Japan and Vietnam are two famous Asian countries popular among tourists. Each has its unique culture, different scenic views, and enticing food that will surely attract you to come and visit again. Choosing any of these two countries would be a great choice.
Since Japan is known for its cutting-edge technology, it’s an excellent option for a tech enthusiast. It also has majestic natural views for nature lovers and many manga and anime collections for anime lovers.
But if you wish for a place with amazing scenic views, delicious food, and a unique cultural experience, choose Vietnam. It is an excellent option if you prefer a more adventurous trip.
Still confused? Don’t worry. In this article, we will walk you through each country’s characteristics and strong points to make your decision easier.
Ready? Let’s dig in!
Japan at a glance
Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan consists of a chain of islands in East Asia and the North Pacific Ocean. It has four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Its other islands are spread around the main ones, making it slightly larger than Germany and smaller than California.
Traveling to Japan is never boring. Most people are enticed by Japan’s immense beauty and amazing history and traditions. You get to experience the wacky pop culture, listen to the kimono-wearing geishas singing their traditional songs, read a variety of mangas, and drink the famous matcha drink!
This country also holds dear to its ancient customs and traditions passed from generation to generation. But they are also open to changes and innovations, making Japan a technological advancement pioneer.
If you want to experience these things, you should know some things before you travel to Japan. Below you’ll find basic information about the country.
Capital and other cities
Tokyo is the capital of Japan. There are also other equally-famous cities that you may want to visit, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Nagoya, and more.
Currency
Japan’s currency is the yen. Currently, 1 USD is approximately 140 Japanese Yen, but the value may vary from time to time. Better to check out the exchange rate before going to Japan.
Safety
In terms of safety, Japan has been known as one of the safest countries in Asia and the world. It is extremely rare to have a petty crime or violent crime in the country.
There are even stories of people who unintentionally left their belongings and other valuables in public but later recovered what they lost. So, it is really a safe place to travel to.
Though it is relatively safe, you should still be careful and respectful and follow the usual travel precautions to avoid any issues.
Language
The language generally used in Japan is standard Japanese or Nihongo. Several other languages are used in some parts of Japan, including Ryukyuan, Okinawa, Ainu, and some minority languages.
Entry/Visa
If you choose to visit Japan, know that most travelers can enter the country without a visa and stay for between 15 to 90 days, depending on one’s nationality.
Vietnam at a glance
Vietnam, a developing country, is an S-shaped land in Southeast Asia. It is one of the countries that are in mainland Asia, along with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. Its long coastline provides excellent harbors, easy access to marine resources, and attractive beaches.
Its beautiful scenery significantly boosted the tourism sector and the economy.
Do you want to visit bustling cities, swim to flawless beaches, and eat delicious food? Vietnam has all these things to offer. This country is known for its splendor and beauty, with some cultural complexities from busy cities to hill-tribe villages.
Vietnam still celebrates its very diverse history, customs, and traditions. You may see the different influences of other nations on Vietnam, such as the ancient temples with Chinese and Hindu origins and remnants from the French colonial era.
If you are a nature lover, you can feel the serenity of the mountain peaks, the amazing seascape of limestone islands, and the grandeur of cave systems in this country.
If you want to put Vietnam on your bucket list, here are the things that you should know before going on a trip to Vietnam:
Capital and other cities
Hanoi is known to be the capital of Vietnam. There are also other major cities that you may want to visit, like Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), Da Nang, Hue, and more.
Currency
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong. Currently, 1 USD is approximately 24 800 Vietnamese Dong (but this varies from time to time). Before you go to Vietnam, make sure to check the exchange rates.
Safety
Vietnam is relatively safe for travelers though there are some concerns to consider, such as petty thefts. Also, it would be best to be cautious about taxi scams. It is advisable to get travel insurance when visiting Vietnam.
Language
The official language used in Vietnam is Vietnamese. However, some minority languages are used as well, such as Moung, Cham, Khmer, Chinese, Nung, and H’Mong. Also, there are foreign languages that are spoken by small categories of the Vietnamese population, like French, Russian, Czech, German, and Polish.
Entry/Visa
If you plan to travel to Vietnam, you should know that most nationalities require visas. Generally, visas can be obtained for either 3 or 6 months upon arrival.
Which country has the most beautiful views?
Japan is not only leading in technology but also in breathtaking natural scenic places.
