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// East Asia

East
Asia

Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan — four countries that could each absorb a lifetime.

East Asia is simultaneously the most technologically advanced and most historically layered region on earth. Japan's bullet trains run on 20-second schedules while Kyoto's 1,000-year-old temples sit unchanged in cedar forests. Seoul invented the concept of street food as fine dining. China contains the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Li River karsts and 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within one country. Taiwan is the region's most underrated destination — extraordinary food, accessible mountains and the most welcoming culture in Asia.

// Where to Go

Destination Guides

Tokyo

One of the great cities — ancient and futuristic, chaotic and precise, never quite believable.

1,600 temples, 400 Shinto shrines and the last geisha districts.

Ancient palaces, futuristic towers, Korean BBQ and clubs that run until 8am.

The Forbidden City, the Great Wall and 3,000 years of empire.

The most dynamic skyline in the world and the best food scene in China.

Tokyo

One of the great cities — ancient and futuristic, chaotic and precise, never quite believable.

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// Budget Routes

Backpacker Guides

⛩️£50–£90/day

Backpacker Guide

🏯£35–£60/day

Backpacker Guide

🐉£25–£50/day

Backpacker Guide

// World-Class Powder

Ski Japan

Niseko United, Hokkaido

15m average snowfall — the best powder on earth

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Hakuba Valley, Nagano

1998 Olympics venue — 90 mins from Tokyo by Shinkansen

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Ancient hot spring village — free public onsens, deep powder

// Book Activities

Experiences Worth Booking

teamLab Borderless, Tokyo

The most-visited digital art installation in the world — book months in advance.

Kyoto Temples, Tea Ceremony & Geisha District

Fushimi Inari at dawn, a traditional tea ceremony and the lantern-lit Gion district.

Great Wall of China Hiking Tour

The less-crowded Mutianyu section with a guide who brings the Ming Dynasty to life.

Seoul K-Food & Night Market Tour

Tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, pojangmacha tents — Seoul's food scene is extraordinary.

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// When to Go

Season guide

Japan: Spring (Mar–May) for cherry blossom; Autumn (Sep–Nov) for foliage. Both are extraordinary and both require advance booking. Winter is ski season. South Korea: Spring and Autumn are ideal — hot and humid in summer. China: Apr–May and Sep–Oct avoid heat and crowds. Avoid Golden Week (first week of May and October). Taiwan: Oct–Mar is comfortable — typhoon season June–September.

// Need to Know

Before you go

🚅

JR Pass for Japan must be bought before you arrive — it cannot be purchased in-country. Worth it if covering 3+ cities.

🔒

Download a VPN before entering China — Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked. ExpressVPN works reliably.

💴

Japan is more affordable than its reputation — £60–80/day covers a lot. Capsule hotels and convenience stores are legitimate strategies.

🗣️

Learn to say thank you in each country's language: Arigatou (Japan), Kamsahamnida (Korea), Xièxiè (China). It goes further than you think.

📱

Google Translate camera mode is invaluable for menus. Download Japanese, Korean and Chinese offline packs before you fly.

// Bespoke Planning

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