Cultural Holidays in Asia: Visiting Japan, China, and South Korea

Tokyo

Let’s start with Tokyo, a future-oriented metropolis with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, where you can easily find Buddhist shrines, teahouses, and old neighborhoods with a unique atmosphere.

For a historical experience, visit Nezu Temple, founded in the 8th century, with its traditional red gates called torii and beautiful azaleas. Another interesting historical site is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, surrounded by picturesque gardens. You won’t be able to enter the building itself, as it is home to the imperial family, but you can explore the palace park and view the palace from the outside. Don’t forget your passport, as you may need it to fill out an entry form. 

Nezu Temple, founded in the 8th century, with a traditional red gate called torii and beautiful azaleas. Photo: Sanne Dost/Shutterstock.com

The Skytree TV Tower, the tallest in the world at 643 meters, is a good reflection of modern Japan. From the observation deck at 450 meters, you can enjoy impressive views of the city, and on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, which is located 150 kilometers from Tokyo.

Anime fans will be interested in the Akihabara district, which is the center of Tokyo’s otaku culture. There are themed anime and manga cafes, shops with figurines of characters, and bright advertisements for new series on the facades of buildings. There is also one of the world’s largest electronics markets with the latest gadgets.

Shibuya is a great place for shopping and enjoying the lively atmosphere. It is home to the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Scramble, where hundreds of people cross the road at the same time. There are also large shops and the iconic Shibuya 109 shopping center. Nearby is a statue of Hachiko, the dog that waited for its owner at the station for many years.

Anime lovers will be interested in the Akihabara area, the center of Tokyo otaku culture. Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

What to see in Japan in a week

Take a big guidebook with the personal experience of a person who has seen the cherry blossoms.

Kyoto

After visiting Tokyo, you can continue exploring Japan in its former capital, Kyoto, which is home to many amazing places. Among them: the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji with a landscaped garden, the shrine of Fushimi Inari with hundreds of torii gates on the way to the top of the hill, and the castle of Nijo, immersing you in the history of the country.

Nara

To feel like in a fairy tale, go to the city of Nara – here deer walk freely in parks and streets, not afraid of people. These animals are considered sacred in Japanese culture and are protected by law, and visitors to the city can buy a special treat — shikaraki — to feed them.

To feel like in a fairy tale, go to the city of Nara. Photo: Benny Marty/Shutterstock.com

Where to stay in Japan

• Mystays Premier Akasaka is a modern four-star hotel in Tokyo, close to the subway and the Imperial Palace. Located in a quiet area. From 9781 RUB for two without meals.
• Koko Premier Nihonbashi Hamacho is a three-star hotel in Tokyo with pleasant, bright interiors, a minute’s walk from the subway. There are rooms with beautiful views. From 9355 RUB for two people without meals. 
• Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is a Japanese minimalist ryokan hotel located four kilometers from the center of Tokyo. Guests can check in using a tablet. The hotel features a restaurant, a view pool, and a laundry service. Rooms start at 15,956 RUB. No meals are included. 
• Traditional Kyoto Inn serving Kyoto is the perfect place to experience the culture and traditions of Japan. Like other ryokans, the rooms are minimalist, with a mattress instead of a bed, a table and chairs, a toilet, and a shared bathroom. From 39,745 RUB for two people with breakfast.
• Mikasa Ryokan is a ryokan in the city of Nara with rooms of various sizes, including spacious rooms up to 70 square meters. From 25,830 rubles for two people with half board. 

Mikasa Ryokan.

South Korea: Royal Palaces, Museums, and Gangnam Style

• How to get there: You can reach Seoul from Moscow by plane with a stopover in Beijing, Shanghai, Istanbul, or Abu Dhabi. The minimum travel time is 15 hours. One-way flight costs from 24,415 RUB per person. 
• Visa: To travel to South Korea, you must obtain a K-ETA electronic permit, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days during a single trip. You must submit your application at least 72 hours before your departure.

