I am thinking of traveling solo to Asia and since I am going to be on my own, I want to visit cities where a lot of people walk on the streets where I can just walk or use the subway to get every where like in New York, and Europe.

I definitely want to do Tokyo, any other suggestions?

I would like to do about three cities in that part of the world on this trip since it's soooo far away, and I don't know if I'll ever get back there again..

I thought of actually doing Sydney and Melbourne after Tokyo but I changed my mind after I found out that Australia is about 10 hours away from japan! which is pretty close to the 13 hours it takes to get there from the US, so I would probably do Australia sometime later in life.

Thanks so much!

oh by the way, I have about three weeks and it will be on the last week of February till about mid march.

Hong Kong is definitely walkable. You'll see tonnes of people on the streets everywhere. Public transportation is also very easy to use.

Yes, Hong Kong is a great walking city and has good public transportation.

Singapore has great public transportation, but it's hot year round, so you may or may not walk a lot. I typically use a comnination of walking and the MRT (subway)

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities, but it's not great for walking. However, it has botht eh skytrain and the subway as well as lots of cheap taxis.

We found Beijing very walkable, and as in most of Asia there's certainly no shortage of people on the streets. The subway system is fine but not as extensive as say NYC. Taxis are however efficient and cheap. It's a fascinating city, packed with history, and we found the people welcoming and cheerful. The old residential areas should be seen while they're still there to be seen - the city government is enjoying a pre-Olympics construction orgy.

Central Hanoi is another great city for walking, especially early in the morning around the central lake among the citizens engaging in tai chi, badminton and what-have-you. The nearby Old Town is also fascinating. You can't not like the Vietnamese people, the food is excellent and good side trips (eg Halong Bay) are available.

Good question. Hong Kong is a great walking city with excellent public transportation as well. There are plenty of green areas for ex-urban trekking too. February/March is good walking weather.

Saigon is another. Beijing in certain areas (Agree -- go now!). I haven't been to Rangoon for many years, but when I was there in the 80's it was a lot of fun for strolling.

Singapore has excellent public transportation and some nice shopping and green areas.

I wouldn't put Bali in the same category as it doesn't have big cities, but if you're looking for a third destination to complement Japan and say, Hong Kong, Bali would be a good choice. You can walk on the beach, in the rice paddies or the streets of Ubud.

If Tokyo is a definite I would make Kyoto and Hong Kong your other two.

Remember that in Feruary Tokyo and most of China will be quite cold, so you will need a completely different wardrobe than you would for place like Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong (although Hong Kong in Feb will be on the cool side, but great walking weahter). Take a look at weatherbase.com. For three weeks, this may mean hauling more luggage than you want,i.e. winter coats, sweaters, etc. It may also take a little bit away from your desire and/or enjoyment of walking in Tokyo and or Beijing. Just bear that in mind.

Australia is superb in February and Melburne and in particular Syndney are great walking citie with lots of interesting neighbors (the Rocks, you can walk across and actually up onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge), so I would actually encourage a trip there and save northern Asia for mabye another trip. But, as you have 3 weeks, mabye you should just bite the bullet and take the 10 hour flight, if you do it as an overnight it isn't so bad. One thing aout the long flgihts, after you have done one, they get easier, and after a few, the short flights become a piece of cake....

My list of good walking cities in Asia would include the above stated so far. Xian China also has some very interesting walkable bits, not a good public transport system though and will be cold in February.

mnss, Hong Kong would be perfect for what you want.

Thanks a lot everyone for the great tips!

I was leaning towards Hong Kong(besides Tokyo), but since China seems to have several great cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Xian I thought I should probably do China on its own. It just wouldn't feel right going all the way to China and only visiting Hong Kong.

Is Singapore really that great? considering the fact that it's about 7 hours away from Japan + the totally different wardrobe I would need etc etc?

Bangkok and Singapore. As for is Singapore really that great...I personally love the place. I vacation there and Bangkok regularly...others dislike Singapore. It depends on what you want to do and your likes and dislikes. It's extremely easy to get around in and if you go to Zouk nightclub, you'll probably meet a lot of people. Plus, it's easy to talk to Singaporeans. I've never had trouble meeting them. Happy Travels!

After doing some research, I think it's going to be Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Thanks so much everyone and happy travels!