I live in korea and recently visited Japan. Both countries are wonderful to visit.

Went to Tokyo and Kyoto, the touristy spots were very busy. As long as you're polite and respect Japanese social "rules", it's fine. And there's plenty of other places to visit if Kyoto is too contentious right now.

Korea also has a lot to offer in Seoul and Busan. It's a short few hours and reasonably priced high speed train between the two cities.

Plenty of other countries in the region to visit as well.

I went earlier this year. It was gorgeous.

The tourist areas were shit. There's a LOT of tourists treating the city like a playground. Trash everywhere. Loud idiots on the train.

If you go and assume a respectful personality, you'll be fine. Just don't be the 10% who fuck around.

Why would you change travel plans based off of a single article? Go visit Japan

Depends when and where. Avoid summer or winter vacation. If you're doing Kyoto, visit temples very early in the day to avoid crowds. Or perhaps find slightly less famous places.

I was just in Japan a couple weeks ago. Kyoto was incredibly crowded at the tourist spots, but it was the peak of cherry blossoms so I expected it to be crowded. I didn't meet a single unfriendly person while we were there, it's definitely worth it.

Go visit in winter, it’s spectacular. Go away from where tourists go, it’s an incredibly intimate country to visit.