Japan vs South Korea: Which Should You Visit First?

Japan and South Korea sit right next to each other, share a similar talent for blending the ancient with the futuristic, and both rank highly on the list of anyone dreaming of a trip to Asia. So it is easy to see why the question keeps coming up: Japan vs South Korea, which should you visit first?

I say “first” because you have to visit both. It is not a matter of choosing between the two, but a question of timing and resources.

I have travelled to Japan and South Korea, first visiting South Korea, then Japan, and then a single trip combination of Japan and South Korea, and I can tell you now that you will not regret either choice. Still, they are not the same trip. The pace is different, the food hits differently, and the kind of memories you come home with depends a lot on the kind of traveller you are.

If you are sitting on the fence trying to decide which to visit first, here is an honest breakdown to help you choose. Let’s start with Japan.

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Japan

Quick Facts…

Capital	Tokyo
Currency	Japanese Yen (¥)
Language	Japanese
Do Nigerians need a visa?	Yes
Best time to visit	Late March to April (cherry blossoms) and October to November (autumn), Winter
Plug type	Type A and B, 100V

Getting to Japan from Nigeria: Visas & Flight Details

With a Nigerian passport, you need a visa to enter Japan, no matter how short the trip. Since 2025, applications have been handled through the Japan Visa Application Centres run by VFS Global in Abuja and Lagos, so you no longer submit directly at the embassy for tourism. You will need your passport, bank statements, a day-by-day itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a letter from your employer.

I have written a full guide on how to apply for the Japanese tourist visa from Nigeria and Kenya, with the exact documents and costs, so read that before you start, and be aware that even though I try to update the post from time to time, the information is subject to change at any time. Always check the official website for up-to-date information.

On flights, there are no direct routes from Lagos to Tokyo. Expect at least one stop, usually through the Gulf (Doha, Dubai or Addis Ababa) or Istanbul. Book early, because Japan is a long-haul flight and prices climb fast during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons.

What to Expect in Japan

Japan is a country that runs on order. Trains arrive to the minute, streets remain remarkably clean even in the busiest parts, travel is seamless, and there is a quiet politeness to everyday interactions. You’ll find delicious, fresh meals on almost every corner, while centuries-old traditions exist comfortably alongside cutting-edge technology.

The contrast is one of Japan’s greatest highlights. One moment you’re surrounded by the neon lights and energy of Shibuya, and the next you’re wandering through a centuries-old temple along the Nakasendo Trail. It’s a destination where the ancient and the futuristic blend seamlessly.

Although Japan is one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, some parts of daily life remain surprisingly old-fashioned. Cash is still king, and while many restaurants and businesses accept cards, some don’t, including certain train ticket machines. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s a good idea to keep some Japanese Yen on hand. Fortunately, ATMs are easy to find, especially in convenience stores, train stations, and shopping areas.

A few more things to note. English is not as widely spoken in Japan, but signage, translation apps and the general helpfulness of people make it easy to get around. Tipping is not a thing here, and trying to tip can actually be confusing. And the bullet train is an experience on its own, so build at least one long ride into your plan.

When is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

You can visit Japan at any time of year, but the two sweet spots are spring (late March to April), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and autumn (October to November), when the landscape is painted in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Both seasons are stunning, but they’re also the busiest, especially cherry blossom season, so book your accommodation well in advance.

Summer is hot and humid, while winter is cold and ideal if you’re hoping to experience snow or visit the country’s famous ski resorts in the north.

One Dish You Must Try in Japan

Udon: Thick, chewy, and incredibly comforting, udon is one of Japan’s most beloved noodle dishes. Made from wheat flour, it’s typically served in a light dashi broth and topped with ingredients like tempura, fried tofu, green onions, or a soft-boiled egg. While you can find udon all over Japan, each region has its own twist, making it a dish worth trying more than once.

Also, try Onigiri, a popular grab-and-go snack sold in virtually every Japanese convenience store.

What to See and Do in Japan

• Explore Tokyo, from Shibuya and Shinjuku to the old-world calm of Senso-ji temple in Asakusa
• Spend a few days in Kyoto, the cultural heart, and walk the Fushimi Inari torii gates early in the morning
• Eat your way through Osaka, especially the street food in Dotonbori
• Day trip to Nara to meet the famous bowing deer
• See Mount Fuji from Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes region
• Explore off the beaten path – visit smaller villages and hiking trails to enjoy the best of Japan, without the crowds.

Japan vs South Korea: The Japan Sum Up…

Japan is best suited for travellers looking for a destination that’s easy to navigate, exceptionally safe, and full of unforgettable experiences. It is also one of the most solo-friendly destinations you can pick for a first big trip to Asia.

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Now, let’s move to South Korea.

