Hong Kong or Japan: Which one is best for a holiday?

Choosing to go on a trip from the UK to East Asia is incredibly exciting! But if you’re heading to this part of the world for the first time, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed - where should you prioritise? You might even have two in mind: Hong Kong and Japan.

So, out of these destinations, which is best for a holiday? In this guide, we at Trip.com are going through everything you need to know about Japan and Hong Kong to figure out which location is best suited for you. Everything from average travel budgets, weather, and things to do.

✈️ Hong Kong or Japan: Key Travel Differences

A big first step in deciding whether to visit Hong Kong or Japan is looking into their differences, and which of these are deal-makers or breakers. Perhaps you can stay in one for much longer, or maybe you’ve got a set budget you want to stick to.

Many travellers say that the vibes of each of these destinations are where their main differences are. Hong Kong is more pacey and energetic, but its compact size makes it easier to explore. Japan, on the other hand, is a little more organised and offers more diverse experiences.

To help you out, here’s a rundown of what Hong Kong and Japan have in common, as well as their differences.

💰 Hong Kong or Japan: Which destination is cheaper?

Things are cheaper in Japan compared in Hong Kong, apart from airfare. That’s not to say that Hong Kong doesn’t have affordable options, but you’ll often find more budget-friendly hotels and food options in Japan.

Here’s what to expect things to cost during a trip to either destination.

🎯 Hong Kong or Japan: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Hong Kong or Japan for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Both Japan and Hong Kong rank incredibly highly for their food offerings; you’re guaranteed to find some incredible eats at either destination. However, if food is a major decision factor in planning a trip, it’s helpful to know what sorts of dishes and flavours you can anticipate.

Japan is world-renowned for its exceptional food and high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with a huge amount of regional variety. Hong Kong’s fare is highly rated for its modern take on Cantonese dishes, with plenty of street food options to enjoy.

Best food to try in Hong Kong

• Char Siu (Cantonese Barbecue Pork): Sweet and savoury, this barbecued pork is marinated until caramelised and slightly charred. Worth getting sticky hands for!
• Congee (Jook): This comforting dish is a bit like a savoury porridge, made by slowly cooking rice until it gets creamy. Frequently served with pork, seafood, eggs or veggies.
• Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): A scrumptious dim sum dish made from rice noodle sheets and filled with prawns, beef or char siu. Dip into some soy sauce and enjoy!
• Sweet and Sour Pork: A Cantonese classic. Crispy pieces of pork are coated in a tangy, vinegar-based sauce, served alongside peppers and pineapple.
  
  What to eat in Hong Kong

Best food to try in Japan

• Sushi: Does sushi even need an introduction? Far superior to anything you’ll find in a UK supermarket, authentic Japanese sushi is truly off the scale thanks to super fresh ingredients.
• Ramen: Again, what you’ll find in the instant noodle aisle has nothing on authentic Japanese ramen. Warming and comforting, this is basically a big bowl of noodles, broth, and toppings.
• Okonomiyaki: A scrummy savoury pancake that’s made from a batter of cabbage, flour, and eggs, all topped off with mayo, bonito flakes, pork or seafood.
• Takoyaki: An Osaka speciality, these delicious fried octopus balls covered in mayo and bonito flakes are great for eating on the go.

🏙️ Hong Kong or Japan for city breaks: Which is the most exciting?

Now, when it comes to discussing urban centres in Hong Kong and Japan, it’s important to note that Hong Kong is a territory, whereas Japan is a country, and much, much bigger. As such, Japan has a wider variety of cities to explore, whereas Hong Kong’s urban culture is much more focused around districts and neighbourhoods.

If you’re looking for a shorter, city-only trip, Hong Kong is ideal. If you’re looking to visit a number of locations, or even go city-hopping, then Japan is definitely the better option.

Best neighbourhoods to visit in Hong Kong

• Kowloon: Lively, bustling, and a great place to go shopping. You’ll find all sorts of markets, as well as historic attractions, all looking over Victoria Harbour.
• Sheung Wan: This historic neighbourhood is best known for its traditional markets and temples—a great destination for soaking in local culture.
• Tsim Sha Tsui: Part of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is where you’ll want to head to to get the best views of Victoria Harbour, as well as visit the Avenue of Stars.
• Central District: If you’re skyscraper spotting, head to the Central District. You’ll also find luxury shopping and no shortage of rooftop bars here.

