Japan will sweep you off your feet with its endless charms, ranging from striking metropolitans to ravishing local culture. The country has everything you need in a destination – nature, culture, shopping, and more. For that reason, travelers can’t get enough of Japan and would visit the country more than once. With millions of tourists annually, Japan is prone to over-tourism and skyrocketing prices. So, if you are looking countries like Japan to escape the high season or add a new stamp to your passport, this article is for you!
What are We Looking for in Countries like Japan?
Let’s be real: Japan is too unique and iconic to have a dupe. There is no country that can 100% match Japan, but some mirror its elegant traditional culture, quirky metropolis, or dreamy landscapes. So, in this blog, you’ll find countries that share Japan’s:
- Roots of culture and tradition (spoiler alert: East Asian countries)
- Vibrant, unique, and safe cityscapes
- Cultural diversity, blending modernity and tradition together
We also consider consider countries outside of Asia, as long as they share resemblance to Japan’s cultural charms, comfort, and safety.
Countries like Japan – Summary
1. South Korea
South Korea was my next stop right after Japan. It does feel similar to Japan, everything’s neat, stylish, and beautiful. My group discovered the more traditional side of both countries by staying in traditional Korean and Japanese lodges, also wearing hanbok and kimono. They look similar, equally beautiful, but unique on their own. Not to mention, Tokyo and Seoul are like twins! There are tons of things to do in both cities.” – TripLeader Katharina (7+ years of experience, 103 countries)
South Korea and Japan sit on the same part of the continent and share the same cultural roots. Both countries adapted customs from the ancient Chinese empire, explaining their resemblance especially in art and culture. Beyond traditions, both Japan and South Korea excel in technology and play significant role in pop culture. They make visitors gasp in awe with sophisticated and neat public transportation system, robot-powered services, and advanced food creations. When it comes to pop culture, Japan steals the attention of anime and game lovers, while South Korea is a haven for Kpop fans.
Moreover, South Korea has things that you thought you can only find in Japan. An energetic city that lives in the future and super fun like Tokyo? Seoul, its glamorous districts, and cool architecture would rival Tokyo. A culturally-rich town that takes you to the past and have tasty matcha like Kyoto? Bukchon Hanok Village might not have matcha, but it is a living museum of 19th century South Korea. It is just a few examples, but of course – South Korea also has its own distinctive charms that make it worth visiting.
Places like Japan in South Korea:
- Seoul – with its fabulous cityscape, shopping districts, and street food centers, is similar to Tokyo
- Jeonju – with its wealth of historical buildings – is similar to Kyoto
- Jeju – an island with unique local customs, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood – is similar to Okinawa
2. Taiwan
Sitting in East Asia, Taiwan is another country that shares a lot of similarities to Japan. It boasts the charming mixture between old and new in its big cities, such as Taipei and Taichung. Taiwan hokkien-styled architecture will remind you of palaces in Osaka. Then, as you stroll along the streets of Taipei, you can find street food markets twice as feisty as Japan’s. Order a bubble tea and nicely-spiced XXL fried chicken, which are Taiwan’s specialties.
Besides that, the locals in Japan and Taiwan enjoy the same type of relaxation. Freezing winters are for hot springs that can soothe your muscles within a few seconds. Japanese hot springs are called onsen and you can find them in towns including Hakone and Kanagawa. Meanwhile, Taiwan has a prominent hot spring spot named Beitou that is visited by thousands in the winter.
Places like Japan in Taiwan:
- Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, has a dozen of night markets and futuristic buildings. It is similar to Osaka
- Beitou with its hot springs and villas is similar to Hakone
3. China
“Like Japan, China is a country where you can get a combination of history, culture, nature, and modern city. Its cultural heritage is amazing – you can see it in the Forbidden City for example – and the cities are too cool to be underrated. China is a great alternative to or next stop after Japan if you are craving for a bigger and more immersive adventure.” – TripLeader Irina (3+ years of trip hosting experience, 30 countries traveled)
China’s diversity makes it an appealing country like Japan. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing feature traditional Chinese gardens and architecture that mirros Japan’s charms. Moreover, both has similar cultural expressions – one of the examples include tea ceremonies. China is also a country blessed with natural wonders, ranging from winding mountains to the otherworldly Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is similar to Japan’s landscapes that feature gorges and mountains.
