I am going to East Asia for 2 months. Everyone wants to go to Thailand and Laos and China, but there has been debate on whether or not to go to Japan.

I want to Japan, but my trip mates think it will be too out of the way.

Thoughts anyone?

Both areas are excellent destinations, with a couple of major differences:

1. When are you going? Japan is two extremely different places to visit depending on whether you go during summer or during winter. I'd say summer is the part of the year when you can get the most out of your visit. (Unless you go there for the skiing.) South-East Asia, however, is a great place to remain comfortable during winter. (Northern Vietnam and China pretty much excluded.)

2. How much money do you have? Japan may be out of your budget, especially compared to South-East Asia and much of China.

Where you should go all depends on what you want to see. It's not same-same, but definitely different.

Bjørn
http://bjornfree.com/

It's not really a choice between summer and winter - in Japan the spring and the autumn are the best for weather reasons, and also in terms of sights. The spring in particular is wonderful if you're there during the cherry blossoming. The weather is lovely in spring or autumn, but horribly humid in summer, and quite cold in winter.

As for your main question, I would include Japan as it is unique and has so much to offer. It is more expensive than SE Asia of course, but not as expensive as rumour often has it.

Thanks for the info guys. It has been very helpful!

I most likely will be going in June. Now all I have to do is convince my friends that Japan is worth the extra money and time.

i would also suggest mongolia esp if you are there in July during Nadaam Festival

Oh really?? What is this festival all about?

Personally I prefer South Korea to Japan for both cost & interest.

I guess going to Thailand is much cheaper compared to Japan. And also you need a Japan Visa to visit their country.

Japan is generally expensive but depending on time and interest, like anywhere else. For example, if not much time and you want to ride the bullet trains - it's expensive, unless you have a rail pass. Rail passes "seem" pricy but if long distances are travelled and wide areas of the country, then MUCH cheaper than paying for bullet trains as you go. If one was to stick to the Kyoto/Nara/Osaka/Kobe area, then trains can be reasonable and easy to use (for example).....

June is considered the start of the "rainy season". Personally, I never find it so bad, but it can rain steady for a few days at a time. It is also starting to get quite hot and humid from June.