Hi everyone,
This question has been asked in the past i'm sure but I'm (F, early 30s, solo) coming for my second trip to japan in mid august. definitely not ideal weather wise, i know but i can,t take my vacation any other time. i was here in october 2024 last time for 3 weeks and did tokyo, osaka, kyoto, hakone, hiroshima and miyajima.
Now this time i'm looking for something a little different and thinking about either Hokkaido (for a cycling trip) or Okinawa (for a more beach focussed vacation). I'm OK with the heat in general and planning to start my day very early with a much needed mid day hotel break before heading back when it cools a little.
I'm thinking Hokkaido is probably on the safer side with typhoon risk in Okinawa (altough there is still a risk up north) but i'm a little scared Hokkaido will feel too much like home (vast nature like in Canada).
If i'm going to Hokkaido, i will spend my 2 weeks there before flying to Seoul. If i go to Okinawa, i will probably send 8-9 days over there (and the nearby islands) but i will also add a few days at the end in Tokyo.
I'm also thinking about bringing a bike and do mostly a cycling trip in Hokkaido; itinerary would included Sapporo, Otaru, Mt Yotei, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, and then train to the Furano/Biei region and Mt Ashidake.
Okinawa, not sure yet of a potential itinerary but i would try to hit the majors sites (aquarium, Yambaru, Tokashiki/Zamami, blue cave etc) and spend a lot of time hanging out on the beach and snorkeling.
I know if won't ben dissapointed with foods in both region (but i must say i would love to enjoy the sea food, milk produces and melon in Hokkaido)
So given i know i will enjoy both places, where would you head in my case?
Cheers!
by marzipanduchess