Foo - Where should I go?

Chinese New Year ("Spring Festival" here) falls on February 7 this year. Some Foosters may remember that I almost lost it last year after continuous fireworks kept me from sleeping for about two weeks. My plan for this year's holiday is to get out of Shanghai. While I'll only be able to go for a week (Feb. 6-13), one week of sleep is better than none. Travel within mainland China will be impossible, because 1.3 billion other people will be trying to do the same thing.

My question: where should I go, and why? I don't want to spend loads of money, so something in Asia is probably the best bet. Or, if you don't want to tell me where I should go, where would you most like to go?

Top floor of tall hotel and play soft music with windows closed.

I had considered that, actually... not a bad idea

The Philippines?

You're supposed to tell me where to go and why :D

I hadn't actually considered the Philippines, but that would be great for the weather alone. I was thinking of Vietnam, which is fairly inexpensive for me to get to — but that will be during Tet, which means just as many fireworks as China!

OK, the why? Same climate as Vietnam, not Chinese New Year, and you still have my brothers email, right? ;)

Hey, that I do! :D

<runs off to investigate ticket prices>

Go down to the street and join in the celebration, because it's fun.

You sleep forever when you're dead. Get out there and enjoy life while you still have it.

I've done the Chinese New Year fireworks a couple of times, and it is fun... but not at 5 in the morning for two weeks straight.

I think of course Kyoto, but you've chosen a very very cold time to take a trip in Asia. (you already know that) I think the best time here is Spring and Autumn.

I checked my schedule but unfortunately I'm full up for most of that time sorry. I only have the 10th off.

If you are still interested though I would recommend this hotel:
http://www.kamogawa-kan.co.jp/english/index.html
Sell time:
I guess you are all templed and shrined out in China, but we do have some beautiful ones here. Kyoto is the home of Geiko (the true Geisha)
The people in Kyoto are extremely friendly to foreigners.
Our food, well, yummmmm.
Kyoto is best discovered by bicycle but our public transport is quite good too. If you don't have a bike with you, they can be rented at a very reasonable price.
If you are interested I could recommend some fantastic places to visit.

Ooooh.... Kyoto would be cool. You don't get as temple and shrined out in China as you might think. I guess it would make most sense to fly into Osaka. How pricey is Kyoto compared to Tokyo/Osaka? I went a long time I ago (1993, I think), so I can't remember details like prices. I would love to see the Fushimi Inari shrine again... one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.

I've just realised that this thread will likely make my decision even harder :D.

Ooooh.... Kyoto would be cool. You don't get as temple and shrined out in China as you might think. I guess it would make most sense to fly into Osaka. How pricey is Kyoto compared to Tokyo/Osaka? I went a long time I ago (1993, I think), so I can't remember details like prices. I would love to see the Fushimi Inari shrine again... one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.

I've just realised that this thread will likely make my decision even harder :D.

Bloody hell,I was at Fushimi Inari about a week ago.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/01%20Latest%20Pictures%20NOT%20SORTED%20YET/06Jan08FushimiInari005.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/01%20Latest%20Pictures%20NOT%20SORTED%20YET/06Jan08FushimiInari002.jpg

Fly into Osaka would be the best choice. If you fly into Tokyo you would have to come to Kyoto via shinkansen (which would be fun but very expensive) Sorry can't recommend Tokyo or Osaka as I don't visit them so much at all. Pretty bad concidering Osaka is so close to Kyoto. I would imagine Tokyo is shat more expensive but is an eye opener especially around Harajuku etc...