We are not going to lie – Tokyo has never dosed us off! This dynamic Japanese city regularly brings out something refreshing and eccentric. If walking around Shibuya or hunting for street food in Asakusa sounds too touristy, Tokyo’s hidden districts like Shimokitazawa and Yanaka await to be discovered. However, yes – you can visit Tokyo a little too much and want some variety for your passport stamps. So, here are the 8 alternatives to Tokyo that share similarities to the vibrant capital.
Alternatives to Tokyo – Summary
- Yokohama, Japan
- Nagoya, Japan
- Singapore
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Macau, China
- Shanghai, China
- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Bangkok, Thailand
1. Yokohama, Japan
Tucked within a one-hour train ride from Tokyo, Yokohama is its timid little sister. Travelers usually go to Yokohama for a day trip from Tokyo, but I would recommend staying longer! Yokohama has a fair share of tourist attractions, including the Cup Noodles Museum and Cosmo Clock 21 (a Ferris wheel). However, it is a relatively peaceful city without overwhelming crowds of tourists. Yokohama’s seaside location also adds a special touch to the city.
Yokohama is one of the best alternatives to Tokyo, especially for digital nomads. You can have fun as a tourist in its exciting attractions, such as the Chinatown. Then, you can go for a relaxing day by cafe-hopping or walking around the promenade. Big malls are also common in Yokohama, highlighting its Tokyo-esque feel. My personal note – having sushi is a must in Yokohama! It tastes fresh and authentic compared to the ones in Tokyo.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: Similar scene with Tokyo (skyscrapers and great malls) with slightly lower prices and fewer crowds. It is also filled with good local cafes and neighborhoods
2. Nagoya, Japan
Nagoya does not stay on the top of tourists’ heads when talking about traveling to Japan. But, it does not mean Nagoya has no charm. It is the birthplace of Toyota, which makes the city brimming with innovation and futuristic architecture. You can visit the Toyota Museum and Toyota Stadium to see Japan’s genuine innovative scene. The city also boasts historic sites like Nagoya Castle and tranquil shrines that echo Japan’s rich past. Plus, its underground shopping arcades and theme parks like LEGOLAND® Japan add a dose of fun.
Then, what makes Nagoya one of the great alternatives to Tokyo? Its food! Most local travelers go on a culinary trip to Nagoya. You can try miso katsu – deep-fried beef or katsu drenched in miso, and hitsumabushi or grilled eel.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It’s a hyper-modern, organized city with a multicultural twist.
3. Singapore
Singapore is like Tokyo’s tropical cousin—clean, high-tech, and full of life. It has almost everything Tokyo has to offer, ranging from jaw-dropping architecture to fun-filled theme parks. Then, Singapore is a splendid alternative to Tokyo for public transportation. The country’s subway and bus systems are need and budget-friendly, similar to Tokyo.
So, what can you do in Singapore? Hear this from an Indonesian who has went back and forth to Singapore – shopping, city tour, and food! Singapore is an awesome shopping destination filled with gigantic malls like Marina Bay Sands, ION Orchard, and Takashimaya. You can also stroll around the clean streets and spot landmarks like the Merlion. Then, the country is known for its delicious street food. Make sure to check out hawker centers like Chinatown and Lau Pa Sat for some hainan chicken rice and laksa.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It’s a hyper-modern, organized city with a multicultural twist.
4. Taipei, Taiwan
This capital city of Taiwan has been overshadowed by other East Asian capitals, like Seoul and Tokyo. So, we are convincing you to take a chance on Taipei and discover its wonders. Taipei offers a charming mix of street food, night markets, and temples, all set against a backdrop of mountains and hot springs. It is one of the places like Tokyo – with a bustling metro, quirky subcultures, and an obsession with cleanliness and convenience. You’ll love exploring places like Ximending (Taipei’s version of Harajuku) or the futuristic Taipei 101. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and the city has a laid-back feel compared to Japan’s capital.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It’s a budget-friendly, lively city with Tokyo-like energy and amazing food.
5. Macau, China
Travelers often only take a day trip from Hong Kong to this neighboring casino city. However, it has so much more to offer beyond the glitz. Macau features interesting blend between Chinese culture and the colonial times. You can find Baroque churches standing next to oriental-styled temples. Like Tokyo, Macau is always buzzing—whether you’re walking through Senado Square or catching a fountain show at the Cotai Strip.
Tokyo is meant for shopping and food, so does Macau! The region features world-class shopping in lavish malls like Shoppes at Venetian and The Londoner. When it comes to food, you can do a bit of budget-saving approach. Macau has a lot of street food, like pork chop buns and fishball curry noodles. Last but not least, Macau will stun everyone who visits with its towering Macau Tower, just like Tokyo and its Skytree!
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It combines glitz, culture, and history in one compact, walkable city.
6. Shanghai, China
This biggest city in China makes you feel like you are in Tokyo. Shanghai blends cultural wonders and mindblowing modernity seamlessly. Magnificent Chinese architecture in Yu Yuan Garden and Long Hua Temple breathe amongst futuristic skyscrapers. In a nutshell, Shanghai shares Tokyo’s skyline, speed, and style.
Shanghai is a city that never sleeps, from the glowing lights of The Bund to futuristic towers in Pudong. You can dive into history at ancient water towns or shop in trendy areas like Xintiandi. If Tokyo is already on your bucket list, write down Shanghai for another adventure.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It’s fast-paced, flashy, and endlessly fascinating.
7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you’re drawn to Tokyo for its chaos and charm, you’ll love Ho Chi Minh City. This Vietnamese metropolis is alive with scooters, street vendors, and sky-high buildings. You’ll find a blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and hip cafes. The coffee culture here is next level, and don’t even get us started on the food.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It offers Tokyo-level energy with Southeast Asian flavor and affordability.
8. Bangkok, Thailand
After traveling to both Bangkok and Tokyo, the two cities are not the most identical but they are similarly vibrant and fun. Bangkok has that electrifying, slightly chaotic feel that fans of Tokyo will instantly recognize. The traffic and all-year-round humid weather are not something you can find in Tokyo, but bustling food markets, lavish malls, and beautiful temples are. Hunt for street food in Chatuchak Market or Jodds Fair, that might be Asakusa’s equivalent. Then, don’t miss visiting the famous Wat Arun, which lights up towards sunset, and Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha.
Not a lot of people talked about this – but if you want a trendy Harajuku vibe, head to Siam Square. Walking around Siam Square and browsing its unique stores make me feel like I’m in a place combining Ginza and Harajuku. For that reason, Bangkok is one of the places like Tokyo to visit.
Why it’s a great alternative to Tokyo: It delivers the same 24/7 buzz and cultural richness with a tropical edge.
Ready to explore these amazing alternatives to Tokyo?
Discover the world with JoinMyTrip—meet like-minded travelers, explore hidden gems, and experience unforgettable adventures together. Whether you’re heading to Ho Chi Minh, Taipei, or Bangkok, there’s a trip waiting for you and your new travel buddies.
Start your journey today at JoinMyTrip.com and let the adventure begin!