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Destinations
East Asia
The nearest abroad, the deepest encounters.
Introduction
Rediscovering the allure of East Asia
East Asia is the most accessible overseas destination from Japan, yet its cultural depth is immeasurable. From Michelin-starred restaurants in Seoul to the night markets of Taipei, from Art Deco splendour along Shanghai's Bund to Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, and onward to the boundless steppes of Mongolia, a remarkably varied world awaits just a few hours' flight away.
A journey through East Asia with NEWT Bespoke transcends the merely superficial. Our concierges, drawing upon deep local networks, arrange invitations to exclusive K-pop events, private access to restricted sections of the Great Wall, and one-to-one masterclasses with celebrated Taiwanese tea artisans. These are experiences that only the most connected guides can deliver.
From a weekend sojourn of two nights in Seoul to a grand traversal of the Chinese mainland, your itinerary is shaped entirely around your schedule. With negligible time differences, you may begin enjoying the journey from the very moment of arrival.
Why journey through East Asia with Bespoke
Unrivalled proximity and accessibility
Seoul in two and a half hours, Taipei in three and a half, Shanghai in three. East Asia is the nearest international region from Japan. Though close enough for a weekend escape, each nation's culture differs profoundly from Japan, affording deep cross-cultural experiences in a remarkably short time. With time differences of no more than an hour, the body adjusts instantly, allowing active exploration from the moment of arrival.
Cutting-edge cities and ancient heritage
The K-culture vanguard of Seoul's Gangnam district, the Art Deco skyline of Shanghai's Bund, the imperial treasures of Taipei's National Palace Museum. Each East Asian metropolis presents a masterful coexistence of contemporary innovation and millennia of history. The opportunity to experience both future and past within a single city makes for a journey that stimulates the keenest intellectual curiosity.
Among the world's foremost culinary regions
Seoul's refined Korean cuisine, Taipei's xiaolongbao and night-market gastronomy, Shanghai's avant-garde fine dining, and Hong Kong's storied dim sum tradition. East Asia boasts an exceptionally high standard of culinary culture, with one of the world's densest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants. Your concierge will guide you to hidden establishments known only to the most discerning local palates.
Countries
Destinations in this region
Japan
From the ancient temples and traditional ryokan of Kyoto to Tokyo's unrivalled dining scene, which boasts more Michelin stars than any city on earth, Japan is a destination where cultural depth, culinary excellence, natural beauty, and modern sophistication converge with extraordinary intensity. Cherry blossoms in spring and fiery autumn foliage frame landscapes of timeless elegance, whilst legendary onsen hot springs in Hakone, Kusatsu, and Beppu offer restorative luxury rooted in centuries of tradition. The country's regional diversity is remarkable: Hokkaido enchants with lavender fields and the world's finest powder snow, Kyoto preserves the art of tea ceremony and kaiseki cuisine, and Okinawa beckons with emerald seas and the vibrant heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Your NEWT Bespoke concierge arranges experiences beyond ordinary reach, from private tea ceremonies in hidden Kyoto tea houses and omakase seatings at the most exclusive sushi counters to the finest suite at a storied ryokan. This is the country the world dreams of visiting, presented at its most authentic and most refined.
Recommended: 5-14 nights
Best Season: March-May / October-December
South Korea
Seoul, the epicentre of K-culture, is a city where trendy Gangnam restaurants, the traditional hanok lanes of Bukchon, and the world's most advanced beauty and wellness experiences converge. On Jeju Island, dramatic volcanic landscapes meet luxury resorts, whilst Busan captivates with the pristine sands of Haeundae and its vibrant seafood markets. The refined depth of hanjeongsik court cuisine and spa retreats incorporating hanbang traditional medicine complete a journey devoted to beauty and wellbeing.
Recommended stay: 3-5 nights
Best season: April to May / September to November
Taiwan
Taiwan enchants Japanese travellers with its warm hospitality and distinctive culinary heritage. Beyond the celebrated night markets of Shilin and the xiaolongbao of Din Tai Fung, one discovers the gourmet traditions of ancient Tainan, the nostalgic hillside vistas of Jiufen, and the awe-inspiring Taroko Gorge. A private tea ceremony with a master artisan amidst the plantations of Alishan, or a luxury spa retreat at Beitou's hot springs, represents indulgence uniquely Taiwanese.
Recommended stay: 3-5 nights
Best season: October to April
China
A vast nation where five millennia of civilisation endure, China presents the futuristic skyline of Shanghai's Bund, the Great Wall and Forbidden City of Beijing, the giant panda sanctuaries of Chengdu, and the ink-wash mountain landscapes of Guilin, all on a scale that rivals an entire continent. With the world's foremost hotel brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Aman, establishing an ever-greater presence, China's luxury scene is entering a golden era. A gastronomic journey through the distinct regional cuisines of Sichuan, Cantonese, and Shanghainese traditions is among the great rewards of visiting.
