First time to Asia
 

I asked my daughter waht she would like for a graduation present. I was expecting a car but got a request that we take a trip to Asia. Specifically she wants to vist Japan. I have heard conflicting things about what a trip to Japan might offer and would like some advice from those who know. As a first trip what country(s) would you suggest as a first trip to Asia. As a framework we are talking about 10 to 14 days and while money is an object I never let that stand in the way of a rewarding experience. She graduates Highschool in 2007 so I have some planning time. Thanks for any help.

Thailand is much cheaper than Japan. It is a wonderful country that is enchanting. Khao San Road in Bangkok is jammed with young people backpacking around Asia. Trekking in Northern Thailand is another youthful favorite.

If Japan is where her interest is,I would suggest Japan! I asked some questions on this forum about a trip to India once,something I've been dreaming of doing,and a few people told me to go to Thailand instead!Since you have lots of time,you can have a great time researching.I hope you get lots of good responses from those who have been to Japan(alas,it's on my list,but I haven't gotten there. I'm on to India in October.)((f))

I would highly recommend Japan for a first time Asia visitor and for you with your daughter. Japan is an amazing combination of the ancient and the modern. You might consider what we did, a small group tour. We usually travel independently, but the company we used was a great combination between doing it all yourself and someone doing it for you. I did a ton of research before I made our choice. I highly recommend the company www.imaginative-traveller.com. I have made other posts here on the same topic so I won't repeat. It was a great value for the money, accomodation, transportation among all the places and about half of our meals. Don't know if it is just you and your daughter, but 4 people could go with them to Japan, with airfare, for about the cost of a that car! (P.S. The company runs many similar trips in other countries throughout Asia on the same philosophy.) Enjoy planning your trip!

If budget is not an issue then go where her interests are, but realize that things cost a lot in Japana and your money would go a lot- a lot- farther in Thailand.

I have to agree with the other two, Thailand would be great & cheaper. But if she has her heart set on Japan...

When my son graduated from H.S we took him to Bali as part of his grad gift. He loved it. This past Xmas we took him to Thailand...he loved it even more!
Good luck deciding

I would say go to Japan, mainly because thats where she wants to go, but also because it is very easy to travel there- Its very safe, you don't have to worry about illness, and you can find plenty to see without really going anywhere.

I love Thailand as well, but it is a whole different type of county; its a developing nation. It is a lot cheaper, but you do have to do a lot more haggling- just getting a taxi fare can be a fight- and theft and cleanliness can be issues.

Japan does not have to bancrupt you. There are lots of reasonable places to stay if you don't need a big western style hotel. You can "fix" your transportation costs by getting a railpass. You can eat quite cheaply by sticking to local foods - including Japanese style Italian - and while museum entrance fees can be high, there is so much to be said for just wandering around. The department stores, the supermarkets, the little temples, the old neighborhoods are all free and you'll have a much better feel for Japan after spending time there.

Would you be going in June? All of Asia will be hot, but Japan will still be bearable.

You might want to invest in a copy of "Gateway to Japan" by June Kinoshita. I have always found this to be the best guide to Japan, as well as providing a lot of background information. We have been to Japan many times with our daughters; with this book and a railpass, we often just jumped trains and got off whenever a town struck our fancy. Rarely had trouble finding nice lodgings, and never had to resort to sleeping on benches!

You might also read this report by a mom with her 14 year old son:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...emd&fid=27

She did a lot of research, and while her style of travel is different than mine --she planned ahead, I tend to "wing" at least a part of each trip -- she covered some very interesting places and really was able to meet her son's dreams as well as her own.


Let us know what you decide...we'd love to help you with details once you do!

I also agree, the money would go a great deal further in Thailand but if her heart is set on Japan then perhaps re-post with a title something like " How can my daughter travel japan cheap" and you will get lots of replies, also as someone mentioned above there are other messages with tips on exactly that.
Asian countries are very different, if she is 'set' on Japan I would go with it. Perhaps get a few library travel books on Japan and slide in a Thailand one, you never know.....

I traveled a lot in Japan when I was younger. It's a beautiful and fascinating country and VERY easy to get around in, despite the fact that English is not widely spoken.

The good thing about inexpensive places to stay whether they are ryokan or business hotels is that they are absolutely clean and safe. They may be very small, though; the kind of rooms where you can touch all four walls at one time!

Same for food. Even the cheapest and plainest will be healthy and beautifully presented. You just need to stick to vegetables, rice and noodles to keep the cost down. Try tofu if it appeals to you. I was especially fond of yakitori (grilled skewers) bars.

I'd spend a 2-3 in Tokyo then head out to Nara/Kyoto. Try to get to one of the other islands as well to experience the Japanese countryside.

If you can combine Japan with another country, I think Bali would be a "rewarding experience". Completely different from Japan but also inexpensive and easy to navigate.

Other Asian cities, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok or Singapore, would provide a contrast in cultures, but they would also be cities, and I think it's nice to get away from all urban environments when traveling.

Japan is wonderful. Spend 3 days in Tokyo, a week in Kyoto (take day trips from there) and spend some time in a place like Takayama or Kanazawa or other smaller place in the hills.

Thanks to all. You have given me a good start. Normally we travel with 3 (the family) or 4 (the family and daughter's best friend). At this point my wife has said she is not going to go on that long of a flight. We go to Europe every couple of years (just returned from France) and that is about as long a flight as she can stand. We live in Florida so the flying time for us looks like 15 hours plus. I suspect when we do go it will be at least 3 of us. As I said thanks and keep the advice coming.