Travellers often grapple with the Japan vs Indonesia dilemma when planning their Asia itinerary. After all, both countries are home to a distinct colonial legacy, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, soul-warming food and well-defined hospitality – Japan’s Omotenashi (selfless) vs Indonesia’s Keramahan (warm and welcoming). Deciding which to visit first depends on your travel preferences.
This Japan vs Indonesia guide will help you pick the perfect destination for the best Asian adventure of your life!
Japan vs Indonesia: Natural attractions
Japan: Nature lovers will admire Japan for its unique landscapes and stunning natural attractions. Mt Fuji is considered sacred and an iconic symbol in Japan. Tourists can hike to the summit, enjoy panoramic views from the fifth station or marvel at its beauty from the nearby towns and lakes. Another recommended destination is the Japanese Alps – to hike, visit castle towns, and soak in some of the best hot springs in Japan!
If you feel a little adventurous, take a trip outside mainland Japan to either Okinawa or Yakushima. Known for its clean beaches, Okinawa is also home to the Valley of Gangala, a thousand-year-old limestone cave. Yakushima, Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, is even more mysterious with its unique ecosystem dotted with lush greenery, cedar tree groves and pristine beaches.
Indonesia: The Komodo National Park is a world heritage site, home to about 2,000 komodo dragons. Apart from seeing the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island and Rinca, you can also dive from Manta Point, visit the pink beach, or trek to Kelor Island at the park. To experience Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat will not disappoint. At Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, you can spot the active Mt Bromo volcano.
Chase more smoke and scenery with our guide to hiking Asia’s active volcanoes.
Another natural wonder in Indonesia is Lake Toba. It’s a crater lake almost the size of Singapore. A popular tourist spot near the lake is TukTuk Siadong Village. Over there, you can learn how to make wooden artefacts and enjoy water sports like canoeing, diving and boating. For healthy and glowing skin, take a dip in the hot springs of Sipoholon near Lake Toba.
Here’s our selection of the world’s top natural wonders to add to your travel bucket list.
The best time to visit Japan vs Indonesia
Japan: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Japan. Japan’s cherry blossom season boasts cool and pleasant weather from March to May. Autumn in Japan brings milder weather from September to November, perfect for experiencing the fall foliage. Explore our selection of Asia’s diverse fall foliage wonders from Japan to India.
Indonesia: The best time to visit Indonesia is during its dry season (April to October) when the weather is warm and sunny. The beaches are fun places to catch some waves, bathe in the sun and enjoy mocktails. July and August are also popular months for tourism. The only flipside is that the prices increase, and popular destinations get crowded with tourists.
Related Stories
Budget considerations
Japan vs Indonesia – which is more affordable? That depends upon a person’s hotel preferences, transportation choices, planned activities, stay duration and dining options. While the cost of living is much higher in Japan, a developed country, Indonesia is a more budget-friendly Asian travel destination. However, both countries offer tourists plenty of options that cater to different budgets.
Best places to visit Japan & Indonesia
Japan: First-time travellers must include Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima in their Japan itinerary. Come to Tokyo to witness a fast-paced lifestyle in an urban landscape surrounded by modern technology. For a sense of calm, visit shrines, temples and zen gardens in Kyoto. Treat your tastebuds to some delicious Japanese food in Osaka. Visit the deer in Nara and pay tribute to the victims of the Hiroshima bombing. Okinawa in Japan is also a beautiful beach destination for snorkelling and diving. If you’re into snowboarding and skiing, Hokkaido in Japan is the best place to do it!
Indonesia: Tourists often flock to Bali in Indonesia to enjoy its lush landscapes, tropical climate, sandy beaches, luxury villas, blue waters and delicious food. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is known for its vibrant nightlife, modern skyscrapers and efficient transportation system. If Yogyakarta is in your itinerary, visit the Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Raja Ampat is a paradise for tourists who enjoy diving and snorkelling. Wildlife lovers should also visit the Komodo National Park to see the Komodo dragons.
Things to do in Indonesia vs Japan
Japan vs Indonesia – which country has the best activities? The answer is both!
