Guenmai

Kavey "For us, it didn't capture our hearts as Japan has so I do understand where you are coming from Guenmai. Then again, it's one city rather than a whole country. Though I guess even on that point, we've spent 18 nights in Kyoto so far but could happily still do a month or two for Kyoto alone, whereas I can't imagine doing a month in HK!"

All of my friends, the ones who have been to Kyoto, have absolutely loved it. I'm going to try for a week in Kyoto in summer 2018 as that's the time of the year that I need to plan as I do S.E. Asia in winter and usually Europe in summer, but in 2018 will skip Europe, hopefully for Kyoto and Osaka. I really don't have much desire to go to Tokyo.

Happy Travels!

Kavey

It's worth visiting Tokyo once, if you've never been, as it's very different from Kyoto, but if I could only do one, it would, as you've no doubt guessed, be Kyoto! Kyoto has both the traditional, historical, charming side as well as plenty of modern Japan, it's a beautiful place and there are so many good things nearby too, not that you'll feel you've done all of Kyoto even with a full week!

I'm not sure summer is a good time to visit though I've never been there then. I have visited twice in autumn and once in spring. I hear that summer is sticky hot unpleasant.

Guenmai

It will have to be summer and I'm used to hot and sticky. It was sizzling today here in Singapore. As for Tokyo, I don't want to spend any extra money to add on an extra destination and especially if I have little interest in the destination. I'd rather that money go toward my second, annual overseas vacation. Focusing on Kyoto will probably be more than enough to focus on. Smiles.

Happy Travels!

Kavey

Makes sense to me, and there's so much in Kyoto anyway. We did 5 nights first time, 6 second time and 7 last time. Next time I dream of spending a month!

Guenmai

I'll try to plan 7 nights in Kyoto and then a few in Osaka as I'll need to probably fly in and out of Osaka.

Happy Travels!

Kavey

Purely personally, Osaka didn't do much for me, and unless you're particularly keen, I'd probably not do more than one night so you can walk around Dotonbori at night.

The food market in Osaka was nice to walk through, not least because it wasn't mobbed like Nishiki and there's also one fish specialist shop that has a little sashimi cafe at the back where you can eat breakfast/ lunch of the very freshest fish.

The knife museum was (for us) hugely disappointing, as was the shop there.

I liked the Osaka cup noodle museum, though that may be for everyone! I got to make and decorate a cup noodle, which I enjoyed immensely but I'm childish like that!

But still, Osaka just didn't wow me at all.

Guenmai

I'm not too concerned about Osaka as it would be a place for me to land in, sleep, and then the next day take the train to Kyoto. Then, when I leave Kyoto, it would be back to Osaka for a day or two to rest up before the long flight home.

Happy Travels!