Tokyo vs. Singapore..which to go to?
 

I'm sure that many of you experiences FlyerTalkers have been to both. Could someone let me know the pros and cons of each (aside from the fact that I can only fly AA to NRT)

Thanks,
Michelle

Why not do both? On the cheapie UA SIN tickets you should be able to spend several days in Tokyo before or after visiting SIN. You do have to fork over some sort of extra tax in the range of USD 15 or so. I had about 22 hours in Tokyo earlier this year and managed to get around a good bit. In fact you should be able to squeeze a 23-hour layover in HKG in there, too.

SIN is astronomically easier for an English speaker, although after about three days there isn't much left to do, unless you want to go into Malaysia. SIN is also cheaper, but if you're not a hotel snob it is possible to find cheapish lodging in Tokyo.

On UA the arrival/departure times are much easier for NRT than SIN, naturally.

I think you misplaced the "only" in your statement in parenthesis and meant to write, I can fly AA only to NRT instead. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Tell us a bit more about how much time you're planning to spend, budgetary restricitons, and personal interests.

I've spent considerable time in both. I agree that you'll run out of things to do in Sin after a few days. However, you can have a very good time in those few.

Japan as a country has much more to offer. However, only one or two days in Tokyo is probably not as rewarding (and much more expensive) than SIN.

Would second that...Singapore is much more reasonable on costs. Rule of thumb would be about 50% of Tokyo costs. The zoo's Night Safari is probably the standout world-class attraction (the Merlion, though, is eminently skippable). It's also easy and comfortable to get to many points in Malaysia (the 24-seat Super VIP buses to KL are really nice). Kuala Lumpur, IMO, is great for western-style attractions and creature comforts at low prices.

Michelle:

Depends what you are looking for, as pointed out, Japan is VERY expensive, it is also very difficult to manuever around in(time consuming), very crowded, not much to see after the first ten minutes of experiencing the "unitecture", VERY little english spoken there, and in their hearts, (IMHO) the Japanese people do not really care for Americans. (PLEASE, no flames on that comment.)

My experiences tell me that you will find Singapore the opposite of the above. Cheap dining, cheap shopping, easy travel (hard to mess it up on an island that size), and generally more enjoyable for a vacation.

No flames, but the very fact that you note that the Japanese don't really care for Americans shows you believe it is somehow appropriate or expected to be loved. I think there's something to be said for a cool respect...

Michelle: if you're under 25, check out the Shibuya ward in Tokyo!

[This message has been edited by straight-flava (edited 08-28-2002).]

The Japanese remind me of New Yorkers. It's not that we don't like you, it's just that we're all in a hurry (real or imagined). My very first trip to Tokyo found me (6'2" white guy) standing, utterly lost, in the middle of Tokyo Station with my luggage at my side. A little Japanese woman, who spoke little english, came up to me and asked if she could help me. Very sweet. Keep in mind that Japan has seasons whereas Singapore is ALWAYS hot and humid. You'll be amazed at how fast the money goes in Japan. But both cities are fascinating

Having lived in both, I have to say that for a couple of days visiting, I find both places fascinating. It depends what you are into. If you like the tropical life and some excellent south asian food, then Singapore is the place. If you are into the big city, and love Japanese food, then Tokyo is it.

For a first time visitor, Tokyo might appear expensive, forbidding and inscrutable, as opposed to Singapore, which is more "sunny" (but don't run afoul of Big Bro, though). However, the veneer of Singapore is very thin. Tokyo has layer after layer of inscrutability which you can peel. When you get to the "core" you'll find that you have just begun. As an example, you can have a world-class japanese meal (Sushisei in Tsukiji comes to mind) for a 1/3 what you'd pay in NY. The sensory experience (sight, sound, smell, taste, and even touch) is truly memorable.

But then, Tokyo is my favorite city in the whole world, so I exhibit bias.

Tokyo can be one of the most expensive cities in the world when it comes to accommodations, food and transportation, but with a little effort it can also be reasonable.

Instead of staying at a $300 - $500 per night 5-star deluxe hotel, stay at one of the first class Prince hotels - Tokyo Prince and Roppongi come to mind - for $150 per night. Try to get a rate that includes breakfast. If not, don't eat at the hotel.

