Despite a complex past, China and Japan share a deep love of classical cuisine, tea culture, and artistic expression, from calligraphy and painting to anime and manga. Tourists flock to both countries for their rich cultural heritage, attractive landscape and cutting-edge technology. But with so much to offer, which East Asian country deserves a first stop? Consult our China vs. Japan advisor who explores their unique differences to help you decide.
Geographically, China and Japan are located in East Asia and have varied climates and unique landscapes. Mountainous terrain, dense forests and extensive coastlines are some of its usual characteristics.
Japan: Japan is a paradise on earth for nature enthusiasts. The country allows nature and urbanisation to co-exist in harmony. Air quality and nature are not compromised even in bustling cities like Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka. Famous natural attractions in Japan include Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, The Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, the Ryugu Sea Cave, the Nachi Waterfall, natural hot springs in Kusatsu and the pristine sandy beaches of Okinawa.
Explore more scenic trails and breathtaking vistas with our guide to the most beautiful places in Japan.
China: If you watched James Cameron’s Avatar, the landscape of Pandora’s Floating Mountains resembles that of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Lush greenery, tall sandstone pillars and a misty ambiance give this position a surreal look early in the morning and before sunset.
The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) in China are also worth a visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, those granite peaks, on which crooked pine trees grow, look unreal and impressive. The Li River is another tourist destination to appreciate karst landscapes, mysterious caves, and green mountains. China also has other natural wonders such as West Lake, Turpan Depression, Sanya Island, and Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park.
Explore majestic mountains, serene gardens and bustling cities with our guide to the most charming places in China.
The best time to travel to either country depends on your personal climate tastes and activity interests.
Japan: Japan’s peak tourism seasons are spring and autumn. The cherry blossoms will reach their full bloom between March and April. Although the timing of the blooming is uncertain, it’s always wise to plan your itinerary around the Sakura forecast.
Autumn is another season when tourists love Japan. The weather is delightful and it is the most productive time to enjoy fall foliage. Some of the most productive destinations for Japan in autumn are Yamanashi, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Nara Park, Rikugien Gardens, Mount Nasu, Hitachi Coastal Nature Park, Mount Gozaisho and Nikko.
China: China is a vast country and the climate varies by region. Spring and autumn are popular seasons for tourists visiting China. The weather is delightful from February to May, and flowers such as peonies, azaleas, apricot blossoms, tulips, lilies, and Yuantouzhu cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Clear blue skies and cool temperatures make autumn a favourable time to visit China. Many regions experience fall foliage, making it one of the best times to go hiking or trekking up the Great Wall, Everest Base Camp, the Yellow Mountains, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Longji Terraced Fields.
The length of your stay, your activity itinerary, your accommodation preferences, your potential dining options, and your lifestyle all play a huge role in determining your bills and expenses. Japan versus China, budget-wise, is where most of your spending will likely go.
Japan: Accommodation in Japan is more expensive than in China. Tourists often cut costs by staying in hostels, capsule hotels and regular business hotels. Depending on one’s food preferences, Japan caters to both palettes – the spenders and the savvy spenders. While Japan’s transportation is convenient and efficient, bullet train passes, car-renting services and taxis are more expensive than in China.
China: Hotel costs depend on the city and the quality of the hotel. Expect to spend more on accommodation in pricier Chinese cities like Beijing, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Compared to Japan, food is a bit more affordable in China. Again, it depends on where you eat. Local street vendors and family-owned restaurants will offer affordable meals. To save money, locals dine at circular tables, order multiple dishes, and share food. Much of your spending will go toward sightseeing, souvenir shopping, cultural experiences, and attraction tickets.
China vs Japan: Which Country Has the Most Beautiful Places with Tourist Attractions?Explore!
Japan: You should plan your Japan itinerary depending on your activity and seasonal preferences. Those who enjoy water sports and clean blue beaches should plan for Okinawa, Ishigaki Island, Sado Island and Izu Peninsula. Travel to Hokkaido, Niigata Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, and Tohoku Region to try winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. First-time visitors to Japan may want to visit cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka before exploring niche areas of the country.
China: If it is your first time in China, we recommend visiting the Great Wall of China. It’s an iconic global landmark, and tourists come here to marvel at its architecture and learn about its historical significance. Also, visit Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum to see terracotta army clay sculptures. One of China’s premium tourist destinations in Beijing is the Forbidden City. This was an imperial palace complex that remained a walled city for centuries. It’s an architectural wonder and a must-visit place for history lovers.