Starting from its iconic mountain, Mt. Fuji. This is the most famous volcano in Japan and is known for its beautiful conical form. It is considered their sacred symbol, and various temples surround the volcano.
Mt Fuji is an appealing tourist attraction for mountain climbers, but you can still enjoy its scenery even though you are not into mountain climbing. You can see the mountain from Tokaido Shinkansen, located between Osaka and Tokyo.
Yakushima is another hiking spot that is rumored to be the inspiration for the Ghibli film called “Princess Mononoke.” It is a remote island in the Kagoshima prefecture and is known for being a great hiking spot for many visitors.
Other scenic places in Japan include the rice paddies of Hoshitoge Rice Terrace in Nigata prefecture. You can see approximately 200 rice paddies while catching a glimpse of a sea of clouds in the area.
If you want another stunning view, the picturesque Shirogane Blue Pond is a good place. Its amazing bright color is accidentally made up of chemical composition brought by an artificial dam along the Shirogane river.
There is also Nabegataki, the famous waterfall, and Lake Towada, if you want water scenery. You can also visit their beaches, such as those on the Jodogahama and Shodo Island, for a quick dip in the sea.
A unique view is the Takeda Castle Ruins. This historical site is situated at the summit of Mt. Kojo and is widely known as the “Macho Picchu of Japan” or “castle floating in the sky.” Even though only some ruins remain, it will never disappoint travelers.
Vietnam also offers many beautiful views to enjoy, especially if this is your first trip. They have beautiful beaches, caves, canals, and rice terraces that offer stunning, relaxing views.
Sa Pa Valley, Mekong Delta, and Bac Son Valleys are perfect spots to enjoy panoramic views of their rice terraces and valleys. These three destinations are found in the rural areas of Vietnam.
Sa Pa Valley is northwest of Vietnam, famous for its rice terraces surrounded by the Tonkinese Alps filled with clouds. Mekong Delta, known as the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam,” is packed full of winding waterways, mangrove forests, floating markets, and lavish green rice fields.
Meanwhile, Bac Son Valley is a gem in the rural district of Lang Son province, known for its beautiful valleys and rice terraces. There is also Ning Binh Province, often referred to as the “Halong Bay of the land.” This province is known for its green rice fields and is centered on the winding Ngo Dong River.
If you want a change in scenery, Vietnam offers beautiful scenic waterfalls, rivers, and islands.
For instance, Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for tourists. They have silky emerald waters with towering limestone recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There is also the awe-inspiring Detian Waterfall. It lies on the border between China and Vietnam, making it the world’s second-largest transnational waterfall.
If you want beaches, Ky Co Beach is famous for its calming crystal waters, pure white sands, and rocky cliffs. Nha Trang is also enticing tourists with the most famous beach resort in Vietnam, white sandy shores, turquoise water, and stunning mountains.
Of course, Vietnam also offers great places for adventurous tourists. Try visiting Han Son Doong, the world’s largest natural cave that attracts many travelers. Since it is a massive cave with a river traversing it, many tourists choose to stay the night and enjoy a day of camping.
You can also explore Phu Quoc Island, which offers white sandy shores, sparkling waters, abundant jungle, and waterfalls.
Mui Ne Sand Dunes is also famous for its striking red and white sand dunes. The white sand dunes cover a massive area and offer amazing views during sunrise. On the other hand, the red dunes are made up of coppery rolling hills, which are stunning during sunset.
If you want romantic scenery, Da Lat will not fail you. It is referred to as the “Paris of Vietnam.” People are drawn to its French-colonial villas, horse-drawn carriages, an Eiffel Tower-shaped radio tower, and magnificent Valley of Love.
If you want to stay in the city, there are still beautiful sceneries in Vietnam. For instance, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with narrow canals, Chinese-style merchant houses, and French-colonial buildings.
With its recognized charm and atmosphere, the place never disappoints tourists. Many are in awe of the colorful lanterns along the streets at night.
Another city with beautiful scenery is Ho Chi Minh City. This one is a bustling city filled with skyscrapers and French-colonial structures.
Winner of the most beautiful views: Vietnam
Which country has the best landmarks?
Japan is filled with wonders and has been known for its remarkable landmarks. For instance, Tokyo Tower is the original iconic landmark in Tokyo.
They also have the Togetsu-Kyo Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Japan. It is located in the western part of Kyoto. Many people flock here during spring to see the beautiful cherry blossoms and in fall for its striking autumn colors.
