Japan or Greece? Don't know which to pick for a week vacation!!!
 

Hello,
I'm planning a trip in late July and not sure which would be a better pick......Japan or Greece? Any help would be great

I would pick Greece. Japan is hot, hot hot in July with a possibility of Typhoon. You will also probably be spending time in the cities if you go to Japan which swelter in the summer. The Greek islands are also quite warm in July but you can have a nice beach holiday.

I was in Tokyo and Kyoto last July (middle to late part of month); if you look, you can find my trip report. I found it almost too hot to be fun. That was particularly a problem in Kyoto, since most of the sights are ancient temples and gardens that are, duh, un-air-conditioned.

Frankly, I wouldn't want to be in Greece in July either.

I have been to both places and most here know my choice would be Japan. You don't have to stay in Tokyo or Kyoto and it might be more rainy than hot(depends on what part of July you arrive). At that time of year I would head to the cities or towns of the Japan Alps ie Nagano,Takasaki,Matsumoto,and all areas in between. Or at least up to the Nikko area above Tokyo. July is the also prime month to explore Hokkaido and all it has to offer.

http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1101.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6850.html

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/r.../siretoko.html

Hike the trails of the Shiretoko Peninsula or the Lake Akan area. Maybe you'll want to roam the lavender fields in Biei/Furano or see the shear cliffs of Daizetsuzan National Park and the Sounkyo and Asahidake Onsens. Lots to see in July in Japan. As mentioned in the JG link provided it is a good time to see local festivals in the small towns and villages. Just a few thoughts.....

Aloha!

Those are wonderful suggestions, HT!

Japan and Greece are as far removed as you can as a vacation destination. Greece is in Southern/Eastern Mediterranean, with hot but dry summers, Japan an archipelago in the Far East with hot, sticky climate. Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation, Japan a fine example of Oriental culture and history. Greece is very accessible for Western visitors, with a long history of incoming tourism, Japan still presents a pleasant challenge with strange rules and distinct customs. Greek holiday can be just about lazing on the beach and eating in tavernas, while in Japan you really need to get out and explore its fascinating yet hidden treasures, making new discoveries. If I had a choice, I would spend late July on a Greek island, and explore Japan in October.
So it depends on what you want out of your vacation.

Thanks Kathie. You and C should take me up on some of our Japan suggestions sometime soon!

Aloha!

A week ain't all that long for either and as Alec has pointed out there are similarities with huge differences and I expect one difference is likely to be cost for whilst I've been to Greece and found it affordable, everything I hear of Japan heralds cost.

As Japanese Cities can I expect to be crowded/busy places, Athens is to some exyent also but hardly of the same degree as Japan but still not a pleasant place for a summer and again I'd agree with Alec and say get yourself to an island, Santorini, Cyprus or Crete for larger ones but also plenty of smaller ones and you'll also likely find them abuzz with holidayers/vacationers too.

Think there are ferry transfers through the islands between Greece and Turkey so you could even look at both and from Turkey they have older style boat cruises.

Japan doesn't have to be very expensive--if you do some research in advance. We did spend $250 a night to stay in a Ryokan in Kyoto because we wanted the experience.

But our modern hotel in Tokyo was under $100 a night double with private bath and a simple Japanese breakfast included--the room was small, but we only slept and showered there. Dinners cost us from $10 to $25 per person depending on how hungry we were and whether or not I wanted a beer or sake with my meal. Other accomodations varied from $100 to $150 a night--the more expensive ones were in towns where festivals and other special events were taking place.

Thank you so much for all your help!!!! After reading Hawaiiantravel's suggestions and doing a bit of research we have decided on Japan! We are leaving July 18 until the 26th. Know I need to work on the itinerary..............

Let us know if you need any more info on Japan.

BTW if you are planning anything in Hokkaido, JR Hokkaido is having a good sale combining their pass with a discounted rental car. You can also get a discounted hotel room if you stay at one of the JR hotels. See here if interested:

http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/.../4days_03.html

Aloha!