So you're planning a trip to East Asia? Good choice. Having traveled through China, Japan, and South Korea multiple times over the past decade, I've collected enough stories to fill a book - some amazing, some downright messy. Last year in Osaka, I got completely lost trying to find my ryokan because Google Maps decided to take the day off. Took me two hours dragging luggage through back alleys before a convenience store clerk saved me with a paper map. That's the reality of exploring these countries - unpredictable but unforgettable.
Essential Stops You Can't Miss Across East Asia
Let's cut straight to the chase. When visiting China, Japan, South Korea, you'll want to prioritize these iconic spots. From personal experience, skipping any of these is like going to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower:
China's Heavy Hitters
| Attraction | Location | Cost | Best Time | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wall (Mutianyu) | Beijing outskirts | ¥45 ($6.50) + cable car ¥120 ($17) | Weekday mornings | Less crowded than Badaling but still packed. Cable car worth every yuan |
| Terracotta Army | Xi'an, Shaanxi | ¥120 ($17) | Winter off-season | Smaller than expected but still mind-blowing. Hire a guide or you'll miss details |
| Victoria Harbour | Hong Kong | Free (Symphony of Lights show) | 8pm nightly | Skip the paid cruise - the free show from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is better |
Japan's Non-Negotiables
| Attraction | Location | Cost | Booking Tip | Honest Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari Shrine | Kyoto | Free | Arrive at 6am for photos | Afternoon crowds ruin the magic. Worth losing sleep for dawn visit |
| TeamLab Planets | Tokyo | ¥3,200 ($23) | Book 3+ weeks ahead | Overhyped but still cool. Wear shorts - you wade through water |
| Hiroshima Peace Park | Hiroshima | Free (museum ¥200/$1.50) | Combine with Miyajima island | Most moving WWII site I've visited. Museum is graphic but essential |
South Korea's Standouts
| Attraction | Location | Cost | Timing | Local Secret |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | Seoul | ₩3,000 ($2.30) | 10am changing ceremony | Free entry if you rent hanbok clothing nearby |
| Haeundae Beach | Busan | Free | July-August | Overcrowded but great people-watching. Visit at night for fireworks |
| Jeju Loveland | Jeju Island | ₩12,000 ($9) | Anytime | Quirky sculpture park. Not for prudes - it's all about sex education |
Honestly? The biggest mistake I see travelers make is trying to cram too much into one China Japan South Korea trip. Pick two countries max unless you've got a month. That time I tried doing Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul in 10 days? Ended up spending more time in airports than actual destinations. Not worth the fatigue.
Cultural Navigation 101
Getting cultural nuances right in China, Japan, South Korea makes or breaks your experience. Watch how locals greet each other - that's your cheat code:
Money Saving Trick: Instead of expensive guided tours, use local transit apps - Didi (China), Navitime (Japan), and KakaoMap (Korea) give real-time directions. Saved me ¥3,000 last trip navigating Shanghai's metro.
Social Interactions Decoded
- China: Loud conversations normal. Personal questions about salary/age common. Refusing tea = rude
- Japan: Quiet voices expected. No tipping anywhere. Don't blow nose in public - go to restroom
- South Korea: Two-handed pouring of drinks shows respect. Remove shoes indoors always. Loud eating noises = compliment
My biggest culture shock? In Japan, I made the mistake of trying to tip a ryokan owner. She chased me down the street to return the money looking genuinely offended. Meanwhile in China, not fighting for the bill makes you look cheap. Go figure.
Food Adventures Worth Braving
Forget fancy restaurants - street food reveals more about China, Japan, South Korea cultures than any museum. Here's what's actually worth queuing for:
Must-Try Street Bites
| Dish | Country | Where to Find | Price Range | Taste Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jianbing (savory crepe) | China | Beijing breakfast streets | ¥6-10 ($0.85-1.40) | Better than French crepes - crispy, eggy, with chili sauce |
| Takoyaki (octopus balls) | Japan | Dotonbori, Osaka | ¥500-800 ($3.50-5.70) | Burning hot lava inside - blow first! Worth the scalded tongue |
| Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) | South Korea | Myeongdong stalls, Seoul | ₩3,000-5,000 ($2.30-3.80) | Spicier than expected - have milk ready. Add fish cakes for perfection |
Food Warning: That "delicacy" of live octopus in Korea? (sannakji) The tentacles suction to your throat. Chew like crazy or skip it - I choked for 30 terrifying seconds.
