Planning a cherry blossom trip to Japan? What if your journey could go beyond crowded sakura spots? Here are five offbeat experiences that reveal an unforgettable side of Japan

Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2026 are expected to bloom from late March to early April across central regions, with full bloom typically lasting just one week. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain the most sought-after destinations for first-time visitors, drawing crowds eager to witness the fleeting pink spectacle that defines Japan’s most photographed and celebrated season.

While cherry blossoms remain a defining travel moment, Japan offers experiences that stretch far beyond flower-viewing traditions. Travellers often arrive for hanami but leave captivated by the country’s cultural curiosities, wellness rituals, and unusual communities. For those willing to step off the crowded sakura trail, Japan reveals immersive, lesser-known encounters that showcase its layered traditions and distinctive modern eccentricities.

Cat Island: Aoshima Island is one of Japan’s rare “cat islands,” where more than a hundred cats roam freely through a quiet fishing village. Here, felines outnumber humans nearly six to one, curling up in abandoned homes or wandering narrow streets. Growing internet fame has drawn increasing tourists, often overwhelming the island’s small resident population while preserving its oddly tranquil charm.

Hakone’s Unusual Spa Rituals: Traditional bathing meets playful wellness innovation in Hakone’s themed spa pools. Visitors can soak in green tea, coffee, wine, or sake baths, each believed to offer health benefits. Sake baths are said to help reduce freckles and ageing spots, while green tea sourced from surrounding mountains is linked to improved skin and immunity. Wine baths are often associated with rejuvenation rituals.

Kyaraben Workshops: Kyaraben, or character bento, transforms simple lunch ingredients into edible art. Using rice, seaweed, and vegetables, participants learn to recreate cartoon characters, animals, and pop culture icons through intricate food arrangement. These workshops highlight Japan’s culinary precision while revealing how food presentation reflects care, creativity, and emotional expression within everyday Japanese domestic culture.

Shukubo Temple Stays: Staying in a shukubo offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience life inside a Buddhist temple. Guests participate in meditation sessions and traditional vegetarian temple meals, providing a pause from modern distractions. Many temples operate on cash-only systems, and room packages often include dinner and breakfast, creating a structured yet deeply calming introduction to monastic living traditions.

Animal cafés across Japan, especially in Tokyo districts like Harajuku and Akihabara, offer visitors time-limited interactions with animals ranging from Shiba Inus and cats to owls, hedgehogs, micro pigs, and capybaras. Typically operating through paid entry with beverage service, these venues reflect Japan’s fascination with therapeutic companionship and carefully curated animal interaction experiences.

Both Tokyo and Seoul have efficient airport connections and public transport, supporting smooth travel while offering distinct cultural and culinary highlights.

Travelling to East Asia for the first time is an experience filled with excitement, curiosity and discovery. Both Tokyo and Seoul draw visitors from around the world with their culture, food and lively cityscapes. Yet one question sits at the heart of most planning: which of these two capitals is kinder to the wallet? The answer depends on daily expenses, hotel prices, food costs, transportation ease and the value each city offers in return. Understanding these differences can help first-time travellers choose a destination that matches both their budget and expectations. Here is everything you need to know before making that choice.

Here Are 5 Key Things To Know Before Choosing Between Tokyo And Seoul

1. Daily Travel Budget

Tokyo:

Travelling in Tokyo generally costs more, with visitors spending about $181 per day. This includes meals, transport and accommodation, making it the pricier choice for first-timers. Despite the higher cost, travellers often find the city’s cleanliness, efficiency and range of attractions worth the spend.

Seoul:

In Seoul, the average daily spend is about $123 per day, which is much easier on the pocket for newcomers. The city offers excellent public spaces, affordable markets and budget-friendly eateries, meaning your money stretches further. For those planning a week-long trip, this difference can amount to considerable savings without missing out on experiences.

Winner: Seoul

2. Accommodation

Tokyo:

Accommodation is one of the biggest contributors to Tokyo’s overall expense. Travellers spend around $151 per day on hotels on average. Budget options like capsule hotels exist, but prices rise sharply in peak seasons such as cherry blossom time. Tokyo offers a wide range of lodging styles, but first-time travellers should prepare for higher costs, especially in central neighbourhoods.

