I've never traveled before. I for the first time in my life have 5 weeks off to go abroad. I'm 32 years old, would be solo traveling, not interested in degen activities.

I'm considering two options. A trip to french speaking European countries. I have semi-decent french and would give me motivation to learn more. Could potentially be a more robust experience once arrived.

Or a trip to Japan. I would know absolutely zero Japanese so I find it a bit more intimidating. It could potentially be more rewarding visiting a culture significantly more different than my own. I have always liked Japanese culture a lot (i know don't bully me)

If I was in your shoes I'd do Japan, but French speaking Europe would be fun as well. It's just that Japan would be more different from what you're used to and you'd have 5 weeks to deeply explore and go off the beaten track.

It will be harder to "make friends" in Japan. I don't mean long term but I mean the kind of people you might randomly meet and spend a day with with, although it's likely you do that with some foreigners in Tokyo

Japan has poker for play money and I found that was a good way to meet japanese players. No foreigners did that and you're sitting down next to them and they try to use what english they have. It's not a touristy thing at all, was a fun way to meet people.

>>2802973 (OP)
go to japan. a lack of japanese won't hold you back, google maps and google lens/translate and you'll be fine. accommodations, food, transportation, and experiences are all affordable and excellent. you're going to love it. i've only had 2 weeks at a time twice-- i'm drooling over the idea of slow travelling through the country for 5 weeks.
that said, i would not want to visit japan from april-september. too hot. i went november both times and the weather was perfect for my midwestern american sensibilities.

>>2802973 (OP)
>not interested in degen activities.
Stay home nerd.