I don't get the bland comment either...I don't think I've ever heard anyone describe Japan in that way, although I'll soon see for myself! Japanese people tend to be more reserved than Thai people, but that doesn't make them boring IMO...

Hi there,
Your choice of countries is very good. Depending on the time you have, you can easily split your journey in between Korea and Japan. Matt, my usual travel partner (this time he went on his own) took altogether 5 weeks visiting both countries. He spent 4 weeks in Korea, which he enjoyed very much and another week in Japan, because his flight was out of Osaka, Kansai Int’l Airport. One of the highlights in Korea for him was Jeju Island with the women abalone divers (see pictures of them here: http://konniandmatt.blogspot.ca/2013...jeju-city.html) and, of course, Seoul with its friendly people, great food and a lot of history. You'll find a lot of information here: http://konniandmatt.blogspot.ca/2013...013-seoul.html
Kyoto was another highlight in Japan with many temples and shrines, some of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Please, have a look at our notes and pictures: http://konniandmatt.blogspot.ca/2013...013-kyoto.html
Happy Travels,
Cheers, Konni, www.konniandmatt.blogspot.com

I would only have a maximum of 16 days total (including travel days)

I found it bland. I didnt visit that many places, just Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Not dishing the whole country. Some other places may be better.

The comment about India is just not relevant and a bit narky.

With 16 days only I would pick Korea. I find Korean people a bit more friendly.

I made the comment about India because I am Indian, and it was an example where there is SO much to see that there is something for most people. Not to be narky.

I dont care about India. Japan is much smaller than India btw.

I know an Indian family who went back to India after 20 years and didnt like it. Found all the beggars and dirty cities too much after being away a long time.

They told me not to go.

I dont know why people get upset if others dont like the same destinations. Im the opposite. The less people like my favs the better. Less tourists and lower prices.

By that logic, you should be posting that the destinations that you DO like are bland and boring - so that people won't go there. I don't see the point of making discouraging posts about a destination that you don't like - they might take your advice and end up at your fav destination. Or, wait, maybe you are point in advising against going to Japan because you really like it. And I don't see a point in getting upset about people who actually liked Japan and/or India and simply don't agree with you. What's you( point (rhetorical)?

Seems a bit selfish in any case. With that attitude you might start wondering why that Indian family that you know told you not to go to India? Maybe they loved it and want to keep it for themselves and keep you away.