Seoul:

In Seoul, the average cost of accommodation sits at around $103 per day, making it noticeably more affordable. The city has excellent mid-range hotels, guesthouses and hostels that provide comfort at lower prices. Even in popular areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae, you can find clean, well-located stays without overspending.

Winner: Seoul

3. Food And Dining Costs

Tokyo:

Food in Tokyo is diverse and exceptional, but it comes at a cost. Travellers spend roughly $63 per day on meals. You can save by choosing convenience-store meals or ramen shops, but proper sit-down dining tends to be more expensive. Even so, many travellers feel Tokyo’s culinary scene is worth the investment for its quality and variety.

Seoul:

Seoul offers deeply flavourful food at lower prices, with visitors spending around $49 per day on average. Street food stalls, local markets and small eateries serve hearty dishes without straining your budget. This makes Seoul an ideal choice for food lovers who want to try multiple dishes without worrying about cost.

Winner: Seoul

4. Transportation

Tokyo:

Transport in Tokyo is reliable and extensive, costing travellers about $17 per day. The metro network covers almost every corner of the city, though navigating it can be confusing for first-timers. Despite being more expensive than Seoul, Tokyo’s public transport is exceptionally punctual and well-maintained.

Seoul:

Seoul’s transportation system is not only efficient but also more economical, averaging $15 per day. The subway is user-friendly, well-signposted and offers excellent connectivity at lower fares. For budget-focused travellers, this small daily saving adds up during a longer stay.

Winner: Seoul

5. Attractions And Value For Money

Tokyo:

Tokyo is packed with major attractions including temples, parks, shopping districts and themed experiences. Many iconic sites such as Senso-ji and the Imperial Palace grounds are free to enter, helping offset some costs. However, paid attractions, cafes and experiences can add up quickly. Tokyo offers immense value for travellers who appreciate cultural contrasts and high-end dining.

Seoul:

Seoul provides excellent value through its cultural heritage, shopping markets and low-cost attractions. Visitors can explore palaces, local markets and street performances without heavy spending. The city’s mix of tradition and modernity means you can enjoy a rich experience even on a smaller budget.

Winner: Depends on preference. Tokyo for iconic experiences; Seoul for value and affordability.

So, Which Is Better For First-Time Budget Travellers?

If managing expenses is your top priority, Seoul clearly emerges as the more budget-friendly choice across daily spending, hotels, food and transport. If you are open to spending a little more for refined dining, exceptional order, and world-class attractions, Tokyo offers unforgettable value.

How To Reach

How To Reach Tokyo

Tokyo is served by Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, both well-connected to the city. Narita handles most international flights, while Haneda is closer to central Tokyo. Travellers can reach the city by express trains like the Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, airport buses or taxis. The extensive rail options make arriving in Tokyo smooth and efficient.

How To Reach Seoul

Seoul’s main international gateway is Incheon International Airport, located about an hour from the city. Travellers can use the AREX Express or All-Stop trains, airport buses or taxis to reach central districts. The transport network is straightforward, well-signposted and ideal for first-timers.

Either way, both cities provide remarkable cultural depth, memorable food experiences and warm hospitality, ensuring a rewarding trip no matter which one you choose.

For most travellers, tourism is built around freedom, choosing where to go, how long to stay, and what to explore. In many parts of the world, independent travel is taken for granted. However, a small number of countries operate very differently. In these destinations, tourism is tightly regulated by the state, visas are closely controlled, and visitors are often required to follow pre-approved itineraries, travel with authorised guides, or avoid entire regions altogether.

While travel to these countries is not impossible, it comes with limitations that can feel unusual, and sometimes challenging, for international visitors. Here are five countries where tourist travel is extremely restricted, and why.

North Korea

North Korea remains the most tightly controlled tourist destination in the world. All foreign tourists must travel on state-organised tours operated by approved agencies. Visitors are accompanied by official government guides at all times, and itineraries are fixed in advance. Independent movement, unplanned interactions, or deviation from the schedule is strictly prohibited. Photography is heavily regulated, especially around military sites, construction areas, or anything perceived as politically sensitive. Interaction with local citizens is limited and supervised.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan allows foreign tourists but under strict administrative control. Most visitors require a government-approved guide and must submit a detailed travel itinerary in advance. Independent backpacking, spontaneous travel, or freely moving between cities is extremely difficult. Photography of government buildings, police, and infrastructure is prohibited, sometimes without clear signage. Regulations can change with little notice, making travel dependent on official guidance throughout the visit.

