DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Netizen's claim Tokyo is 'no different from Ximending' sparks online firestorm

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Taiwanese netizen sparked debate by claiming Tokyo's Shibuya district is similar to Taipei's Ximending.
  • The netizen argued Tokyo is unnecessary for first-time visitors, citing crowded commutes and tourist-trap shops.
  • Travel experts and other netizens largely refuted the claim, highlighting Tokyo's vast offerings and unique experiences.

A recent online comment comparing Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district to Taipei's Ximending has ignited a fierce debate among Taiwanese netizens and travel enthusiasts. The original poster on the social platform Threads expressed that many areas in Tokyo, including Shibuya, felt indistinguishable from Ximending, citing similar crowds of foreign tourists, shops seemingly catering to rip-offs, and packed commuter trains during rush hour.

The netizen controversially concluded, "If you're visiting Japan for the first time, there's absolutely no need to go to Tokyo. What's the point of wandering around and feeling like you're back in Taiwan?" This assertion quickly drew sharp criticism from many who passionately defend Tokyo as a premier travel destination.

If you're visiting Japan for the first time, there's absolutely no need to go to Tokyo. What's the point of wandering around and feeling like you're back in Taiwan?

— NetizenThe controversial statement that sparked a debate about Tokyo's uniqueness compared to Taipei's Ximending.

Numerous commenters pushed back, highlighting Tokyo's vastly superior and diverse culinary scene, extensive range of attractions, and unparalleled shopping opportunities. Many argued that Tokyo offers a fresh experience with every visit, a sentiment echoed by those who have traveled to the city multiple times. One user retorted, "People who live in Japan wouldn't dare say that," while another questioned, "Are you visiting the same Tokyo as us?"

Travel blogger Lin Shih-pi, known for his expertise on Japan travel, engaged with the original poster, inquiring about their specific Tokyo experiences that led to such a comparison. The netizen's response, attributing their opinion to recommendations from Taiwanese YouTuber "Cai Agar," prompted Lin Shih-pi to share the exchange on his Facebook page. He humorously remarked, "Maybe fewer people going to Tokyo isn't a bad thing; hopefully, plane tickets and hotels will become cheaper." Many netizens agreed, with comments like "Tokyo really doesn't need him as a tourist" and "I go to Tokyo every six months and still haven't seen everything."

Maybe fewer people going to Tokyo isn't a bad thing; hopefully, plane tickets and hotels will become cheaper.

— Lin Shih-piA travel blogger's humorous reaction to the debate, suggesting fewer tourists might benefit travelers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog