Tokyo or Seoul: Which City Should You Visit This June?

June’s a popular time for a mid-year getaway whether you’re syncing up with school holidays or just eyeing a well-timed break. And when it comes to destinations Singaporeans are obsessed with, Seoul and Tokyo never miss a spot. Go during peak season and you might hear more Singlish than Korean or Japanese on the streets.

Both cities have their own kind of magic, with bright lights, incredible food, and that perfect mix of chaos and charm. But if you’re choosing between the two for your next trip, especially this June, which one makes more sense for you?

Here’s a quick breakdown on both destinations to help you make your decision: what there is to do, how the food scene vibes, what kind of crowds you’ll deal with, how much you’ll spend, and whether the weather will mess up your plans.

Also read: How to Ride the Shinkansen in Japan: 8 Hacks Every Traveller Should Know

First up: What’s happening in June?

Seoul

June in Seoul kicks off the start of the summer monsoon season. It’s warm, a little sticky, and there’s a real chance of rain. But it’s also when rooftop bars start buzzing, night markets feel extra alive, and indoor cafés become the place to be. You’ll also find fun city festivals like the Seoul Drum Festival mid-month — very percussion, very cool. It’s a great time to dive into Seoul’s more local, lived-in rhythm with slower mornings, coffee runs, and evenings with fried chicken and beer under fairy lights.

Also read: 8 Insider Seoul Travel Tips Singaporeans Must Know in 2025

T0kyo

Over in Tokyo, June also means rain but it’s more of a constant drizzle than the all-out downpour you might get in Seoul. It doesn’t really stop people from being out and about. In fact, this is when Tokyo’s temples and parks start glowing with hydrangeas. Ajisai season is low-key stunning. I mean, whole temple paths blooming in purple and blue sounds straight out of a movie. Firefly viewing is also a thing, which feels very Ghibli in the best way. So while June might not be the clearest month for skyline shots, Tokyo’s still serving whimsical vibes in spades.

Also read: 8 Family-Friendly Activities in Tokyo for Singaporeans

What about the food?

Seoul

If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to bond over shared plates, Seoul is your place. Korean food culture is all about the table. Bubbling stews, meat grilled right in front of you, and side dishes that just keep appearing like magic is a feast for both eyes and stomach. Eating in Seoul feels communal, which works out perfectly if you’re with family or friends.

But if you’re going solo, fair warning that the portions don’t always play nice. A lot of dishes are made for two or more, so unless your stomach is built different, you might end up skipping things you really want to try. (Speaking from experience…one time I just wanted one box of Korean fried chicken, but the portion was massive. Anyway I still got it. It lasted me 5 meals.)

Also read: Seoul Food: The Ultimate Singaporean Foodie’s Guide to South Korea’s Capital

T0kyo

Tokyo, on the other hand, is the master of the solo meal. Walk into a ramen shop and you’ll likely be seated at your own little booth. Everything arrives neatly portioned, made for one, and perfect. It’s an introvert’s dream because in many restaurants, you order on a machine instead of with the staff so no need to worry about having to talk to anyone!

And of course, the food itself is always incredible whether it’s a ¥300 (S$2.70) sushi plate or a once-in-a-lifetime kaiseki experience. But if you’re someone who thrives on “eh you wanna share?” dining energy, you might find Seoul more naturally your pace.

Also read: A Muslim-Friendly Guide to Street Food in Tokyo

Will it be packed?

Seoul

Both cities are always moving but there’s a difference in the intensity. Seoul in June still feels roomy. Sure, malls like Myeongdong can get busy, but it rarely feels overwhelming. You’ll find space in parks, seats in cafes, and a generally chill atmosphere unless you’re smack in a tourist hotspot on the weekend. Not to mention, Seoul has nature escapes built right into the city. Places like Bukhansan National Park, Seoul Forest, and Namsan are expansive, green, and easy to get to when you need a breather.

T0kyo

Tokyo is noticeably more crowded especially around attractions like Disneyland, Asakusa, or Shibuya. The rainy season doesn’t deter the crowds much, and if you’re planning to do a lot of tourist-heavy stops, you’ll want to get a head start in the mornings. Streets are narrower, and nature getaways are a little trickier to access within the city itself especially compared to Seoul. That said, if you thrive on buzz and constant movement, then you might enjoy Tokyo’s energy more.

How about the budget?

Seoul

Here’s where things get a little uneven. Seoul is generally the cheaper city, especially when it comes to food and accommodation. It’s easier to eat well on a budget, find decent places to stay without crying over the exchange rate, and you won’t feel like you have to ration your snacks.

T0kyo

Tokyo, meanwhile, can be expensive, but only if you let it. There are convenience store meals that are genuinely good, free public attractions, and smart train passes that make it manageable. Still, between the transport, entrance fees (even to shrines and parks), and the magnetic pull of cute-but-overpriced souvenirs, your wallet’s likely to feel lighter by the end of the trip.

And finally: the weather

Seoul

Seoul, on the other hand, runs warmer and wetter. The humidity creeps in, and when it rains, it pours. That said, the city’s incredibly well-sheltered. There are many underground shopping streets, sprawling malls, and affordable taxis mean you can easily dodge the rain if needed. Plus, there’s something oddly romantic about watching Seoul go misty at night from the top of Namsan.

T0kyo

Neither city has perfect weather in June, but Tokyo’s rainy season tends to be a bit gentler. It’s less about thunderstorms and more about cloudy, moody skies  which could add to the aesthetic? You’ll still get warm days (hovering around 26°C), but it’s not suffocating (especially if you’re already used to Singapore’s heat).

Bonus: The long weekend trick

For the working adults, here’s a hack: Hari Raya Haji falls on Monday, 17 June 2024. Take leave from 15–18 June and boom, you get a 4D3N getaway. If you want more time, apply for 13–14 and 17–18 June, and you get a solid six-day trip with just four days of leave. You’re welcome.

So… where should you go?

If you’re in the mood for shared meals, mellow vibes, and a budget-friendly recharge, Seoul will treat you well.

But if you’re chasing cultural depth, offbeat experiences, and don’t mind a little solo time, Tokyo in June is quietly magical.

Whichever you choose, just bring an umbrella and a little appetite for adventure. Both are absolutely lovely cities, so you’ll have fun either way!