Best cities to visit in Japan

• Tokyo: This iconic, vibrant city is an exciting mixture of historic temples, futuristic architecture, and exciting neighbourhoods. You could easily spend a week here and not even see everything.
• Osaka: The country’s food capital; if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to head to Osaka, especially the canal-side neighbourhood of Dotonbori.
• Kyoto: Japan’s cultural heart, and former capital, Kyoto is filled with temples and traditional tea houses, and surrounded by beautiful nature.
• Hiroshima: Historic Hiroshima is home to the Peace Memorial Park, along with a lively food scene. It’s also a great hub to venture to explore local islands.

🌳 Hong Kong or Japan for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

If getting into nature is important to you for a holiday, then hands down Japan is the winner here. Offering a wide range of landscapes, from snow-topped mountains to beach islands, volcanoes to bamboo forest, there is so much to explore.

If you prefer to take a short break into nature whilst staying in the city, then Hong Kong might be more suitable for you. Thanks to fantastic transportation links, visiting nearby mountains and beaches is surprisingly easy!

Best nature spots in Hong Kong

• UNESCO Global Geopark: Dramatic coastal landscapes made up of volcanic rock formations, with sea caves and islands waiting to be explored.
• Mai Po Nature Reserve: Famous for its mangroves and mudflats, these protected wetlands are a haven for birds and welcome avian visitors on their annual migration routes.
• Tai Mo Shan Country Park: Boasting Hong Kong’s highest mountain area, with peaceful forest trails to hike along and waterfalls to enjoy.

Best nature spots in Japan

• Mount Fuji: Possibly one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, you’ll spot its snow-topped peak from a mile off. In fact, you probably will, as it looms very close to Tokyo.
• Yakushima Island: This highly atmospheric, UNESCO-listed island is covered in ancient cedar forests, verdant moss, and rugged mountain landscapes. A truly unique place to hike.
• Kamikōchi Valley: Found amongst the Japanese Alps, this valley is popular for its crystal-clear waters and rich forests, surrounded by dramatic mountain vistas.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Hong Kong or Japan: Which is best for families?

Both Hong Kong and Japan are great for families! Which one is more suited to your family all depends on the types of experiences you’re after. Hong Kong’s kid-friendly attractions are super easy to get to, as they’re all located in a compact space. Japan offers more variety, and may be better suited for those travelling for a longer period.

Whichever definition you choose, consider these top family attractions below to add to your itinerary. These are guaranteed to make lasting memories!

Best family attractions in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Disneyland: If you’ve got Frozen-fans or Toy Story-lovers in your family, be sure to stop at Hong Kong Disneyland. Home to immersive themed lands, rides, and attractions, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy here.
• Ocean Park Hong Kong: Surrounded by mountains, this marine-life and theme park is set in a spectacular location. Enjoy a mixture of animal exhibits, thrilling roller coasters, and gentle rides.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Hong Kong: This fully indoor experience is a must for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages! Fantastic for taking a break from the heat.

Best family attractions in Japan

• Tokyo Disney Resort: Home to two world-class theme parks, a trip to Tokyo Disney is unlike anything else. Expect incredible theming, fantastic rides, and viral snacks (we highly rate the alien mochi!)
• Universal Studios Japan: If you love Nintendo or Jurassic Park, be sure to pencil in a trip to Universal Japan. It’s pretty compact, so you’ll get a huge amount done in one day.
• Ghibli Park: A gentler take on a theme park, Ghibli Park’s focus is on play and imagination, rather than rides. Perfect for families looking for something a little less overstimulating but still a lot of fun.

🕐 What to see in Hong Kong or Japan, depending on the length of your trip

Now you have a clearer idea of what Hong Kong and Japan offer, and which destination is best suited to you, it’s time to get planning! Here are some itinerary plans to get you started.

🌤️ Best time to visit Hong Kong and Japan

Deciding on whether to go to Hong Kong or Japan can be as simple as looking at the best time of the year to visit them, and whether this lines up with your annual leave. As a general rule, Hong Kong is consistently warm throughout the year, whereas Japan has a wider range of climates.

Keep reading below to learn more about the weather in both of these destinations and see which is more preferable for you.

🇭🇰 When to visit Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is October to December. The weather is nice and warm, but the humidity is low, as are the chances of rain. Much more suited to sightseeing and spending time outside!

🇯🇵 When to visit Japan

March to May and October to November are considered the best times to visit Japan. The temperatures during these months are much more comfortable (think mild to warm), but the chances of rain are low. Great for sightseeing!

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