Japan: Tokyo is what I thought about when I thought about Japan, even then I thought neon, not the modern juxtaposed with the ancient shrines all around the city.
Go to other areas e.g. Hakone and all of a sudden you are in rich lush mountains. The scenery was beautiful. It had hot springs and we stayed in a royaken - traditional B&B, served by an old lady in traditional dress, private onsen, and VERY different food.
We went to Kyoto and took the bullet train and loved the ancient buildings and more temples. We saw bamboo forests, old funicular railways, museums full of samurai treasures. We ate stuff that was weird and wonderful. We only had just over a week and did loads. I would love to go back.
We did it ourselves and met people staying in Air BnB and it wasn't as expensive if you are native food or Korean.
Namibia is an easy safari. Safe country which you can self drive easily. It's got more than just game as the skeleton coast has seals and penguins that you can kayak amongst.
The sand dunes and Death Valley in the South, wild camping and tribal visits in the north east. Conservation and then the animals.
We have an extension to Zambia and Victoria Falls for the tick box factor, but def a trip of a lifetime.
We are off to Sri Lanka at Christmas and that also looks fab and a great combo. Ancient sites, sun, sea, food, history, safari (elephants mainly), conservation with the turtles.
My other favourite holiday was China, a bit like Japan in some ways, but very different in others. I'd include that on my list too.
Costa Rica is on my list as is Equador and Galapagos.