Travelling to South Korea

[matt21]

I'm about to book a holiday to Japan & South Korea. I assume South Korea is good to travel to considering the political situation? Just wanted to check before I book! Assuming so any recommendations for things to do in South Korea for 3-4 days?

Thanks

[Percy Cushion]

I used to live in Japan and have visited South Korea too many times to remember. Do you have a specific reason to visit South Korea? If not, I recommend spending more time in Japan as there’s so much to see and do there.

[matt21]

Thanks for the reply. We’ve not been to either country, so was looking at doing them both on a 10day trip. Where would you recommend in Japan if we stayed there the whole time?

[Percy Cushion]

matt21 said:

Thanks for the reply. We’ve not been to either country, so was looking at doing them both on a 10day trip. Where would you recommend in Japan if we stayed there the whole time?

Hi Matt,
Here are my personal favourites. For a 10 day trip, I'd focus on Tokyo, Kyoto and, time permitting, Horishima:

Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market for the freshest sushi
Yoyogi Park and Harajuku on a Sunday to see the weird and wonderful
Tokyo Tower - great night views from the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck.
Asakusa Temple
Shibuya Crossing. The busiest junction in the world. Great view from Starbucks.
Sumo Wrestling (only on in Tokyo a few times per year)
Unicorn Gundam Statue in Odeiba
Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge in Odeiba

Kyoto
Kiyomizudera temple and Higashiyama District
Gion geisha district
Nijo shogun Castle
Pontocho for restaurants and bars
Fushimi Inari Shrine - walk through thousands of Torii gates
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
There's also an abundance of beautiful Japanese gardens, too many to mention.

Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Park and museum
Miyajima Island

Depending on your specific interests and the time of year you visit, there is so much to see and do. For example, you can get dressed up as Super Mario and drive a go-kart around Tokyo streets (well this is Pistonheads!), skiing and snowboarding in the Minami Alps is only an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, or you can hike to the top of Mt Fuji in August to watch the sunrise.

Get the Hyperdia app and a Suica card for travelling by train. Just put on your starting point and destination into the Hyperdia app and it will tell you which platform to go to, what time to board the train and what time to get off. I used it for three years and never got lost or got on the wrong train. The Suica card is like an Oyster card, you just need to top it up.

Plenty more info on the above suggestions and more here: https://www.japan-guide.com. You're gonna have an amazing time.

[Percy Cushion]

My wife has also suggested Hakone, not far from Tokyo and close to Mt Fuji. There is the Hakone and Komagatake Ropeways/Gondolas, Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani hot springs.

Also, around Golden Week in May, its Cherry Blossom season.

[matt21]

Thank you, great feedback, we may do just that and stay in Japan. Cheers