South Korea

Quick Facts

Capital	Seoul
Currency	South Korean Won (₩)
Language	Korean
Do Nigerians need a visa?	Yes
Best time to visit	April to May (spring) and September to November (autumn)
Plug type	Type C and F, 220V

Getting to South Korea from Nigeria: Visas & Flight Details

Same story here. With your Nigerian passport, you need a visa for South Korea. You may have heard about the K-ETA travel authorisation that lets some nationalities skip the visa, but Nigeria is not on that list, so the full visa still applies. Applications go through the Korea Visa Centre run by VFS in Abuja, with a Lagos office as well. The document list is similar to Japan’s: passport, six months of bank statements, itinerary, accommodation and an employment letter.

I have broken down the full South Korea visa requirements for Nigerians and Kenyans in a separate post, so use that as your checklist.

Flights follow the same pattern as Japan. No direct route from Nigeria, so expect one stop through the Gulf, Addis Ababa or Istanbul into Seoul. If you are choosing between the two on flight cost alone, they usually land in a similar range.

What to Expect in South Korea

South Korea is also a country of easy contrasts. You can spend the morning in a royal palace wearing a rented hanbok, then the evening in a buzzing night market eating street food off a stick. Cafés are everywhere, the fashion is bold, and if you already love K-dramas or K-pop, you will keep spotting places you recognise.

When I did my solo trip, I found it genuinely easy to move around. Like Japan, the transportation system here is excellent! There are metros, KTX high-speed trains, buses, and taxis that make it easy to get around South Korea. While some remote destinations require longer journeys, I’ve visited Seoul twice and have relied entirely on public transportation each time.

One thing I noticed after revisiting South Korea following my trip to Japan was that it took me a few days to readjust. I found Japan to be more convenient overall and generally easier to find the things I needed. For example, when I arrived in Busan, I spent quite a while looking for a travel adapter and a restaurant that accommodated solo diners.

On the other hand, I found many of South Korea’s attractions to be less crowded than their Japanese counterparts, and hotel rooms were noticeably more spacious. It was a refreshing change of pace.

If you’re visiting both countries on the same trip, I think it’s important to go in with the right mindset. I caught myself comparing every little detail to Japan before reminding myself why I had returned to South Korea in the first place. My first visit had inspired a second, and there was a reason for that. Once I stopped making comparisons, I rediscovered the charm that had made me want to come back.

When is the Best Time to Visit South Korea

The best windows are similar to Japan – spring, from April to May, for mild weather and cherry blossoms, and autumn, from September to November, for the stunning foliage.

Summer gets hot, humid and rainy, while winter is properly cold but beautiful, and it is the season for the ski resorts and cosy indoor café days that Korea does so well.

One Dish You Must Try in South Korea

Korean barbecue and Bibimbap. Sorry, I couldn’t pick just one! If you can find a restaurant that welcomes solo diners, or better yet, a travel buddy to join you, Korean barbecue in Seoul is an experience you shouldn’t miss. And if your travels take you to Jeonju, make sure you try bibimbap there. Widely regarded as the birthplace of Korea’s most famous rice dish, Jeonju is the best place to enjoy an authentic bowl.

Also, be sure to try tteokbokki and kimbap. These inexpensive, convenient favourites can be found at street markets, casual eateries, and many convenience stores, making them perfect for a quick meal or snack while you’re exploring.

What to See and Do in South Korea

• Explore Seoul, from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village to the nightlife in Hongdae and shopping in Myeongdong
• Visit Busan for its beaches and the colourful, hillside Gamcheon Culture Village
• Take a day trip to the DMZ on the border with North Korea
• Fly to Jeju Island for volcanic landscapes, coastline and a slower pace
• Walk the fortress walls in Suwon, an easy trip from Seoul
• Visit Jeonju, Gyeongju and other major cities outside Seoul
• Go off the beaten path: Destinations like Suncheon, Geoje, Namwon, and Boseong offer a slower pace and a chance to experience a different side of South Korea, often with fewer crowds.

If you are a K-drama fan like me, half the fun is recognising filming locations as you go.

South Korea vs Japan: The South Korea Sum Up…

South Korea is best suited for the traveller who loves pop culture, nightlife, café-hopping and a fast, youthful buzz, with palaces and history layered in between. It also tends to feel slightly kinder on the budget than Japan for food and everyday spending.

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So, Japan vs South Korea, What Do You Say?

In the Japan vs South Korea debate, there is no wrong answer. Both countries offer amazing experiences. The only question is which fits you right now.

Choose Japan first if you want that once-in-a-lifetime blend of deep tradition and futuristic order, world-class food, and the smoothest, most solo-friendly introduction to Asia you can find. Choose South Korea first if you want energy, pop culture, brilliant street food and a trip that feels young, social and a little more forgiving on the wallet.

Whichever you pick, plan the visa early, book flights ahead of the spring and autumn rush, and give yourself enough days to slow down and enjoy it.

So, which team are you on: Japan or South Korea? Tell me in the comments, and if you are still torn, honestly, just do both. They pair beautifully on one trip.