Been to Japan? Or Majorca, Spain? How was it?

I've been to Majorca a few times since I live in Spain. It is pretty much what you expect and you'll get out of it pretty much exactly what you intend. Its very nice for cycling, hiking, scuba, sailing, and boating. Its a great place to relax, very picturesque, and is geared towards tourism.

I've also lived in Asia for 10 years and been to Japan numerous times. If you're looking for a cultural experience Japan is the place. Tokyo is a megalopolis. A great place to wander around and just soak it all in, day and night. Outside of the city Kyoto and Mt Fuji are not to be missed, along with numerous other villages for the tradiutional Japanese experience. The gardens, sumo, onsens are great. I know there are agencies that arrange cycling tours so maybe you could even get the best of both worlds.

People in Japan are extremely polite. English is not widely spoken. The food is for lack of a better description Japanese. Lots of rice, noodles, vegetables, and fish, but you'll find anything and everything in the cities... I don't think you'll find any negative surprises as far as the food goes.

Overall I'd say the 2 choices are worlds apart but win win either way.  

In Tokyo you'll usually be able to find someone that speaks English. Outside Tokyo a bit trickier. In the hotels and tourist destinations you'll always be able to find someone that speaks a little English. Beyond that consider it part of the adventure. But I for sure wouldn't let it put you off.

As for the food I think you'll quite like it. The flavors are subtle and its all pretty healthy stuff.

I didn't spend nearly enough time in Japan, but loved it.  But I have always been drawn to Japan.  We visited some old (as in OLD) monasteries that were amazing.

However, everything was bit small for this 6'7" murican...

ETA:  Oh, it's a bit expensive as well.

x2 on the high expense.  My wife and I went on a short trip to Japan and enjoyed it, and I will echo that English is not widely (or very fluently) spoken, but the subway is easy to get around despite limited English signage and taxis are good (super clean and professional!) , but $$$.  The people are all very friendly and always seemed willing to help.  We were just in and around Tokyo as part of a business trip and would like to go back to visit some more rural and historic areas and Mt. Fuji, but a return trip is pretty far down our list of next vacations.  My wife visited China and liked it much better than Japan.

KSH - 2013-01-21 7:52 AM

powerman - 2013-01-21 8:06 AM Well if you went to Ibiza, then you know what you are in for. It's like being in Arizona with nude beaches. I liked Arizona with nude beaches, but they have beaches, bikes, and diving in Japan too. I would do Japan.

Ibiza didn't have nudge beaches. Topless, yes. But not nude. Does Majorca? If so, there's no way I'm talking my boyfriend out of it. Ha! Of course typically the people who want to prance around nude in public shouldn't be.

There was when I was there. Maybe it was Malaga. Just had to ask a cabbie. Outside of town. It had a little bar/shack. Naked waitress walking around. Uno mas cerveza por favor. Nice place.

I lived in Japan for a year in 1995-1996 as an exchange student. I also went back to visit for a week in 2002. There's so much to do in Japan. It really depends on what you are into. I saw a lot in 1995-1996 because I was there for a long time and living with a host family that took me lots of places, Nagano for skiing, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and I also spent a week in Tokyo with friends before flying home. In 2002, I went back with my SO and we spent quite a few days in Tokyo and a few days near Mt. Fuji. We hiked up it. That was a highlight.

I'm planning on going back to Japan for 3 weeks this year. The plan is to do a bike tour, similar to what I did in France last year. Japanese people are kind, considerate and I love the culture. Of course, it really helps that I speak Japanese. Otherwise it may be difficult to get around. Most people do speak a bit of English. They study it in school. However they are shy to use it. Then you will meet a few people who speak English fluently. All of the signs are written with characters, so it can be difficult to get around. And Japan is expensive. But the culture is wonderful, you will never feel so safe anywhere else, and the food is fantastic and the people are kind. I can't wait to go back.

I'd love to go to Japan.  If you get a chance, watch the movie Cherry Blossoms (2008, it's in German). It's a very good movie, incredibly sad, but you also get a good view of the beauty in Japan and especially Mt. Fuji.     Of course you can watch Lost in Translation for a view of Tokyo.   Finally, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a documentary about a sushi chef in Tokyo.   Not terribly useful, but interesting nonetheless while on the topic.

I am just curious - why did you pick Japan as an option if you didn't know for sure what to do there? 

I'm sure it happens.  I just sort of just played it very reserved and humble.  Lots of bowing and tried to be very polite at all times.  IF I did something to offend, they could tell in my manner that it was unintentional.  I figured being the loud obnoxious American is not the path to take.

In Italy?  Different story.

I also found you can go a long way without knowing the language.  Did plenty of shopping and one of the most enjoyable things we did is actually go grocery shopping for local foods.  Another memorable time was when through pantomime and VERY limited english skills from a girl in a store, I was able to communicate how I loved the music they were piping in over the loud speakers in the store.  She finally got it, went back and pulled the CD to show me, and I was able to buy it in their music store.  I found some fantastic stuff you could never get here.

In 1999 I did the three month around the world adventure with my now hubby and visited both Spain and Japan.  I think if you are looking for a really unique and scary but exciting adventure... go to Japan but I'd recommend you do a lot of research beforehand.

I don't think you have to worry about things to do.  Temples, gardens, market places and hiking are all in abundance. 

Because Japan was our last spot we cut the trip short and spent more time in Korea for the following reasons:
(1) we didn't budget properly.  At that time Japan was REALLY expensive - as in a one way ticket on the speed train to Osaka was $250 per person.  We paid $250 to stay in the tiniest little hotel room.  
(2) no one spoke English.  They think they do but it's textbook vs. conversational.  So instead of saying "Go down the street and turn left" it's more like "left street turn down".  Very confusing.  The advice to have things written out in Japanese is a good one.  Fortunately we had our hotel address written out.
(3)  Maps.  We agreed that when we go back we will have maps of the rail stations and REALLY know how to navigate the city.  As an example - in Tokyo there was one station where you could buy train tickets or subway tickets.  We'd buy one but for the wrong rail.  We didn't even know how to catch the train - it would approach and we'd wait, but the doors where we were standing wouldn't open.  Little things like that can be frustrating and overwhelming.
(4) Food - a lot of places have pictures.  Just point and smile  

While in Thailand we hired an english speaking tour guide.  It might be an idea to see if you can do something similar in the more rural areas.  Find a student.  I'm sure there are websites for such things.  It wasn't crazy expensive but then it was Thailand.

Note:  This is based on 1999 travel so maybe it's no longer of concern.

Don't forget you could race a HIM there

http://ironmanmallorca.com/