Places like Japan in China:
- Shanghai is futuristic and vibrant like Tokyo. Not to mention, both have Disney theme parks!
- Xi An is dotted with ancient palaces and striking pagodas which will remind you of Kyoto
4. Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan vibe and stunning landscapes make it an exciting option. The city features a mix of ultramodern skyscrapers and traditional temples. Street food stalls and bustling markets rival Japan’s, while day trips to serene islands offer a peaceful escape similar to Japan’s countryside.
5. Vietnam
Don’t get us wrong – there are a lot of differences between Vietnam and Japan. As someone who have visited both, I’m going to drop the one obvious difference: Weather and climate. Most part of Vietnam has tropical climate with two seasons, while Japan got four. The cityscape and crowd are also noticeably different as Vietnam is a part of the Southeast Asian region. Regardless, Vietnam would captivate everyone who misses Japan’s traditional flair and authentic culture.
Like Japan and South Korea, Vietnamese culture is also influenced by the Chinese. That explains the line of pagodas, temples, and imperial palaces found around Vietnam, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Another thing that I realize Japan and Vietnam share in common is flavors. Although Japan’s use of distinctive ingredients like miso and dashi is unmatched, both countries love hearty food. I found myself gulping down bowls of buncha and pho just like how I hunt for ramen in Japan. So if you love good food, Vietnam is one of the countries like Japan that you should have your eyes on.
Places like Japan in Vietnam:
- Ho Chi Minh: the capital city of Vietnam that can match Tokyo’s vibrance, international vibes, and unique mix of the old and the new
6. Singapore
Like Japan, Singapore is a beacon of innovation and sustainability. The city-state is a paradise for food lovers, offering a fusion of flavors inspired by Japan, China, and beyond. Landmarks such as the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands showcase Singapore’s cutting-edge design, reminiscent of Japan’s futuristic architecture. It is one of the countries like Japan that you should visit, especially if you love cityscapes and shopping.
7. Thailand
Thailand is often compared to Japan for its deep-rooted traditions blended seamlessly with modern life. Like Japan, Thai culture places strong emphasis on respect, politeness, and social harmony, which travelers quickly notice in daily interactions. Cities such as Bangkok balance futuristic malls, efficient public transport, and buzzing nightlife with historic temples and long-standing rituals. Thailand is also considered one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia, making it approachable for solo travelers, much like Japan.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland shares Japan’s reputation for precision, cleanliness, and efficiency. Public transportation is famously punctual, cities are well-organized, and everyday life feels calm and structured. Similar to Japan, Swiss culture values order, respect for rules, and high-quality craftsmanship, whether in watchmaking or urban planning. Safety is a major similarity as well, with Switzerland ranking among the safest countries in the world, making travel feel smooth and stress-free.
Places like Japan in Switzerland:
- Zurich
- Geneva
9. Spain
Spain may seem more relaxed than Japan at first glance, but the comparison comes from its strong cultural identity and regional traditions. Like Japan, Spain takes pride in preserving local customs, cuisine, and festivals while still embracing modern city life. Cities such as Barcelona and Madrid showcase a balance between historic architecture and contemporary urban energy. Spain also offers a strong sense of community and walkable cityscapes, making it easy for travelers to feel immersed and comfortable.
These places and countries like Japan will refresh your travel bucket list. Get a glimpse of Japan while experiencing distinctive culture or enticing activities in each country. Then, do you want to travel to one of those destinations effortlessly and safely?
JoinMyTrip has plenty of handpicked trips all over the world, hosted by passionate and experienced travelers. They will make sure the trips will be safe, authentic, and awesome! Besides that, you will also travel in a group and meet like-minded travel buddies. Get ready to make lasting friendships after you travel the world together!