Be sure to include those places in your Japan and China itinerary!
Japan: There are many things to do in Japan, such as staying in a classic Japanese inn (Ryokan), learning about Japanese pottery, participating in a tea ceremony, attending a sumo tournament, Mount Fuji, exploring temples and shrines, and enjoying of a complete experience. Full-fledged photo session done dressed in a kimono. Each prefecture in Japan offers workshops to learn about its rich traditions and culture.
There are more than a hundred events and festivals happening year-round in Japan. However, the most popular are Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri in July, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri in July, and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri in May.
China: In addition to visiting China’s ancient sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army Museum, you can also interact in classical activities such as Chinese calligraphy, tea ceremonies, Chinese knots, and Tai Chi.
China is also the place to learn how to cook original Chinese food! Many workshops in Shanghai and Beijing will offer dim sum, spring roll and soup dumpling making classes. Another essential activity in China is to pass and practice Pandas. You can learn about pandas and see them up close at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Chinese festivals such as the Lantern Festival in February, the Hungry Ghost Festival in August, the Chinese New Year (which varies from year to year), and the Mid-Autumn Festival in September will offer tourists a glimpse of the classic Chinese look.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Beijing to explore the city’s heart and soul.
China vs Japan, which country offers the grocery shopping experience?Both! Here’s what to look for when they visit.
Japan: Almost each and every city in Japan has retail outlets where you can buy everything from Japanese makeup to fashion clothes under one roof. Hundred yen outlets such as Daiso, Seria, and Can Do are chains for purchasing practical family items and miscellaneous products. For Japanese souvenirs like tea, cute stationery, chocolates, bento boxes and attractive products, shop at Loft, Don Quichotte, Itoya and Hands.
Japan has committed to grocery shopping in districts such as Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, Kappabashi Street, Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Koenji in Tokyo, Dotonburi, Namba and Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Kawaramachi Street and the Nishiki Market district in Kyoto.
China: From classic handicrafts to teas, grocery shopping will be a fun experience in China. Wangfujing Street and Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing, Nanjing Street and Yu Garden Bazaar in Shanghai, and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and Quingping Market in Guangzhou are among the most sensible grocery shopping destinations in China.
Some China souvenirs to take home are silk products, tea, porcelain tableware, silk fashion items, jade jewelry, and Chinese paintings.
The hotel you stay at can contribute to the quality of your vacation. The ones mentioned below offer excellent hospitality, clean and elegant rooms, and additional amenities. In a nutshell, they are the definition of luxury!
Japan: With so many hotel features, choosing the most productive one is not easy. For now, we will focus on the features of hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. To revel in luxury, stay at the Tokyo Prince Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel in Marunouchi, or the Hoshinoya in Tokyo. In Kyoto, we heard that The Screen Kyoto, Tawaraya Ryokan, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel were smart features. In Osaka, don’t miss the opportunity to stay at the Conrad, Trinity Hotel and Centara Grand Hotel.
China: Shanghai and Beijing are two of the most popular Chinese cities that attract the largest number of tourists. If you have booked your tickets to Beijing, stay at the Aman Summer Palace, Waldorf Astoria, Sandalwood and Rosewood Beijing. For Shanghai, there’s nothing better than a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, The Peninsula and Amanyangyun.
China vs Japan, which country has more food?Although they may differ in cooking techniques, ingredient selection, and flavors, both countries offer tourists culinary experiences.
Japan: Japan is one of the few countries with more than five hundred Michelin-starred restaurants. In addition to Japanese cuisine, you can also find top-quality dishes from all over the world here! In the land of the rising sun, do not hesitate to taste the country’s emblematic dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori, sashimi and curry rice. We also suggest dining at Izakayas since they serve exclusive and unconventional dishes.
China: Chinese cuisine is full of flavors, textures, and the right amount of spices. There are thousands of family-run restaurants, street vendors, high-end restaurants, and local markets in China where you can please your friends. We propose ordering Peking duck, Chinese stew, Xiao Long Bao, Zhajiangmian noodles, Kung Pao chicken and Mapo tofu.
(Featured symbol credit: zhu difeng/Shutterstock)
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