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Top Places to Visit in Japan and Thailand
If Japan feels like a high-tech dream with a side of history, Thailand is your sun-soaked playground with unbeatable eats. Together? That's basically the ultimate Asia trip—temples, sushi, beaches, pad thai, mountains, lanterns, neon lights… you won't want to go home.
Japan - Where Tradition Meets “Whoa, Is This the Future?”
Tokyo: Vibrant capital.
Start here, and you'll see everything from neon-lit Shibuya crossings to quiet temples tucked behind skyscrapers. Don't miss sushi in Tsukiji and the view from Tokyo Skytree.
Kyoto: The cultural heart and ancient capital.
Temples, geishas, tea houses, and autumn leaves straight out of a painting. Pro tip: hit Fushimi Inari early before the Instagram crowd shows up.
Osaka: Japan's food capital.
Loud, proud, and obsessed with food. Street eats like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) are life here. Dotonbori's neon river strip is pure chaos in the best way.
Mount Fuji & Hakone: Yes, it's a must-see!
Japan's iconic peak looks unreal whether you're snapping photos from Lake Kawaguchiko or soaking in a Hakone onsen with Fuji in the background.
Top 18 Things to Do in Japan: What to See & Top Attractions (2025 Guide)
Thailand - Land of Smiles (and Seriously Good Food)
Bangkok: Street food heaven.
Pad Thai for $1, rooftop bars with skyline views, and golden temples glowing at sunset. Ride the tuk-tuks, but bargain like a pro.
Chiang Mai: Northern mountains
Chill mountain vibes, elephant sanctuaries (the ethical kind, please), and the most charming old town streets. If you come in November, the lantern festival will blow your mind.
Phuket & Krabi: That Beaches!
Your beach dreams come true: turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, island hopping, and epic sunsets. Island-hopping, snorkeling, or just sipping coconuts while doing absolutely nothing—it's all fair game.
Ayutthaya – UNESCO site near Capital
Just an hour from Bangkok, this UNESCO site is packed with ancient ruins, giant Buddhas, and tree roots wrapped around old temple walls.
Top 40 Thailand Attractions: Best Thailand Attractions
Best Things to Do in Japan and Thailand
Japan is perfect for families, culture seekers, and winter adventurers, while Thailand shines for couples, beach lovers, and foodies on a budget. Together, they make the ultimate Asia combo trip.
Japan: Culture, Castles, Food & Family Fun
Japan is a playground for all ages—temple-hopping for culture buffs, anime worlds for kids (and kids at heart), plus food and hot springs for everyone.
Temple-hop Japan's Icons – Each region has its own star. In Tokyo, Asakusa's Sensō-ji buzzes with incense and fortune slips, while Meiji Shrine offers a calm forest escape. Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera clings dramatically to a hillside, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) glitters on a pond, and Nara's Tōdai-ji wows with its giant Buddha.
Step Into Samurai History at Castles – From Tokyo's Imperial Palace to Osaka Castle's grandeur, castles show off Japan's feudal past. Himeji Castle is the undisputed queen—snow-white and elegant—while Matsumoto Castle stands as a rare, moody black fortress.
Soak in an Onsen – Few things are more Japanese than sinking into steaming outdoor hot springs while snow falls around you. Hakone is a classic pick, with mountain views and ryokan stays.
See Mount Fuji Up Close – Japan's most iconic peak is breathtaking from Lake Kawaguchi, where reflections double the beauty. Whether you hike, boat, or just sip tea at a lakeside café, Fuji steals the show.
Eat Your Way Around Japan – Sushi in Tokyo, ramen in Fukuoka, okonomiyaki in Osaka—each region has its own flavor. Don't miss seasonal treats like wagashi (traditional sweets) and winter hot pot.
Must Try Food in Japan: 20 Unique Japan Food & Cuisine in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.. 2025
Dive Into Anime & Pop Culture – Visit Akihabara's otaku wonderland, Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, or step into anime-inspired cafés. For families, Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka's Universal Studios bring fairy tales and films to life.
