Been to Tokyo and bought the T-shirt in Shanghai? Check out these alternative destinations in Asia

SOME of the fastest-rising destinations in Asia are the ski slopes of Japan, along with lesser-known island gems hidden across tropical Southeast Asia.
That's according to a new ranking of the top 10 fastest-growing destinations in Asia, compiled by online accommodation site Agoda, which found that the slopes of Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, have become particularly popular among snow bunnies.
With 800 skiiable hectares and an annual snowfall of more than 15m, Niseko also offers off-trail skiing, uncommon in Japanese resorts.
But it's not just for the slopes that travellers are putting the area on their travel radar.
The region is also attracting food lovers, eager to try local Hokkaido cuisine, which is famous for its uni (sea urchin), kani (crab), ika (squid), ikura (salmon roe) and hotate (scallops).
Meanwhile, Niseko is an exception on the top 10 list, which is dominated by destinations in Southeast Asia that offer sun-soaked, tropical island getaways that stray from the usual tourist hotspots.
For frequent Asia travellers who may be in the market to try a new destination and avoid the expat crowd, for instance, there's Banaue in the Philippines, an impressive swath of dramatic, sweeping rice terraces.
The beaches of Thailand also dominate the list, taking four of the 10 spots, such as Koh Kood, Kho Lipe, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak.
Here are the top 10 fastest growing destinations in Asia, based on bookings made by Agoda travelers in 2015 and 2016. — AFP Relaxnews
1. Niseko, Japan
2. Banaue, Philippines
3. Koh Kood, Thailand
4. Koh Lipe, Thailand
5. Koh Rong, Cambodia
6. Koh Lanta, Thailand
7. Harbin, China
8. Tangalle, Sri Lanka
9. Siquijor Island, Philippines
10. Khao Lak, Thailand