Going to Japan - should I go to Hong Kong too or very similar to Tokyo?

[SleepIsForTheWeak]

I am just trying to decide whether to simplify things by only staying in Japan, or whether an extra flight to Hong Kong would be worth it?
Travelling with a 21 MO.

TIA

bump for my daft question

HK is nothing like Tokyo, except that they are both big modern cities. I have only visited both briefly but HK's setting on the harbour give it a completely different feel.

Haven't been to either (you wonder why I am even posting here) but I can tell you they are completely different.

I lived in HK for 5 years in the 90's and parts of it are so different and diverse. It's not just a big city with flashing lights and skyscrapers. There are some beautiful and stunning bays to the east of the island (Stanley, Tai Tam) and Kowloon side. I would definately go to HK, but I am bias Of course it's no doubt changed a fair bit since I was there although we still have friends out there. I was really sad to hear that Jimmy's Kitchen in Central has closed - it was the most marvellous restaurant, the 'Captain' always greeted you like an old friend, excellent service minus the pretentious nature of so many HK restaurants.

Sorry, ramblinga nd reminicing

thanks, it does look like an amazing place

Have been to both of number of times and they are completely different. Tokyo is much more insular than Hong Kong, language harder (actually near impossible), food stranger, but amazing place. Found the people very kind, polite and helpful.
HK is easier to get around because it is a lot smaller, also has a more evident expat community than Tokyo so at first glance is more familiar than Japan.
Both have their charms, HK is easier to like immediately because of the setting, size and I think it is more geared to tourists/visitors. Personally I like Tokyo better because it is so different and you have never been anywhere like it. Also if you go an hour outside of the city you are again in a different world. Have a great trip !

Toyko is huge
Hong Kong seems much more managable to get around . Of course it's big too, but easier to get around and see things.

I also lived in HK for 5 years and loved it. As geek3 says, there is so much variety there. Parts of it are really wild and remote which most people don't realise. I've never been to Tokyo so I can't really compare though. How long are you going for?

I am going for 5 weeks or so!
Going to travel through Japan from Tokyo to the more tropical South islands, then a hop over to HK, it does sound worth the trip

Oh, I'm very now.

I loved eating out in HK with dc because Chinese restaurants are so big and noisy that it doesn't matter how badly behaved your dc are - noone will notice!

Oh yes, if you're going out to Japan then definitely worth a trip over to Hong Kong as well. Like CathJo, I prefer Tokyo but found HK an amazing place as well.

Enjoy your trip, I'm thoroughly jealous!

We have been to HK but not Tokyo

I agree with everyone here deffo go to HK