Japan: There are so many fun things to do and see in Japan that it can take years to try them all. However, here’s a quick checklist of the most iconic activities you must do here:
- Tokyo: The Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, and Tokyo Tower offer panoramic views of the city’s urban landscape. For an interactive modern art experience, visit TeamLabs Borderless. Also, a popular activity with tourists is renting a kimono and getting a photoshoot done in front of Sensoji temple.
- Kyoto: Wander around Gion’s picturesque streets to get a sense of old Japan. Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition and culture by enrolling in a tea ceremony or a wagashi workshop. Do not leave Kyoto without visiting the Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Animal islands: Only in Japan can you find entire islands dedicated to animals. Visit Ainoshima in Fukuoka Prefecture if you like cats, Okunoshima in Hiroshima for rabbits and Miyajima in Hiroshima for deer.
- Onsen towns: Japan has many small towns dedicated to hot spring hotels and resorts. The one closest to Tokyo is Hakone. However, if you are travelling away from the major cities in Japan, we recommend visiting Beppu City in Oita Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma.
- Japan’s historical sites: Across Japan, you will find several shrines, temples, castles, and places of historical importance. Some famous ones include Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Todaiji Temple in Nara, Himeji Castle in Himeji, Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, Osaka Castle Main Tower in Osaka and the Peace Memorial Parks in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Indonesia: Indonesia consists of thousands of tiny islands. It is possible to explore some islands, while others are yet uninhabited. Add these activities to your Indonesia itinerary:
- Bali: Hike to Mount Batur or Tegalalang Rice Terraces for stunning panoramic views of lush green landscapes. For the ‘Gram, get a picture clicked of you on the Bali Swing and at the Pura Lempuyang and Bali Bird Nest. And finally, shop for souvenirs at the Ubud traditional art market.
- Komodo National Park: The Komodo Dragon is Indonesia’s national animal, and the best place to see them is at the Komodo National Park. The park also offers water activities like snorkelling and diving.
- Raja Ampat Islands: Come here to experience one of the purest biodiverse marine environments in the world. To get here, catch a flight from Sorong, Makassar or Jakarta.
- Yogyakarta: A city in Java known for its Buddhist temples, fine arts and cultural heritage.
- Mt Bromo: Like Mt Fuji in Japan, Mt Bromo is an active volcano and an iconic natural wonder in Indonesia. Tourists often hike up to Mt Penanjakan to enjoy the sunrise over Mt Bromo.
Related Stories
Best places to shop in Japan vs Indonesia
Japan: From traditional crafts to the latest gadgets and anime figurines, Japan has it all. Visit Shijo Dori Street and Kawaramachi Street to shop for kimonos, tea-ceremony utensils, makeup products and green tea! Add Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Animate in Ikebukuro to your itinerary for affordable deals on anime merch. Chain stores like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera sell high-quality gadgets at reasonable prices.
In Osaka, you will find the best kitchenware and kimonos at Tenjinbashi-suji and Shinsaibashi for fashion streetwear and accessories. For affordable souvenirs to take back home, you can shop at any of the Don Quijote, Daiso and Seria chain stores in Japan. Visit Loft, Tokyo Hands or Itoya in Japan for the fanciest and latest stationery. Tourists also love to shop for fashion goods at Uniqlo, GU and Muji.
Indonesia: Indonesia is famous for its traditional textile art called Batik. You will find these designs in several fashion pieces like scarves, sarongs, shirts and tote bags. If your bargaining skills are on point, you will get the best shopping deals at traditional markets like Pasar Baru in Jakarta and Ubud Market in Bali. Coffee beans, spices, traditional snacks, tea, pottery, silverware, wooden artefacts, incense, jewellery and traditional masks are items to add to your cart when shopping in Indonesia.
Best Hotels in Japan & Indonesia
Japan: You will find hotels in Japan that suit every budget. If you wish to save on accommodation, you can stay at a hostel, guest house, capsule hotel or business hotel. However, if you want to live large and experience the best Japan has to offer, then make a booking at either Ubuya in Kawaguchiko, Hoshinoya in Kyoto, Aman Tokyo in Tokyo, Ace Hotel Kyoto in Kyoto, Ryokan Kurashiki in Kurashiki and Takefue in Kyushu.
