Europe vs. Japan: Travel Expert Discusses Which Destination to Choose

East or West? That is the question. Whether to amble among ancient Japanese palaces and sakura-lined streets, or to see the stunning fjords of Norway and the northern lights of Lapland.

Those looking for the best European tours or Japanese travel experiences might experience information overload. There's a lot to choose from, and it's hard to know which makes the most sense. According to Ivan Shirokov, the deputy director at Firebird Tours, an international tour operator specializing in customizable private and small-group journeys, there are different factors to consider when deciding which destination works best for you.

"It really depends on what kind of experience you want," says Shirokov. "Japan offers a very cohesive cultural experience, there are temples and shrines but also futuristic cities, world-famous pop culture."

In Europe, in contrast, diversity is the main attraction — one of the key reasons European tours remain so popular. "All of these destinations are so different, but also close together," he says. "So you can enjoy the art and cuisine of Italy, but also the wild beauty of Northern Europe and curated tours to Scandinavia, along with the old castles of the Scottish Highlands."

Founded in New York in 2007, Firebird Tours organizes travel experiences across more than 50 destinations. It handles every aspect of these trips for its clients, from itinerary planning and logistics to accommodation, transport, and guided experiences.

Each trip is designed by a destination specialist and supported by a logistics team. "This helps to ensure flexibility, reliability, and consistent service throughout the journey," says Shirokov. Firebird Tours has also been an enthusiastic adopter of new technology and created a custom trip builder and travel app. According to Shirokov, this approach has also helped the company reduce the cost of its services.

Ideas for Japan

If one is mulling a trip to Japan or exploring Japan tours, Firebird Tours has 39 different experiences on offer, from a "Best of Japan" package to one focused on the imperial capitals of Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kanazawa, to start. There are also specialized tours focused on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, along with other tours to Japan covering its natural springs, ski resorts, and wild national parks.

"People like Japan because it feels more different," says Shirokov. "The food is different, the language is very different, even everyday etiquette is fascinating." Japan is also safe and has reliable infrastructure, with its clean bullet trains, which make getting from one city to the next easy. 

"In Japan visitors get extremely high quality at all price levels," says Shirokov. "Even the convenience stores are good."

The Japanese people are also, for the most part, orderly, even in crowded places, and concerns about petty theft, which are sometimes noted in popular tourist areas such as parts of Naples or Barcelona, may be less prominent in certain other destinations.

But language can be a barrier, especially outside of tourist zones, which some travelers might like. "It's really up to the individual to decide what is comfortable for them," says Shirikov. "But who doesn't want to visit Japan at least once in their lives?"

Ideas for Europe

Shirokov suggests that Japan may stand out for its relatively streamlined logistics and immersive cultural experience. Europe offers up flexibility, diversity, and variety, for better and worse. Within hours, you can travel through Spanish, French, Italian, and German-speaking regions, for example. Prices can also differ. Cities like Paris, Zurich, and London are expensive, but in Portugal, Hungary, or Spain, travelers are likely to find cheaper deals. 

Knowledge of English can also vary. In Northern Europe, English speakers should find the travel experience largely hassle-free, but that might not be the case outside of tourist areas in Italy or Greece.

"I tell people to choose Europe if they want that variety, if they would like fewer language issues, and more flexible budget options," says Shirokov. 

Firebird Tours offers a wide range of travel experiences across Europe, making it challenging to cover them comprehensively in a single overview. But there are packages focused on Italy and the Mediterranean, including curated tours to Italy, as well as France and Belgium, and the UK and Ireland.

Depending on one's interest, they might opt for a Loch Ness Tour or decide to explore the French Riviera. But what Europe makes up for in terms of diversity can also mean a little more chaos, particularly in Southern Europe. Some travelers might like a bit more adventure, too.

Checking off the bucket list

When it's time to choose between Japan and Europe for travel, or consider tours to Europe, Shirokov notes that travelers who opt for Japan rarely return disappointed.

"Japan offers a deep, cultural journey, it blends ancient traditions with modern life," he says. "Our travelers often say that it feels unlike anywhere else in the world. It's not just a destination, it is an encounter with something entirely new."

But if the romantic streets of Paris, the ruins of Rome, and the beauty of the Scandinavian fjords get your heart pumping, Shirokov has a secret. Nobody returns from a trip to Europe disappointed, either.

"Europe has so much to offer," he says. "Every time you cross a border, you get to explore a new language, culture, and taste a new cuisine," he adds. "For those who want to have multiple experiences in one journey, Europe is a great choice."

That trade-off, between cultural immersion and diversity, seems to be at the heart of the decision. It depends on the traveler's personal goals. But, as Shirokov points out, why choose between the two? Why not travel to Japan one year, and Europe the next? "The world was meant to be explored in full," he says. "Why choose one place when you can visit them all?"