Eritrea

Tourism in Eritrea is limited and closely monitored. While Asmara is accessible to visitors, special travel permits are typically required to move beyond the capital. These permits must be arranged in advance and approved by authorities. Photography restrictions are common, especially around government buildings, ports, and security installations. Transport infrastructure outside Asmara is limited, and accommodation options are few.

Bhutan

Bhutan represents a different kind of restriction. Rather than political control, the country follows a high-value, low-volume tourism policy designed to protect its environment and cultural heritage. Most international tourists must book their trip through licensed Bhutanese tour operators, and pay a mandatory daily Sustainable Development Fee. Even though travellers can now move independently with a guide, most nationalities must still book their trip through a licensed operator for visa approval, with India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives exempt from this requirement.

Saudi Arabia (Restricted zones)

Saudi Arabia has opened up to international tourism in recent years, but significant restrictions remain. It’s true when it comes to Mecca. Access to the holy city of Mecca, and certain parts of Medina, is strictly limited to Muslims, with enforcement at entry points. Beyond religious restrictions, some border regions and sensitive areas require special permits. Photography of government facilities, military sites, and security infrastructure is restricted. Social behaviour and dress codes are more closely regulated than in most tourist destinations, and visitors are expected to respect local laws and customs at all times.

While many well-known hotspots buckle under the pressure of overtourism, overcrowded holiday destinations are not inevitable. Other countries remain largely untouched and openly welcome visitors. Travelnews presents five destinations that promise lasting memories—far from the crowds.

Travel has become easier than ever, yet increasingly contradictory. While cities such as Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Amsterdam struggle with growing crowds, awareness of tourism’s negative impacts is on the rise.

According to the «Travel and Sustainability Report 2025» by the booking platform Booking, 84 percent of travelers say that sustainability plays an important role in their vacation planning. Furthermore, 73 percent want their money to benefit local communities.

Those who travel off the beaten track not only relieve pressure on overcrowded destinations but also support regions that desperately need visitors. Five countries serve as examples of where conscious tourism can unleash significant potential.

1. Moldova

For a long time, Moldova was considered the least visited country in Europe. Although it recorded a noticeable increase in visitor numbers in 2025, according to «Time Out magazine» , tourism remains a key growth opportunity. After the devastation of the World Wars, infrastructure was rebuilt slowly over decades. Today, Moldova focuses on sustainable cultural tourism, wine experiences, and exploration in the capital, Chișinău. Tourism revenue helps preserve historical sites and create jobs—especially outside the capital

2. Gambia

Tourism has long been more than just a supplementary business for Gambia. Climate change and declining agricultural yields have forced the country to pursue new economic avenues. Today, community-based tourism is the focus. Travelers stay in lodges or homestays, hike through mangrove forests, or visit village communities along the Gambia River. The revenue flows directly into local businesses and secures livelihoods in regions without industrial alternatives.

3. Jordan

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has hit Jordan’s tourism hard. Visitor numbers have plummeted, even though the country itself is considered safe. For many communities, especially along the Jordan Trail or around Petra, travelers are an essential source of income. Jordan consciously focuses on local providers, family-run accommodations, and hiking tours. Every visitor contributes to securing jobs and preserving cultural heritage.

4. Tajikistan

Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in Central Asia, yet it possesses enormous natural potential. Trekking tours in the mountains or encounters with Pamir communities bring income to remote mountain regions. Tourism here is small but effective: Guided tours create opportunities for local guides, cooks, and host families – in areas that otherwise have few economic opportunities.

5. Paraguay

Paraguay is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. Yet the country is culturally rich and ecologically diverse. The sparsely populated Chaco region, in particular, offers opportunities for sustainable tourism. Revenue from birdwatching, cultural tours, and visits to the capital, Asunción, helps to create alternative sources of income and finance the preservation of nature and traditions.