Hit the Slopes – In winter, head north to Hokkaido or Nagano for world-class powder snow. Family-friendly resorts like Niseko and Hakuba offer skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of après-ski hot springs.
Thailand: Temples, Elephants & Island Bliss
If Japan feels polished, Thailand is its carefree cousin—laid-back beaches, gilded temples, and the friendliest street food stalls.
Temple-hop in the Tropics – Bangkok dazzles with the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew and the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Up north in Chiang Mai, temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep glow golden at sunset, overlooking the city.
Island-hop to Paradise – From Phuket's party vibes to Krabi's limestone cliffs and Koh Samui's palm-fringed beaches, Thailand is the ultimate beach lover's dream. For a quieter escape, try Koh Lipe or Koh Tao, perfect for snorkeling.
Meet Gentle Giants – Ethical elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai let you feed, bathe, and walk with these incredible animals—an unforgettable experience.
Dive, Snorkel & Splash – The Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are teeming with marine life. Koh Tao is scuba heaven, while Phi Phi and Similan Islands are perfect for snorkeling.
Eat Like a Local – Thai food is cheap, bold, and addictive. Pad Thai on a street corner, green curry in a market, mango sticky rice for dessert—you'll never go hungry.
10 Best Street Food in Bangkok | Best Places for Street Food
How Long to Stay in Japan and Thailand
So, how many days do you actually need? The truth is—both Japan and Thailand deserve as much time as you can give. But since vacation days aren't endless, here's a realistic take:
Japan: 7–10 days
If it's your first trip, 7–10 days is the sweet spot. That gives you time to explore Tokyo's neon streets, pop down to Kyoto for temples and geisha vibes, maybe sneak in a day trip to Mount Fuji or Nara.
Got more time? Two weeks lets you add Osaka's food scene, Hiroshima's history, or Hokkaido's snowy slopes.
1 Week in Japan: 7 Days Japan Itinerary (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka...)
10 Days in Japan: 5 Best Japan Itinerary Ideas (For First Timer)
Japan Itinerary 14 Days: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Japan (For First Timer)
Thailand: 6–10 days
For Thailand, a week is enough to mix Bangkok's buzzing temples and markets with a couple of lazy island days.
But honestly, 10–14 days feels just right—you can temple-hop in Chiang Mai, play with elephants, trek the northern hills, then fly south for island life in Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.
Thailand rewards slow travel, so the longer, the better.
1 Week Thailand Itinerary: Spend 7 Days in Thailand
Thailand Itinerary 10 days | 10 Days in Thailand
Thailand Itinerary 2 Weeks: 14-day Thailand Itinerary
Best Combo Trip: 2-3 weeks
If you're dreaming of doing both countries in one vacation, plan at least 2 weeks (ideally 3).
Split your time: about 8–10 days in Japan for the culture fix, then 5–7 days in Thailand to relax under the palms. Culture plus beaches—it's the ultimate Asia duo.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Japan is much more expensive than Thailand, so your travel duration depends on your wallet in fact!
Suggested Japan and Thailand Itineraries
Route 1: Classic Highlights (14 Days)
Japan (8 days): Tokyo → day trip to Mount Fuji or Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka
Thailand (7 days): Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Phuket (or Krabi)
Perfect if it's your first time—you'll hit Japan's must-see cities and end on a sunny island escape.
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Arrival, evening stroll in Shinjuku |
| 2 | Tokyo | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market |
| 3 | Tokyo → Mt. Fuji | Mount Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, Tenjo-san Park Cable Car or Lake Cruise |
| 4 | Tokyo → Kyoto | Free shopping in Akihabara, Ginza, Then Shinkansen (2.5 h) to Kyoto |
| 5 | Kyoto | Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Kiyomizudera Temple |
| 6 | Kyoto → Nara → Osaka | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park |
| 7 | Osaka | Namba Yasaka Jinja, Osaka Castle Park, Dotombori |
| 8 | Osaka → Bangkok | Fly to Bangkok |
| 9 | Bangkok | Wat Phra Kawe, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, Wat Arun |
| 10 | Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Fly to Chiang Mai |
| 11 | Chiang Mai | Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary |
| 12 | Chiang Mai → Phuket | Chiang Mai Old City, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang |
| 13 | Phuket | Beach Relaxing |
| 14 | Phuket Departure |
Route 2: Kids-Friendly Route (12 Days)
Japan (6 days): Tokyo → day trip to Mount Fuji or Hakone → Disney
Thailand (6 days): Bangkok → Phuket (or Krabi)
Perfect if you're traveling with kids.
