Countries to visit near Japan
 

I'm planning a trip to Japan in August (I know I am not looking forward to the heat!). Since I am trying to book award tickets I may end up in Japan longer than I initially planned if a return ticket doesn't open up until late in the month. What I was wondering is if there are any nearby countries that I could easily visit from Japan via inexpensive flights, since it takes soo long for me to get to that part of the world to begin with. I will need to return to the US from NRT.

South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines.

LLC has frequent deals depending on time of year and demand.

All about $100.00 one way.

Afterthought, might be tough in August. Peak season and all.

What is LLC?

He meant LCC. Low Cost Carrier.

Oh heh. Thought it was some airline I never heard of! :)

What's wrong with staying in Japan? There are complete guidebooks devoted to both Tokyo and Kyoto. On the other hand, you might want to escape the heat in Hokkaido or the Japan Alps--in the actual mountains, not in the valleys, which can be hotter than the flatlands.

If you want to take some side trips, the closest and easiest ones are South Korea and Taiwan. Yet each of these countries deserves attention on its own.

If I wanted to spend time in the Japan Alps where would be a good base to start from?

If you're just spending a couple of days in the Alps (say, one day in Kamikochi, another day doing Kurobe Alpen Route), then Matsumoto is a good base. Takayama is another potential place to consider, especially if you're interested in Kamikochi and Oku Hida area. Matsumoto, in particular, has a lot of reasonably-priced accommodation options. But both cities get hot and muggy in the summertime almost like Tokyo. And if you want to spend a couple consecutive days exploring Kamikochi, then stay in Kamikochi since it's a long bus ride from either Matsumoto or Takayama. If you want to spend days trekking up in the mountains, then camp and/or stay at mountain lodges.

Another potential place is Hirayu, which is much closer to Kamikochi and may, in fact, be a cheaper alternative to staying at Kamikochi. Hirayu itself is sort of a little town built around a bus terminal and there's not much there. However, Hirayu's onsen quality is top-notch and the area is noticeably cooler than Tokyo, Matsumoto or Takayama.

Just to add, I very much like Takayama and recommend it wholeheartedly, I would have to agree that it might well be pretty warm in August. That is not a reason to avoid it but if the plan is to find some cool relief from the heat of Tokyo, another choice might be better.

Agree Takayama is worth the visit. Jetstar has cheap flights and Air Asia can get you to a multitude of places in Asia (and often in Business class) for next to nothing.

If you're looking for nearby destinations away from outdoors heat, you'll want to skip the Philippines and Hong Kong or anywhere in the tropics.

Yes, Takayama is great, and for real relief from the heat, take the bus to Matsumoto, which goes over the mountains and stops at a rest stop that is above timberline.