Book your stay at Ubuya, Kawaguchiko via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Ubuya, Kawaguchiko via Booking.com
Book your stay at Ace Hotel Kyoto via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Ace Hotel Kyoto via Booking.com
Indonesia: Hotels in Indonesia pride themselves on exceptional service, hospitality and comfortable accommodation. From luxury hotels to fancy villas, Indonesia has no shortage of affordable accommodation options. Treat yourself to the best vacation of your life at Louka Beach Bali in Tianyar, Atalaya Villas in Nusa Penida, Amori Villas in Ubud and Roots Tree House in Ungasan.
Book your stay at Atalaya Villas, Nusa Penida via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Atalaya Villas, Nusa Penida via Booking.com
Book your stay at Amori Villas, Ubud via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Amori Villas, Ubud via Booking.com
Best restaurants: Where to eat in Indonesia & Japan
Japan vs Indonesia – which country has the best food? Why not let your tastebuds decide?
Japan has over 900 thousand restaurants, and it’s impossible to pick out the best of the best. However, when you travel to Japan, you must try Japanese dishes like miso soup, fermented soybeans (natto) with salmon and rice, octopus-filled balls (takoyaki), Japanese savoury pancakes (Okonomiyaki), ramen, sushi, grilled meat (yakiniku or yakitori). If you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian options in Japan, don’t worry, there is much to explore!
Indonesia: Almost all restaurants in Indonesia serve dishes like Nasi Goreng (a fried rice dish), rendang (a slow-cooked beef dish braised in coconut milk), Soto (an aromatic soup made with fresh herbs and spices and Gado-Gado (A type of salad made with boiled vegetables). Compared to Japanese food, Indonesian food oozes with flavour and spice.
(Feature Image Credit: Sebastian Pena Lambarri/Unsplash)
Related | Malaysia vs Singapore: Two Amazing Destinations, One Tough Decision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What are the main differences between Japan and Indonesia as travel destinations?
Japan boasts a homogenous society with a strong Buddhist and Shinto influence. Indonesia, in contrast, is a vibrant tapestry of over 1,000 ethnicities and religions. Subtle umami flavours rule Japanese cuisine in contrast to the bolder, spicier notes in Indonesian food. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas of both countries, Japanese dominates in Japan, and Bahasa Indonesia reigns in Indonesia. Budget travellers will find Indonesia significantly cheaper than Japan for accommodation, food, and transportation.
-Which destination is better for beach lovers – Japan vs Indonesia?
Both countries have gorgeous beaches. Relax on Okinawa’s tranquil shores (Japan) or party it up at Bali’s vibrant beaches (Indonesia), including the world’s largest beach club – Atlas beach club!
-Which destination offers better opportunities for Adventure activities – Japan or Indonesia?
Adventure activities in Japan and Indonesia revolve around their landscapes. About 73% of Japan is mountainous, making camping, hiking, hot spring bathing, rock climbing and trekking popular adventure activities here. Conversely, Indonesia has a more diverse landscape. Expect to see plenty of forests, mountains and beaches here. Popular activities include whitewater rafting, volcano hiking, underwater diving and wildlife watching.
-Is it more expensive to travel to Japan or Indonesia?
Since Japan has a higher cost of living than Indonesia, goods and services are more expensive. In Japan, a large chunk of expenditure goes into accommodation, eating out and transportation. Not to mention that Japan also has a higher entrance fee for attractions and activities.
-Which destination is better for cultural immersion – Japan vs Indonesia?
Japan and Indonesia are both rich in culture and tradition. There are plenty of workshops in Japan that provide cultural immersion – flower arranging (Ikebana), pottery, tea ceremony, origami, kintsugi and calligraphy.
Since Indonesia is home to hundreds of ethnic groups with their language, religion, culture and tradition, one will have a more diverse cultural experience here. When in Indonesia, do attend a Gamelan music concert, a wayang kulit show (shadow puppetry) and a batik workshop.
Which country has a better and more convenient visa policy – Japan or Indonesia?
Visa policies for Japan and Indonesia depend upon the country one holds citizenship. Obtaining a visa for Japan is straightforward and accessible (especially if you come from a visa-exempt country). If not, applying for a Japanese visa is easy, and within a few weeks, you should get your tourist visa if you meet all the visa requirements.
Indonesia offers visa-on-arrival to travellers from many countries. You may have to pay an additional fee at the port of entry. There’s also an option to apply for your Indonesian visa online.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, she worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte.