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Arrival, evening stroll in Shinjuku |
| 2 | Tokyo | Ueno Park (Sakura), Senso-ji Temple (Sakura), East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Sakura), Tsukiji Fish Market |
| 3 | Tokyo | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower |
| 4 | Tokyo → Hakone | Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, Lake Ashi (Hakone Pirate Ship) |
| 5 | Tokyo → Disney | Tokyo Disneyland, or Tokyo Disneysea |
| 6 | Tokyo → Bangkok | Free shopping in Akihabara, Ginza, Then fly to Thailand |
| 7 | Bangkok | Wat Phra Kawe, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, Wat Arun |
| 8 | Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Fly to Chiang Mai |
| 9 | Chiang Mai | Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary |
| 10 | Chiang Mai → Phuket | Chiang Mai Old City, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang |
| 13 | Phuket | Beach Relaxing |
| 14 | Phuket Departure |
Route 3: Culture Lovers' Route (10 Days)
Japan (5 days): Osaka → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka
Thailand (5 days): Bangkok → Chiang Mai
This one leans more cultural: shrines, temples, history, elephants, and hill tribes. Great if beaches aren't your main priority.
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Osaka Arrival | Arrival, evening stroll in Dotombori |
| 2 | Osaka → Kyoto | Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Kiyomizudera Temple |
| 3 | Kyoto → Nara → Osaka | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park |
| 4 | Osaka | Namba Yasaka Jinja, Osaka Castle Park, Dotombori |
| 5 | Osaka → Bangkok | Fly to Bangkok |
| 6 | Bangkok | Wat Phra Kawe, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, Wat Arun |
| 7 | Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Fly to Chiang Mai |
| 8 | Chiang Mai | Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary |
| 9 | Chiang Mai → Bangkok | Chiang Mai Old City, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang |
| 10 | Bangkok Departure |
Best Time to Visit Japan and Thailand: Weather & Festivals
The sweet spot of a Japan–Thailand combo trip comes down to weather. You want pleasant, not-too-extreme conditions in both countries, so your cherry blossoms don't turn into a sweaty tuk-tuk ride (or vice versa).
Japan: Cherry Blossom or Red Leaves?
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, buzzing with festivals.
Autumn (September–November): Fiery red leaves, crisp air, perfect for temple hopping and long walks.
Winter (December–February): Cold, but magical if you like snow, skiing, or onsen soaking.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid with occasional typhoons, though great for festivals and fireworks.
Best Time to Visit Japan & Worst Time to Visit Japan
Best Time To Visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms 2025 | Sakura Season in Japan
Thailand: Winter Escape
Cool & Dry Season (November–February): Best all-round—sunny skies, comfortable temps, and ideal beach weather.
Hot Season (March–May): Scorching, but Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) makes it fun.
Rainy Season (June–October): Lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but expect showers.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok : Best Time to Visit Thailand
Best overlap months?
November & early December: Japan's autumn leaves meet Thailand's perfect dry season.
March & April: Japan's cherry blossoms pair with Thailand's festivals (hello, Songkran!).
How to Travel Around Japan and Thailand
Getting around in Japan and Thailand couldn't be more different, but both are part of the adventure.
Japan is all about speed and precision
In Japan, transportation is famously smooth, fast, and reliable—but it comes at a price.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the star of the show, whisking you between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in just a couple of hours.
Subways and local trains are spotless and punctual, and IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) make hopping around cities a breeze. Taxis are safe but pricey, so most travelers stick to trains and buses.
For longer stays, a JR Pass can be a money-saver if you're doing lots of city-hopping.
