3 weeks holiday - Dubai, South Korea and Japan.
Discussion
Hi all, I'm looking for some ideas/information/advice.
I've got the OK from the boss to take 3 weeks off work in September and spoke to a mate who lives in Busan in South Korea about visiting him. That's as much as is planned at the moment.
As he'll be working I don't want to hang around his place for the whole 3 weeks so I'm thinking about staying with another friend in Dubai for several days as it'll cost me nothing extra if flying to S. Korea on Emirates.
The other idea is to get a ferry across from Busan to south Japan and potentially stay there for a week or something. It's a country I've always wanted to visit but don't know much about the south of Japan and I'll likely be travelling mostly on my own. Has anyone spent time in south Japan and know much about it. Where is good to stay (ferry goes to Fukuoka) and how expensive is it in that part of the world? I want to try and keep costs down (hence why sleeping on friends floors) so would rather cheap accommodation and cheap travelling. Is this possible?
I've got the OK from the boss to take 3 weeks off work in September and spoke to a mate who lives in Busan in South Korea about visiting him. That's as much as is planned at the moment.
As he'll be working I don't want to hang around his place for the whole 3 weeks so I'm thinking about staying with another friend in Dubai for several days as it'll cost me nothing extra if flying to S. Korea on Emirates.
The other idea is to get a ferry across from Busan to south Japan and potentially stay there for a week or something. It's a country I've always wanted to visit but don't know much about the south of Japan and I'll likely be travelling mostly on my own. Has anyone spent time in south Japan and know much about it. Where is good to stay (ferry goes to Fukuoka) and how expensive is it in that part of the world? I want to try and keep costs down (hence why sleeping on friends floors) so would rather cheap accommodation and cheap travelling. Is this possible?
Japan is wonderful, and the people are fantastically friendly and hospitable - you MUST go there.
SW part of Honshu island has some very worthwhile spots:-
- Hiroshima
- Miyajima Island (very pretty temple with a floating Torii gate, plus some good walking up/down the hill (or train up and walk down))
- Himeji (castle - stunning - must see)
- Kyoto (further up, but easily doable in a day on the Shinkansen, and really worth going to)
...well worth spending a week doing the above - 1 day each for the top-3, 3 days for Kyoto, allow a day travelling. 7-day Japan Rail pass will pay for itself - but you must get it before you go.#
Depending on time of year they've also got some nice beaches further down, apparently.
As for cost - not cheap, but given the current € rate probably no worse than France/Italy/Germany, to be honest...not sure about finding cheap accom'n but worth researching.
SW part of Honshu island has some very worthwhile spots:-
- Hiroshima
- Miyajima Island (very pretty temple with a floating Torii gate, plus some good walking up/down the hill (or train up and walk down))
- Himeji (castle - stunning - must see)
- Kyoto (further up, but easily doable in a day on the Shinkansen, and really worth going to)
...well worth spending a week doing the above - 1 day each for the top-3, 3 days for Kyoto, allow a day travelling. 7-day Japan Rail pass will pay for itself - but you must get it before you go.#
Depending on time of year they've also got some nice beaches further down, apparently.
As for cost - not cheap, but given the current € rate probably no worse than France/Italy/Germany, to be honest...not sure about finding cheap accom'n but worth researching.
I live just up the coast from Busan. It is a great city!
The ferry across to Fukuoka is something I've looked at myself and it isn't especially expensive. As Martin said, there are plenty of interesting places to visit in SW Japan. Accommodation, transport and most other things certainly aren't cheap in Japan, but everyone I know who has been to that part of the country raves about it!
In Busan, I'd recommend:
The ferry across to Fukuoka is something I've looked at myself and it isn't especially expensive. As Martin said, there are plenty of interesting places to visit in SW Japan. Accommodation, transport and most other things certainly aren't cheap in Japan, but everyone I know who has been to that part of the country raves about it!
In Busan, I'd recommend:
- Haeundae Beach. Take a boat tour from the opposite end of the beach to the Westin Chosun hotel. You get to see a lot and it is a great way to escape the chaos of the beach! I'd recommend having a drink in Rock and Roll House bar (12th floor, amazing views.)
- Jagalchi Fish Market. Also head to the Lotte Mall (biggest mall in Asia allegedly.) Good views from the rooftop garden and plenty of good shops.
- Beomosa Temple is in the mountains on the edge of the city. Great place for a hike if it isn't too hot and a very traditional complex too. They also do overnight temple stays if interests you.
- Finally, if you feel brave head to Shinsaegae department store (huge place next to BEXCO subway station) and go to the traditional jjimjilbang. Basically it is a huge sauna/spa complex with the main bath a traditional naked bathing experience!
havoc said:
As for cost - not cheap, but given the current € rate probably no worse than France/Italy/Germany, to be honest...not sure about finding cheap accom'n but worth researching.
We looked at some good value hostels/motels which had either traditional Japanese accommodation or western style beds. There were a few good ones in Fukuoka and Hiroshima which is where we planned to go until a certain tsunami put paid to the trip. Have a look at hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com for ideas on price, they weren't too expensive IIRC.Fukuoka is good but all the really decent scenery is on the east or south of Kyuushuu so you will need a hire car. Make sure you get an IDP sorted before getting here. There is stacks of accommodation about: from garden sheds on stilts through to 200GBP/night ryokan.
As others have said, it can be expensive here but that part of the country is very cheap compared to Tokyo.
We have just been down there for Golden Week and it was great fun.
As others have said, it can be expensive here but that part of the country is very cheap compared to Tokyo.
We have just been down there for Golden Week and it was great fun.
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