Avoid taxis in the city, they are ridiculously expensive. Study a map of attractions you wish to visit and learn to use the subways which are clean and very efficient. Avoid them during morning and afternoon rush-hours and you'll be fine.

Instead of a $300 kaiseki meal, head to the food court located in the basement of department stores and purchase obento meals or go a la carte if you like with tempura, nigiri, sashimi, etc. Stop at a ramen or udon (noodles) shop for a quick lunch. Use Lawson's or 7-11 if you want coffee, soft drinks, or a sandwich.

And no matter where you go, try to learn a few basic words of Japanese. Wherever you go in this world, learning a few words goes a long way.

Tokyo is a city which rewards the skilled traveller. It can be expensive (incredibly so), but you can also live well for USD 100 per day (nice hotel for 60, meals 30 and transportation 10, zero for sightseeing). There is no contest between Singapore and Tokyo, Singapore is an order of magnitude less interesting and ordinary. The real competitor to Tokyo is Hong Kong. Both are well worth visiting, and make for top-quality travel experiences. Few other cities can compare. And the costs are controllable to a remarkable degree without compromising quality.

MAny interesting comments here.

I liked jtrader's comments on the valkue of two days though. For a first time visitor this is how I wouyld state the case also. I have lived here for 12 years now (not on an ex-pat package) and I still discover new things almost daily.

SIN is good value for a couple days and if you are doing it when it is cold wetaher season at home for you it doubly nice to sweat a bit on holiday. The Tokyo seasons pretty much mirror those of New York so bear that in mind.

I am sorry, but I strongly believe underpressure gives a totally incorrect description/impression of Tokyo, its infrastructure, its architecture, and its people. I see it differently but all are entitled to their opinions.

The rest of the posts fairly well state the case. Big city and all that entails, or a smaller city that is eminently enjoyable and just the right size perhaps for a vacation of a couple days.

If I recall from another post you made, this is being done with miles so I think you find little disagreement here with the idea of stetching the award as far as you can. If time allows maybe try both places, but for Tokyo try to do only that for which you have time and just plan to come back. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

If you need any help in Tokyo before or after arrival I am available and pleased to assist. I know SIN pretty well also, but these boards have tons of searchable info already and we have a few resident in SIN Fters to answer those questions also.

Enjoy the planning and travel safely,

Mike

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I've lived in Tokyo for five years. I visited Singapore for a week. In my short time in Singapore, the city felt much more "American" to me than Tokyo... more English spoken, more ethnic diversity, more American-style shopping centers, etc. Tokyo, on the other hand, is a different universe from any American city. Much less English, less ethnic diversity, etc., but incredibly fascinating precisely because the culture, architecture, infrastructure (e.g. public transportation), food, etc. are so different from what you find in America. And Tokyo is almost unimaginably huge... you can spend years exploring various neighborhoods here and never even get close to seeing most of the metropolitan area.

Personally, I think Tokyo is a more interesting place to visit, but it requires more effort (because English is not widely spoken, the city is so huge, the transportation system complicated, etc.). Singapore is easier to get around, but less "exotic" and less interesting in many ways.

Hey sfpaul900, ever hear this one?
"Actually, only Japan has four seasons." http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

I'd agree with this post. I just came back from 11 days in Tokyo and Yokohama (first trip, for Pan Pacs), and transportation logistics were a challenge (more so than any other country I've been in), though not insurmountable. We found helpful people whenever we couldn't sort out the right train, either JR or subway, some of them just walking up to us, and then escorting us to the correct platform. We always seemed to find someone with just enough English to point us in the right direction, or to point something out on a map for us. I'd go back without thinking twice. We commuted between Tokyo and outer Yokohama a couple days and it involved a variety of trains or buses, and we always made it to the swimming championships on time.

The weather, though, was hot and very humid, and it did takes its toll at days end on me (I was exhausted).

I was in Singapore last year and don't really think you can compare it to Tokyo. The center of the city is much easier to navigate, as is its subway system, and easily accessible world-class zoo.

To me they're two entirely different travel experiences, depending what you're looking for, and what kind of challenge you're up to.

I do have some Singapore photos at this site:
http://photos.yahoo.com/tom911

Singapore has seasons, too! Indoors and Outdoors... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif