Top 5 reasons to revisit our favourite destinations in Asia

Along with the team here at Selective Asia, you probably have a travel ‘wish list’ that never seems to get shorter! Anything can lead to an idea for a trip, from a chat with a friend or colleague about their latest adventures, to reading an inspiring book, trying a delicious new dish, or watching a travelogue about exploring far-flung shores. With so much of the world to see (and, yes, we do acknowledge there are destinations beyond Asia!), does visiting the same country more than once ever make sense? In my opinion, 100% yes.

Having been lucky enough to return to Japan recently, I’ve been reminded of just how fantastic revisiting a much-loved destination can be. A second visit to a destination in Asia, or even a third or fourth, is an opportunity to travel further, to visit lesser known places, and to see things from a different angle - to truly unfollow the herd. It’s a chance to appreciate the small details; those unique, quirky highlights that are all too easy to miss when you’re straining to catch a clear view of Mt Fuji (something which still continues to elude this member of the Selective Asia team!)

From artistic manhole covers to meditation and much more, I’ve dug into the top reasons to revisit Asia’s diverse destinations.

1. Unfollow the herd

We understand that it’s really hard to imagine going to India for the first time without visiting the Taj Mahal, however crowded you know it’s going to be, or heading for South Korea without planning for ample time in neon-lit, technologically-sophisticated, street-style-saturated Seoul. On a second visit, however, it’s much easier to feel freed from those must-do’s, allowing you to forge a new path away from the main sights and the ever-concerning impact of overtourism, towards the thrill of the lesser-known.

On the surface, some destinations do seem to lend themselves to a revisit more than others: Japan or Indonesia, with their diverse islands, or the almost incomprehensible vastness and diversity of India. However, it can be just as rewarding to return to Cambodia to explore the country’s rural east, or to make a second visit to Sri Lanka to travel to Jaffna on the island’s northern tip.

Visiting Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and Tohoku in northern Honshu, changed the way I think about travelling to Japan. Having previously spent much of my time in the more high-rise cities, it was refreshing to take in some of Japan’s open spaces, verdant rice fields, rural vineyards and sparsely populated coastlines. Compared to my last visit to Japan, it felt almost like seeing a different country, albeit with the same exquisite food and high-tech toilets!

Could a first trip to Japan without including Kyoto feel satisfying? Well, having now visited the charming town of Kakunodate (incidentally sometimes known as ‘Little Kyoto) with its atmospherically preserved Samurai houses, traditional arts and crafts and riverside setting, I really believe it could.

2. Enjoy the details

Visiting a destination in Asia as a second-timer doesn’t have to involve going to different places. Heading back to somewhere that you love can be fantastic. You can delve deeper into the details of a destination, especially those that align with your own passions. If you’ve explored Bangkok’s Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, you can take time to visit some of the city’s less well-known neighbourhoods like Talad Noi. Find residents who have made the city their home for generations, take a tuk tuk to hidden street art areas, nibble on the culinary delights of Chinatown, or cycle around Bangkrachao ‘Bangkok’s green jungle’, home to lush vegetation, secluded temples, markets and Muay Thai gyms.

One aspect of travel to Japan that I think represents this perfectly are manhole covers. Yes, you read that right! Somehow, on previous visits I’d never noticed these varied, decorative and fun examples of industrial art. Originally part of a public relations campaign to raise support for modernising sewage systems, 95% of Japanese municipalities now boast their own individual manhole cover designs, showing local landmarks, flora and fauna, famous people, festivals and events, even Pokemon! It doesn’t stop there, as there are also appreciation groups, Facebook pages, and even an annual summit for fans!

Repeat visits to Japan can also allow for inexpert attempts at kabazaiku woodworking in Kakunodate, discussions about Zazen meditation with a monk at Zenkoji Temple, or even meeting with a prize-winning garden designer in Kamakura. A meander to take in new winemaking hot spots in Hokkaido might also result in the opportunity to sample a vintage glass or two…

3. Find yourself at home

Even if it’s been some time since your last visit, you’re likely to feel instantly more relaxed when you head back to a familiar Asian destination. You’ll remember some of the practicalities - currency, public transport, tipping (or not, in the case of Japan!), or the skill of navigating your way across numerous lanes of scooters in Hanoi.

Like us, you’ve probably also made a few mistakes first time out, got slightly lost navigating your way out of a mega-station, failed to figure out how to use the smoothie machines in Japan’s 7-Elevens, or regretted not learning a few more words of the local language in advance.

Whilst these things are all part of the best travel stories, they also mean that on your next visit you’ve already done a lot of the hard work. Even if you are visiting a different city, area or island, the chances are at least some of the sights, sounds and smells will be familiar. You might feel more confident braving that public onsen, or taking a seat in that small Izakaya.

4. Tempt your taste buds

Returning from any Asian adventure, the chances are that some of your fondest memories will revolve around food. Much as any of us might try, and however extensive your culinary expertise, it’s very tricky to recreate those distinctive Asian culinary experiences in your own kitchen.

A return visit allows ample opportunity to savour old favourites. In the case of Japan, that’s sushi masterpieces, art-work-like ekiben lunch boxes and mysterious convenience store snacks of every kind, all while also adding new delicacies to your must-eat list. My favourite new discovery this time was dorayaki, a sweet filled pancake that first came to the attention of my taste buds in Sendai, the largest city in Japan’s northern Tohoku region. I loved the sweet edamame flavour with fresh cream, but you’ll find plenty of other options too.

5. Embrace change

Whether it’s been one year or many since your last visit, some things will have changed, whether that’s the development of a new Community Homestay Network in Nepal, new walking routes like Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail, or more pathways and accommodation in rural northern Vietnam.

In addition to discovering new and exciting experiences, the chances are that you’ve changed too, and your perspective on a destination may change as well. The last few years have brought us all the chance to reflect on the privilege of being able to travel freely, and many things can prompt us to see new angles, reflect on previous experiences, and further appreciate the places we are lucky enough to visit. There’s also an increasing focus on the vital importance of travelling responsibly, and we’ll always do our utmost to take travel to a better place.

A final thought…

There’s no question that having the chance to visit a country in Asia even once is a great privilege that should never be underestimated, and there are always many reasons why a return visit might not be possible, but if the opportunity arises, will I return to Japan again? Absolutely. There is still so much to explore, and of course my quest for a glimpse of Japan’s most iconic yet notoriously shy mountain goes on…

by Anna on 20th October 2024