Thailand is all about affordability and adventure
In Thailand, the vibe is totally different—affordable, flexible, and sometimes a little chaotic (in a fun way).
In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway help you dodge traffic, while tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pickups) add a splash of local flavor.
For longer distances, budget flights between cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are super cheap and frequent.
To make your trip even smoother, let Asia Odyssey Travel take care of the details. With offices in Bangkok and Kyoto, we provide local, experienced drivers and guides to help you travel comfortably and worry-free.
Cost of Visiting Japan and Thailand
When it comes to expenses, Japan and Thailand are on very different levels. Japan is noticeably more expensive, especially in accommodation, food, and transportation. In fact, a 7-day trip in Japan can easily cost more than 10 days in Thailand.
That said, Japan's higher prices come with higher quality. From spotless hotels and punctual trains to beautifully presented meals, you'll quickly see why many travelers—especially families with children—feel the cost is worth it.
Japan is world-famous for being safe, organized, and family-friendly, which makes travel smooth and stress-free.
Thailand, on the other hand, is much more cost-effective. For the same budget, you can stretch your stay longer, hop between more destinations, and enjoy everything from beach resorts to street food feasts without worrying too much about your wallet.
In short: Japan is premium comfort, Thailand is affordable variety. The total cost of your trip will really depend on how long you stay and what style of travel you prefer.
Next, let's look at the actual spending gap between the two.
Japan (per day, per person):
- Budget: $60–100 (hostels, JR Pass, ramen shops)
- Mid-range: $150–250 (business hotels, sushi + izakaya, Shinkansen rides)
- Luxury: $300+ (ryokan stays, kaiseki dinners, private guides)
Thailand (per day, per person):
- Budget: $30–50 (guesthouses, street food, local buses)
- Mid-range: $70–150 (boutique hotels, domestic flights, nice restaurants)
- Luxury: $200+ (beach resorts, private drivers, spa days)
What to Pack for Japan and Thailand
Packing for Japan and Thailand in one trip is a bit like preparing for two different worlds—you'll want to keep things versatile and light.
For Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons, so what you bring depends on when you visit.
In spring and autumn, a light jacket, layers, and comfy walking shoes are musts for temple strolls and city exploring.
Winters (especially in Hokkaido or the Japan Alps) call for warm coats, scarves, and gloves.
Summers are hot and humid, so breathable fabrics, sunscreen, and a foldable umbrella will be your best friends.
Don't forget socks—you'll be slipping off shoes in temples and traditional inns often.
For Thailand
Here, it's all about staying cool and comfortable.
Think lightweight, breathable clothes, swimwear, sandals, and plenty of sunscreen.
A hat and sunglasses are essential for those island days.
If you're visiting temples, pack modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
A light rain jacket or poncho helps during the rainy season.
Bug spray is a lifesaver, especially if you're heading into the jungles or islands.
Universal Musts
- A power adapter (Japan and Thailand use different plugs and voltages).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Quick-dry towel (handy for beaches or hot springs).
- A small backpack for day trips.
- Medicine kit (motion sickness pills for boat rides in Thailand or train rides in Japan can come in handy).
Pack light, mix and match, and remember—you can always shop locally (Uniqlo in Japan, night markets in Thailand) if you forget something.
Travel to Japan and Thailand with Asia Odyssey Travel
A trip that combines Japan and Thailand is like tasting two sides of Asia in one journey—high-tech cities and tranquil temples in Japan, tropical beaches and vibrant street life in Thailand.
But with two countries, different languages, and varied transport systems, planning everything on your own can feel overwhelming. That's where Asia Odyssey Travel comes in.
With offices in Bangkok and Tokyo, we're right on the ground to make your trip effortless. From booking bullet trains in Japan to arranging private drivers in Thailand, from expert local guides to hand-picked hotels, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Whether you dream of cherry blossoms and sushi in Kyoto or island hopping and night markets in Phuket, our team will design a seamless, worry-free itinerary that blends the best of both worlds.
Ready to experience Japan and Thailand the easy way? Let Asia Odyssey Travel craft your journey from start to finish.
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