Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan — ancient temples and hypermodern cities, world-class rail and the planet's best food, all visa-free or visa-light for Australians.
Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan form the most sophisticated travel region on the continent — a place of jaw-dropping contrasts between thousand-year-old temples and hypermodern neon cities.
Nowhere else swings so completely between old and new. In a single day you can pray at a silent Kyoto shrine and lose yourself in Shibuya's crossing; ride a 300 km/h bullet train to a castle town; or eat your way through a Taipei night market. This is Asia at its most seamless and refined — spotless transport, deep tradition, and some of the planet's best food.
For Australians it's wonderfully accessible: Tokyo and Seoul are short-ish direct hops, and Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan are all visa-free or visa-light for Australian passport holders. Family-run since 1974, Cooee crafts East Asia trips that balance the icons with the quiet, local moments that make the region unforgettable.
Each is a world of its own — combine two on a longer trip, or go deep on one.
The moments travellers remember for a lifetime.
Temples, bamboo groves and the Philosopher's Path under a canopy of sakura.
Late Mar – AprShibuya energy, Michelin kaiseki, back-street izakaya and dawn sushi.
Year-roundPalaces, hanok villages, all-night food streets and the DMZ day trip.
Spring / AutumnWalk the Wall at Mutianyu, then the Forbidden City and Xi'an's Terracotta Army.
Apr–May, Sep–OctMostly no. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are all visa-free for Australians for up to 90 days (Korea's K-ETA is waived through 31 December 2026), and China now offers 30-day visa-free entry to Australian passport holders under a trial policy extended to 31 December 2026. Always confirm current rules before you travel. See our getting there & visas guide.
The sweet spots are spring (late March–May) for cherry blossom and autumn (October–November) for foliage — mild, dry and beautiful across Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but superb for snow, onsen and fewer crowds. See our best time to visit guide.
Superbly. Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains and Korea's KTX are fast, punctual and comfortable — a Japan Rail Pass pays for itself on multi-city trips. China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest, and Taiwan's HSR links the island end to end. City metros are clean and easy, with English signage. See our Japan travel guide.
For one country, allow 10–14 days — that's ideal for a first Japan trip (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone). To combine two countries, such as Japan and South Korea, plan 2–3 weeks. East Asia rewards depth, so we usually suggest fewer places, longer stays. See our Asia itineraries guide.
It's pricier than Southeast Asia but still good value against Australia. Budget around $150–$350 AUD/day for Japan and Korea (mid-range), less in China and Taiwan. Great-value street food, efficient transport and clean, affordable business hotels keep costs reasonable. See our family holidays guide.