Some of the temples and shrines are great landmarks in the country. These include Yamadera, popularly called Risshaku-Ji Temple. You can explore the temple by climbing the 1,000 steps leading to the top of the mountain.
Kaizenado offers a panoramic view along with the red structure called Nokyo-do. Other shrines that attract tourists are Kinkaku-Ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Itsukushima Shrine.
Kinkaku-Ji is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, known for its unique golden color. Meanwhile, Itsukushima Shrine is popular for its towering torii, which appear to be floating over the sea.
Other tourist attractions in Japan are its castles. The Himeji Castle is one of these. With its striking white color, this castle is the surviving representation of feudal Edo architecture.
There are also beautiful parks to visit in Japan, like the Hiroshima Peace Park, which is a symbol of compassion and serves as remembrance of people who have been affected during past wars.
Meanwhile, Nara Park and Jigokudani Monkey Park are great choices for up-close animal interactions. Jigokudani Monkey Park is known for its hot spring-loving monkeys with striking red faces, while Nara Park has the roaming sika deers that have become an icon of the city.
Another remarkable landmark in Japan is the Shibuya Crossing. Referred to as the world’s busiest pedestrian, it has been a symbol of modern Tokyo with its modern infrastructure. Meanwhile, Kobe Port is a symbol of resilience having survived the 1995 earthquake.
There is also Dotonbori, a landmark you can find in Osaka. It’s best known for its bright neon signboards and its delicacies. Similarly, Motonosumi-Inari Shrine is an eye-catching landmark for its 123 bright torii in the mountainside in Yamaguchi prefecture.
Vietnam also has many iconic landmarks. Its newest attraction is the Golden Bridge. It has a unique design with large hands holding up the bridge.
But one of the oldest landmarks in Vietnam is My Son, a UNESCO-recognized religious site where royalties and national heroes are buried.
Similarly, Hue Imperial City was once a hub of the Nguyen Dynasty. It houses beautiful structures like the Thai Hot Palace, Truing Sang Residence, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
Meanwhile, the Nguyen Dynasty Tombs is where the kings of the Nguyen dynasty lie. The tombs are designed with intricate styles and details based on the late kings’ beliefs.
The One Pillar Pagoda is also a stunner. It is located in the heart of Hanoi. It resembled Emperor Ly Thai Tong’s dream, which is a temple that seems to float above a lotus pond.
Another landmark recognized by UNESCO is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This nature reserve houses over 300 caves and grottos.
Cat Tien National Park is also a natural reserve that houses ancient trees, botanical gardens, and endangered wildlife. On the other hand, Cu Chi Tunnels is a massive tunnel system that has become a remembrance of the Vietnam War.
Winner of the best landmarks: Japan
Which is the best in terms of food?
Japanese cuisine is already known and widespread in so many countries around the world. In Japan, you can find good food everywhere. From restaurants to food shops or even convenience stores, there are lots of places that offer cheap yet delicious meals.
Japanese people use high-quality ingredients for their food. They also believe one can eat anything but in smaller portions, which is a very healthy principle.
If you are in Japan, you must try and experience their yakiniku or Japanese barbecue. Japan’s experience will never be complete without tasting the best takoyaki in Osaka, sushi in Tokyo, and Hida Beef in Takayama. Also, never forget the most famous noodle dish in Japan, which is ramen.
You must also try the Katsu Curry, and the fried chicken or pork cutlets poured with Japanese curry. The Gyoza, pan-fried dumplings, are usually filled with pork.
There is also Kushikatsu, the all-meat or vegetables skewered and deep-fried. You must also experience the taste of Sukiyaki, in which meat and vegetables are cooked in a hot pot.
When it comes to food, Vietnam also has a wide range of options.
You may try and taste Goi Cuon, a rice paper packed with green vegetables, coriander, and some mixture of minced or shredded pork, shrimp, and crab. This is usually served with a sweet and sour sauce. If you are lucky enough, it can be a delicious homemade peanut sauce.
Banh Mi is a must-try and differs in every part of Vietnam. Generally, it is a baguette sandwich filled with meat (can be roasted pork belly, grilled pork loin, barbecue pork, boiled chicken, or fried egg), green vegetable, pita, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, cilantro, and omelet.
You should also try the Hanoi specialty Bun Cha, which is usually served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles poured with a sauce. You may even ask for some little fried spring rolls to enjoy with it.