Recommended stay: 7-14 nights
Best season: April to May / September to October
Hong Kong
The million-dollar night view of Victoria Harbour, the world's finest dim sum restaurants, and Asia's most distinguished luxury shopping. Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city in which Eastern and Western cultures merge with consummate elegance. A stay at The Peninsula or the Mandarin Oriental, Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine, and a Star Ferry evening cruise encompass the very essence of refined urban sophistication. Day excursions to the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island or to Macau may be seamlessly incorporated.
Recommended stay: 3-5 nights
Best season: October to December
Mongolia
Steppes stretching to the horizon, glamping beneath a canopy of stars in a luxury ger, galloping across open plains with nomadic horsemen. Mongolia is the ultimate destination for travellers who seek a primal encounter with nature that city life can never provide. A luxury ger stay in Terelj National Park, traditional eagle hunting with Kazakh falconers, and camel trekking across the dunes of the Gobi Desert offer a profoundly elemental sense of wonder found nowhere else on earth.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: June to September
Itineraries
Sample itineraries
Seoul and Jeju: Korean Luxury
In Seoul, reside at a boutique hotel fashioned from a traditional Bukchon hanok, dine at Gangnam's most celebrated restaurants, and indulge in a hanbang spa. Continue to Jeju Island, where a luxury resort amidst volcanic landscapes provides the setting for horse riding, golf, and an encounter with the island's legendary haenyeo diving women. From K-beauty innovation to nature's restorative embrace, the essence of Korea distilled.
Shanghai and Beijing: Classic China
Contemplate the skyline where futurism meets Art Deco along Shanghai's Bund, and savour the tranquillity of Yuyuan Garden. Travel by high-speed rail to Beijing, where a private guide leads you through restricted sections of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City's specially opened chambers. Accommodation at Aman or the Mandarin Oriental in both cities ensures the journey is as refined as its destinations.
Three-Nation East Asia Odyssey
A curated circuit of Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong, spending two to three nights in each city. Experience Korean gastronomy and K-culture, Taiwanese tea traditions and night markets, and Hong Kong's legendary dim sum and luxury shopping. Travel between each destination in business class, with stays at the finest hotels in every city. Efficiency and indulgence in equal measure.
Experiences
Experiences unique to East Asia
Private K-pop events
A concierge with deep connections to Korea's entertainment industry arranges access to exclusive K-pop rehearsals, priority seating at fan meetings, and private recording studio tours. An unparalleled glimpse behind the curtain of K-culture, available only through the most privileged channels.
Private Great Wall expedition
Walk the unrestored and restricted sections of the Great Wall with an expert guide. At Jinshanling or Simatai, experience two thousand years of history in absolute solitude. A private champagne breakfast atop the ancient ramparts may also be arranged.
Taiwanese tea masterclass
Visit the tea plantations of Alishan and learn the art of brewing high-mountain oolong directly from an award-winning tea master. From leaf picking to roasting and the refined art of gongfu tea ceremony, every sense is engaged. A private tasting session at a hidden Taipei tea house is also available.
Hong Kong private food tour
From Michelin-starred dim sum to back-alley dumpling stalls known only to locals, a private food tour led by Hong Kong's most discerning gastronomes traverses the full spectrum of the city's culinary heritage, from the fine dining of Central to the local flavours of Sham Shui Po.
Mongolian eagle hunting experience
Join Kazakh eagle hunters on the Mongolian steppe and hold a golden eagle upon your arm in this ancient falconry tradition. Immerse yourself in a hunting culture spanning millennia, sharing traditional cuisine and fermented mare's milk in a ger whilst absorbing the wisdom of a life lived in harmony with the land.
Travel Tips
Practical travel information
Getting there
From Tokyo, Seoul is approximately two and a half hours, Taipei three and a half, Shanghai three, and Hong Kong four and a half, all reachable within half a day. JAL, ANA, and other carriers operate multiple daily services, affording considerable scheduling flexibility. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is reached via Seoul or Beijing in approximately six hours.
Visa requirements
Japanese passport holders may enter South Korea (90 days), Taiwan (90 days), and Hong Kong (90 days) without a visa. China requires a visa obtained in advance; we provide full support for the application process. Mongolia permits visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days.
Currency and payment
Credit cards are widely accepted in the urban centres of South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. In mainland China, Alipay and WeChat Pay are the predominant methods; we assist with pre-departure setup. In rural Mongolia, cash may be required, and we arrange currency exchange on your behalf.
