Hey everyone! I am doing a 3 week Asia trip in March.
Seoul Korea for 7 days
Kaohsiung Taiwan for 3 days
Japan for 11 days (planning to do Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe)
Any suggestions on places to go/things to do/places to eat? Tips to getting around / staying on a budget?
Thanks in advance.

Hey Lisa, you should get sushi while in Japan. I hear it’s good over there.

I recommend the Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto. You can't take photos inside but it's awe inspiring. It has 1001 statues inside which are really cool to see. I think it was 500 yen to get in when I went back in 2012.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3900.html

Thanks Courtney

When you get to Seoul get the subway card at a 7-Eleven, GS or CU at the airport and take the subway to your hotel. If you decide to take a taxi don't tip as it is considered offensive (same goes in restaurants). Before you get there, download the Seoul Subway app. It is so easy to use and the best way to get around the city.
For attractions, any of their palaces are wonderful to see. If you decide to climb to the top to the Seoul tower, consider taking the bus as it is hard on the legs (unless you are fit and used to climbing hills).
If you go to the Olympic Park in Seoul be sure to rent a bike to get around...it is big! I lived in Seoul so if you have questions feel free to message me.
As for Japan, I would recommend a day trip to Nara as well. In Kyoto the bamboo forest is a must see but be sure to go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Have fun!

Thanks Andrea !

My pleasure! One last thing: be sure to try the little fish pastry desserts in Seoul that are sold on the street. They are soooo good!! You will know what I mean when you see them

My recomendation is that you take me with you!

Spend a morning at Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, seafood lunch on Chijin Island, spend some time watching the ships come in on the harbor and go for a after dinner walk on Love River.

Thanks Esteleen!

In japan , japan rail pass to travel around . In Tokyo we enjoyed the street market near Ueno Park, also- March is when we went and they have lots of free festivals including sumo ceremonial tournament and dragon dance in sensoji temple . Amazing experience

The Golden route will be very crowded during the last week of March as it is the Sakura or cherry blossoms season not to mention that it is the end of the school year. Especially in Kyoto, to move from one place to another is a bit of a hassle and takes so much of your time. The trains, restaurants, hotels are crowded by locals and tourists alike. If you're considering cultural immersion, go to the countryside, a few hours distance by shinkansen or bullet train from Tokyo. If you need more information, I would love to assist... just PM me

Hi Zen I will be in Japan March 15-25 so I think I can avoid most of it! Thanks for the heads up.

YW , I am presently in Japan. Just want to assist.

Recommended buy a JR pass for Kyoto Osaka Kobe. In canada they sell them at H.I.S travel agency. Or online. Cheaper buying the pass in Canada versus in Japan
Place to visit in Japan.
1.Ueno park
2. Haraijuku station (temple and popular street for tourist)
3. Tokyo tower
4. Skytree tower
5. Shibuya area
6. Shinjuku area
Seoul Korea
1. Myeong-dong market
2. Gyeongbokgung palace
3. N Seoul tower (bottom has area colourful locks)
4.lotte world
5. Namdaemun (historical landmark). Near there market place behind near Tmark hotel
6. Seoul station
Hope that help.
I had amazing time there. 17 days in Japan and 10 day in Korea.
Enjoy

thanks!

Was it that crazy deal!?
We are doing exact same stops but on much tighter timelines - in June. Can I bug you after your trip for tips?

yes that crazy deal! for sure

My favourite part is telling people “guess how much I paid for these flights!”

Booked the same trip for June. That’s how I found this post!

Tee, We are in Seoul Jun 10-16, Taiwan 16-21, Tokyo 21-27. You?
We booked air bnb in both Seoul and Tokyo. But Taiwan accommodations need a little extra research. We are still looking at the activities and things to do. Have you figured out what you will be doing?

I did find the Ruifeng Night Market in Taiwan. It seems to be the largest, most popular one.

I will actually be doing the same trip but only for 2 weeks next month. I can give you recommendations after my trip!

For me too, pls. Preparing for June

will do!

How many days in each destination will you have?
Ours is booked for 5.5 in Seoul; 4 in Kaohsiung; 7 in Tokyo - I feel like I should have swapped 1 days from Kaohsiung to Tokyo... but oh well. It’s booked.

Mine is 5 days Seoul, 2.5 Kaohsiung and 6.5 Osaka. We opted for Osaka instead of Tokyo because we will be visiting family there.

Are you going to travel around taiwan? Kaohsiung is pretty small and there is not much to see.. I suggest checking out taipei or tainan..

Yep, from initial research, I’m thinking a train trip around the island with a couple or three major stops.

There's not really a ton to do in Kaohsiung, there's the dragon and tiger pagodas and a nice lake at the same place but not a ton else. Instead I'd recommend taking a short train ride up the west coast to Tainan, it's one of Taiwans oldest cities known for their night markets and there's a lot to see and eat. Also Kobe is ok as a day trip but wouldn't recommend much more time there, Kyoto and Tokyo are much more interesting, go to Steak Aoyama in Kobe for the best Kobe beef

Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka are all good- Kobe isn’t much to see. I would recommend doing it as a day trip from Osaka or better yet visiting mount koya from Osaka
if you get the JR pass (Japan rail) the train and furnicular up the mountain is included (at least it used to be when I went ~5 years ago)

Thanks ! Yeah Kobe doesn't look like much except to eat Kobe beef lol. I have an aunt that lives in Kobe so that's my main reason for going

Oh, also, would love advice on connectivity. In all destinations. Pocket wifi advice would be best but SIM cards also can work.

Personally, I think 7 days is a bit much for Seoul, unless you really love urban sprawl. The palaces are all kinda same-y. You might consider going to see Busan in the south part of Korea. It's a coastal city, and it's also nestled up near some low mountains so you get the best of both worlds.