If Japan has Ramen, then Vietnam also has Cao Lau. Hoi An serves the best and only authentic Cao Lau. Its noodles are produced using water from a special well in town. Usually, it is served with Chinese barbecue pork, bean sprouts, croutons, and fresh herbs poured with a delicious pork-based gravy.
Winner: Japan
Which is best in terms of accommodation?
Let’s look at what the two countries have to offer as far as accommodation is concerned.
Japan
Japan offers a wide range of accommodation types. You may choose from sleeping on tatami mats on the floor to sleeping on regular beds, just like in the west. Here is the list of accommodation options:
Hostels
Hostels may be more expensive in Japan, but they are reasonably good. It is not that often that you can see hostels in Japan. Also, it is not the cheapest option if you are traveling as a pair or as a group.
Capsule Hotels
When in Japan, we recommend you experience the one-of-a-kind capsule hotels. These are small enclosed compartments, usually big enough to fit a bed. You can expect to have a stash of toiletries in your assigned locker and have to share restrooms.
Western-style hotels
These are the conventional hotels that you may find all over the world. They include the usual amenities and comfort, the same as in other countries.
Airbnb
This option may be synonymous with western-style hotels but with more personal space. This kind of accommodation is just as typical as Airbnb stays in most countries. Their price range varies depending on the location and the space itself.
Ryokans
Traditional Ryokans will offer you a luxurious stay in fascinating and authentic Japanese accommodations. However, these may be relatively expensive for most people.
Onsen Hotels
This type of accommodation is very similar to the ryokans or other hotels, but they are usually attached to an onsen. More often than not, they are relatively expensive for most people.
Vietnam
There are many accommodation options in Vietnam, from relatively cheap stays to luxurious and expensive ones. Take note that, regardless of the accommodation type, they will keep your passport or ID during your stay. This has to do with the rules and regulations of the government.
Here are the options you can choose from:
Hostels
Hostels are popular among backpacking travelers since they are relatively affordable. The offerings are very diverse, so anyone can choose a hostel within their budget.
Hotels
Since the accommodations in Vietnam are relatively cheap, you can level up your Vietnam experience and spend some money on your stay through hotels. You will thus have more space and privacy.
Airbnb
This option is no different than in other countries. You can find relatively great Airbnb accommodations in Vietnam.
Winner: Japan
Which country offers the most interesting things to do outdoors?
In Japan, you can do countless activities, especially outdoors. You may immerse yourself in the history and culture by visiting ancient temples and shrines like Kyoto.
You also have the option to join and attend the traditional Japanese festivals all over Japan, like Gion Festival, Nozawa Fire Festival, Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, and Kawagoe Festival, to name a few.
Suppose you want to be closer to nature. In that case, you can do it by hanging out with the famous deers in Nara Park, walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, hiking with the monkeys outside Kyoto, climbing the picturesque Mt. Fuji, or watching the famous cherry trees blossom.
If you want a more fun and adventurous activity, you may experience diving in Okinawa, which has a more tropical climate than the northern Japanese islands. If you want to experience the bustling big cities, you should cross the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection in Shibuya Crossing.
On the other hand, Vietnam has numerous outdoor activities. You may hike through the rice terraces in the Sa Pa. Adventure also awaits in Phong Nha for a caving experience, Marble Mountains in Da Nang for trekking, Dalat for canyoning, and Hang Son Doong for camping. You can also go sandboarding in the Mui Ne Sand Dunes.
Try riding a motorbike along the village of Dallas or through the Hoi An Pass. There is also a great diving spot in Nha Trang where you can do scuba diving. Also, one of the “must-do’s” in Vietnam is cruising through the Mekong Delta to experience the floating markets and the hospitality of the friendly locals.
Winner: Vietnam
Takeaway: Japan and Vietnam offer very unique experiences
Choosing a country to visit is a difficult decision. Each country has its strong points that are making it an alluring option for tourists.
Both Japan and Vietnam have beautiful scenic views and interesting landmarks. However, Vietnam offers more natural sites, adventurous activities, and places with walk-throughs of their history. Meanwhile, if you go for Japan, you’ll be able to come in close contact with nature, explore it beautiful shrines, as well as its techy side.
Regardless of which country you choose, always equip yourself with knowledge about the country you want to visit. Prepare your budget and find ways to avoid scams and save money while on a trip. For more travel tips, visit Roadtrip buzz now!