Climate overview
East Asia enjoys a clearly defined four-season temperate climate. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most agreeable seasons for travel, with mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Summers are hot and humid, whilst winters in northern Korea and Mongolia bring sub-zero temperatures, though the stark beauty of the frozen Mongolian steppe possesses its own singular appeal.
Health and safety
Healthcare standards in the major cities of East Asia are high, allowing one to travel with confidence. No special vaccinations are typically required, though hepatitis A inoculation is recommended for those venturing into rural Mongolia. We provide a local emergency contact number and ensure swift response in the unlikely event of any concern.
Best Season
Best Time to Visit
Mar — May
Spring — Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Verdure
East Asia is at its most luminous in spring. In Korea, the cherry blossom front sweeps northward from late March, and the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival ranks among the world's grandest floral celebrations. Taiwan's Alishan tea plantations are veiled in mist, offering the rare pleasure of picking and tasting the season's first harvest. In Shanghai, the historic Bund is a delight to stroll in the mild air, while Beijing's Forbidden City is adorned with blossoming cherry trees in the imperial gardens. Across the Mongolian steppe, the snowmelt gives way to the first green shoots, and one may witness the nomadic spring migration — a scene unchanged for millennia.
- •Korea's Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival and Gyeongju heritage
- •Taiwan's Alishan first-flush tea tasting and mountain railway
- •Beijing's Forbidden City blossoms and Great Wall spring trekking
Jun — Aug
Summer — Grasslands and Festivals
Mongolia comes alive in its most magnificent season. The Naadam Festival in July showcases the three manly sports — horsemanship, archery, and wrestling — across the boundless steppe, offering an immersion into the heart of nomadic culture. Staying in a ger amid an ocean of green grass is an experience the urban world simply cannot replicate. Korea's Jeju Island enters peak season for its crystalline waters and premium marine activities, while Taiwan's mountain resorts provide an elegant escape from the lowland heat. In Hong Kong, the Dragon Boat Festival brings the harbour to life with spirited races, and whilst the cities are hot and humid, an afternoon spent by the infinity pool of a world-class hotel is a pleasure in its own right.
- •Mongolia's Naadam Festival and nomadic ger camp experience
- •Jeju Island's premium diving in crystal-clear waters
- •Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival and gastronomic exploration
Sep — Nov
Autumn — Crimson Foliage and Culinary Riches
Autumn is arguably the most rewarding season for travel across East Asia. In Korea, the fiery foliage of Seoraksan peaks in early October, and Naejangsan's tunnel of blazing maples is a sight of breathtaking beauty. Taiwan's Alishan presents ethereal cloudscapes set against autumn colours, while Beijing's Fragrant Hills Park dons its mantle of crimson leaves against the backdrop of ancient temples. Temperatures are mild, humidity low, and every city is a pleasure to explore on foot. Hong Kong hosts an array of food festivals and cultural events during this period, and Michelin-starred restaurants unveil their autumn menus to exceptional effect. In Mongolia, the larch forests turn a brilliant gold, composing vast autumnal panoramas across the steppe.
- •Korea's Seoraksan and Naejangsan spectacular foliage trekking
- •Hong Kong food festivals and Michelin autumn gastronomy
- •Beijing's Fragrant Hills autumn leaves and Forbidden City special openings
Dec — Feb
Winter — Hot Springs and Snowscapes
Winter in East Asia reveals a distinctive beauty that only the colder months can bestow. In Korea, the ski resorts of Yongpyong and Pyeongchang offer world-class slopes, while Seoul's winter illuminations and a steaming bowl of samgyetang welcome the traveller with warmth. Taiwan remains pleasantly mild even in winter, and the luxury of a soak at Beitou Hot Springs or the exuberance of Taipei's New Year countdown is not to be missed. Hong Kong's Lunar New Year celebrations — resplendent parades, fireworks over Victoria Harbour — draw visitors from around the globe in a blaze of colour and festivity. Mongolia's deep winter can reach minus thirty degrees, yet the ice festival on frozen Lake Khövsgöl and stargazing beneath the clearest winter skies on earth offer experiences found nowhere else.
- •Korea's Pyeongchang luxury ski resort experience
- •Taiwan's Beitou Hot Springs for a refined winter retreat
- •Hong Kong's Lunar New Year parades and harbour fireworks
Testimonial
Client testimonial
“
Our five-day journey through Seoul and Jeju revealed a depth to Korea I had never imagined. Staying in a traditional hanok hotel in Bukchon, dining at Michelin-starred Korean restaurants in Gangnam, and enjoying the luxury resort on Jeju Island with its horse riding and golf. The highlight was a private K-pop studio tour arranged by our concierge, which left our daughter utterly thrilled. It became an unforgettable trip for the entire family.
S.K. (Couple in their 40s, Yokohama)
Seoul and Jeju, 5 days
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