Seoul

Many of the city’s museums offer free admission, sometimes with advance registration on their official websites. Among them, the National Museum of Korea stands out with exhibits from various periods of Korean history, as well as displays from China, Japan, and Greece. The Leeum Museum of Art, sponsored by Samsung, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring a collection of surreal paintings, are also noteworthy. 

Seoul’s parks are perfect for leisurely strolls. For example, the Cheonggyecheon Stream Embankment is a green oasis among the skyscrapers, where it’s easy to imagine yourself as a drama hero. Hangang Park is a great place to blend in with the local vacationers. The Namsan Botanical Garden, where you can hike up to the Seoul Tower, which is famous for its panoramic rotating restaurant.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream Embankment is a green oasis among the skyscrapers, where it’s easy to imagine yourself as a character from a drama. Photo: Roaming Pictures/Shutterstock.com

To experience modern urban life, it’s worth visiting Gangnam-gu, one of the most fashionable and expensive districts in Seoul. It’s home to offices, shopping malls, cafes, and clubs, where young people and the creative elite gather. It is in Gangnam-gu that Psy’s famous 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” is sung, making the area famous around the world. The futuristic center of cultural life is Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where you can visit exhibitions, go shopping, or have a meal at a restaurant.

The capital is also rich in historical sites. There are five main royal palaces here, including Gyeongbokgung, the main residence of the kings, and Tokugung, the smallest palace with European architecture. Gyeonghigun is off the main tourist routes, but it usually has fewer visitors. Changgyeokgung has a picturesque garden with an orangery, and Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To see the city from above, you can climb to the observation deck of the Lotte Tower, which is 555 meters high. There’s even a hotel and restaurant up top. Just check the weather forecast before visiting, as fog can cause poor visibility. 

For more information on what else to see in Seoul and its surroundings, please refer to our separate article.

Tokusugun is the smallest palace with European architecture. Photo: CJ Nattanai/Shutterstock.com

Suwon

If you want to take a break from the metropolis, you can visit the city of Suwon. In the vicinity of Suwon, there is the Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive structure from the late 18th century that was built in just a couple of years, which was a record for that time. The fortress’s architecture combines Asian and European motifs, making it a unique sight. You can take the subway from Seoul to Suwon in about 30-40 minutes. Many people combine a trip to Suwon with a visit to the Minseokcheon Folk Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Korean life and culture.

Practical tips for traveling to South Korea

What is the best season to visit? What apps should I install? How can I get around the cities? We answered these and dozens of other questions in this article.

Where to stay in South Korea

• K-Pop Hotel Seoul Station is one of the budget hotels in the K-Pop chain, located 1.5 kilometers from the center of Seoul and 200 meters from the subway station. The rooms are compact but equipped with everything you need, including a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Prices start at 6,633 RUB for two people without meals.
• LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong is a four-star hotel in the world-famous Korean chain Lotte. The hotel is located close to the center of Seoul, and some attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional market, and Namsan Park can be reached within a 20-25 minute walk. From 15,834 RUB for two people without meals. 
• Time Travelers Relax is a cozy budget hostel in Seoul where only foreigners can stay. In addition to shared rooms, there are also private rooms available. The hostel has a bright interior and a shared kitchen. Rooms start at RUB 4,052 for a private room for two with a shared bathroom.
• Novotel Ambassador Suwon is a hotel in Suwon with a modern design and spacious rooms of about 28 square meters. The hotel has a fitness center, a restaurant, a beauty salon, and a sauna. From 10,932 RUB for two people without meals.
• Shilla Stay Dongtan is a minimalist-designed hotel located 8 kilometers from the center of Suwon. The gym offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. From 7946 RUB for two people without meals. 

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong.

China: the Great Wall, Buddhist temples, and pandas

• How to get there: There are direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Sanya. The fastest and cheapest way to get to Beijing from Moscow is to fly non-stop for about 7.5 hours and start at 20,782 RUB one-way. Flying to Shanghai is slightly more expensive and takes longer, starting at 22,600 RUB and taking about 9 hours.
• Visa:Russians need an L—type tourist visa to travel to China, which can be single-entry (up to 30 days with a 90-day arrival period) or double-entry (with two arrivals of 30 days each for 90 days).