Went to HK / Japan in May, 5 days HK, 2 weeks japan. Been wanting to go since ever.
HK - hot, humid, dirty city, sweating the moment i step outside, nice to visit big buddha, night city photography is unreal. otherwise would never return.
Japan (shibuya, taito, kobe, osaka) - perfect weather, clean streets, peaceful environment. out of the places i have been, this is the only place i want to move to permanently.
If you plan on going between cities, and want the japan rail pass, GET IT AHEAD of time. you CAN NOT, get it in japan. (my vacation was literally last minute, and i had mine shipped to my friends house in hong kong.....LOL)
Booked all my places off Airbnb. total of 7 locations, 1 was a shitter. 3 were as expected, 3 exceeded my expectations (japan). Not to mention how much money i saved.
Make sure to hit up mario kart in japan (IRL) walking on the street my last day, and fucking luigi, mario, pricness, and bowser pass me on the street in go karts, nearly had to slap myself for a reality check.
Conveyer belt sushi. Eat all of it.
Im not a park person, but i would hit up every park in the area, very calming.
Love hotel is always an option for smashing locals.
Pack light, i ended up buying and filling an entire suite case full of shit / clothing / souvenirs.
Hit up some zoo's, i generally dont care for zoo's, but my god, japan has some exotic shit. Not to mention in particular Kobe zoo the animals are all in the same pit, and jump / fly / run past you.
Theres a few high view points you can hit up for free in tokyo if im not mistaken. (40th floor etc of whatever building)
Bamboo forest was a movie only scene, until i walked thru it.
Yes you should be excited off your mind. 11/10