Japan hotels, Japan Rail Pass, and lesser so, meals has gone up in price. However, if you avoid the current popular attractions like Tokyo, Kyoto and points in between, there are very few tourists. I was there last year and just returned a couple weeks ago(5 weeks in Japan). Booked hotels the day before or same day, train seats at the station before boarding without issues. There are so many things to do, and I like traveling without a plan. Easy to meet locals and I was surprised at the number of people who spoke English.
I've written off Bali and Thailand simply because of the number of tourists. Japan is kind of a no brainer for me.

I’ve never forgotten the warmth and hospitality that was extended to my then 18month old by the people of Thailand.

I’ve been taking my child to Japan on a near yearly basis and it is wonderful, but Thai people have a love of children that sets them apart. One of the great privileges of my life was being in Thailand in the company of a gregarious and receptive infant and, through her, experiencing this remarkable and profoundly beautiful side of Thai culture.

I agree that Thai people can be very nice. This thread is about Taiwan though, not Thailand.

The only recent contribution has been by @bundubasher (I imagine the OP has long since made their decision) and is in response to that post.