokyo (about $80-90 USD). Not sure what a hostel goes for these days.

What kinds of things did you want to do in Tokyo? If you're interested in cultural things, I don't find Tokyo that interesting. Most of my favourite places are day trips from Tokyo (Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji/Hakone). Which can be quite expensive without a JR rail pass (which you'd never get for just a long weekend).

I'd still recommend Beijing over Tokyo. The Great Wall is only an hour and a half away, the forbidden city, temple of heaven, and Tienanmen Square are all right there.

I-am-me · Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Location: Hermit Kingdom

Forget Japan or China. Go to Jeju. I hear its the hawaii of asia. Laughing

michim30 · Joined: 17 Mar 2009

Been to Tokyo and Beijing but as much as I love Japan, I'd recommend Beijing Wink

hiu254 · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Location: Smells like Ajumma

every time I ask a class if I should go to China or Japan they all say "Korea!"

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

If you've never been to China Beijing is a great place to visit. But that entry fee (for Americans ~$125) is a biotch.

CPT · Joined: 25 Mar 2007

I'd go to Beijing.

I didn't like China much in general, but Beijing is a great place to go for 3-4 days, as you can see so many cool things in a short time.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

3 days? Beijing and China is at least a two week trip. Not worth the visa and travel hassle just for three days. Japan is much better as you can just jump on the boat.