Budget Reality Check
Let's talk numbers. Japan will drain your wallet fastest - a simple convenience store lunch costs ¥800 ($5.70) vs China's ¥15 ($2.10) noodle bowls. Here's how daily budgets compare:
| Expense | China (¥) | Japan (¥) | South Korea (₩) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | 60-100 ($8-14) | 2,500-4,000 ($18-28) | 20,000-35,000 ($15-26) |
| Local meal | 15-30 ($2-4) | 800-1,200 ($5.70-8.50) | 7,000-12,000 ($5-9) |
| Subway ride | 3-7 ($0.40-1) | 180-300 ($1.30-2.10) | 1,400 ($1.05) |
| Beer at bar | 10-20 ($1.40-2.80) | 600-800 ($4.30-5.70) | 5,000-7,000 ($3.80-5.30) |
Pro tip from my wallet's trauma: Japan's 7-Eleven saves budgets. Their ¥300 ($2.10) sushi packs beat restaurant quality. Meanwhile in China, avoid tourist-trap restaurants near sights - walk 10 minutes for local prices.
Transportation Smarts
Navigating transport in China, Japan, South Korea ranges from dreamy to nightmare fuel. Japan's shinkansen? Flawless. Beijing subway at rush hour? Prepare for armpits in your face.
Rail Pass Verdicts
- Japan Rail Pass: Worth it only for long distances. Tokyo-Kyoto roundtrip alone almost covers 7-day pass cost (¥29,650/$210)
- South Korea Rail Pass: Rarely pays off. KTX tickets cheap without pass. Save money for taxis
- China High Speed Pass: Doesn't exist. Buy tickets via Trip.com app - prints at station with passport
Remember when I trusted a Shanghai cab driver who "knew a better route"? ¥400 ($56) later for what should've been ¥80 ride. Always insist on meters. Better yet - use Didi app like locals.
Apps That Actually Work
After testing dozens, these are the only apps you need for China, Japan, South Korea travel:
| Purpose | China | Japan | South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maps | Apple Maps (works surprisingly well) | Google Maps + Japan Travel by Navitime | Naver Map (Google Maps unreliable) |
| Ride Share | Didi (English interface) | Uber (only taxis) | Kakao T (requires local number) |
| Payments | Alipay Tour Pass (temporary account) | PayPay + Suica mobile | Zero options - cash or card only |
Payment Hack: China's mostly cashless now. Set up Alipay's "Tour Pass" before arrival - loads money onto virtual card. Lifesaver when vendors refuse cash.
Festivals Worth Planning Around
Time your China Japan South Korea trip right with these spectacular events:
Annual Highlights
- China: Pingyao Lantern Festival (Feb-Mar) - entire ancient city glowing. Book hotels 6 months early
- Japan: Takayama Matsuri (Apr & Oct) - massive ornate floats parade through streets
- South Korea: Boryeong Mud Festival (Jul) - giant mud parties on beach. Bring washable clothes
Caught the Sapporo Snow Festival by accident once. Minus 15°C but those ice sculptures? Unreal. Pack heat pads for your phone though - mine died in 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Practical Questions
What's the visa situation?
China requires visas for most (apply 1-2 months ahead). Japan and Korea offer visa-free for many passports (90 days). Check official sites - rules change constantly.
Can I use same adapter?
Nope. China/Korea use Type A/C (two round pins). Japan uses Type A/B (US style). Bring universal adapter with surge protection.
Is English widely spoken?
Major cities: yes. Rural areas: minimal. Learn basic phrases - "where's toilet?" and "how much?" go far. Google Translate offline saves arguments.
How much cash to carry?
Japan: ¥20,000 ($140) daily. Korea: ₩100,000 ($75). China: Barely any - Alipay covers everything except street stalls.
What about SIM cards?
Airport booths easiest. China Unicom (¥80/$11 weekly), Japan: Sakura Mobile (¥4,000/$28 weekly), Korea: KT Olleh (₩30,000/$22 weekly). Cheaper than roaming.
Is it safe for solo travelers?
Extremely. Petty theft exists but violent crime rare. I've walked alone at 3am in Seoul and Tokyo without concern. Just watch for bikes in Beijing!
Last thing: People stress about language barriers in China, Japan, South Korea. Truth? Pointing and smiling works fine. That time I ordered "mystery meat" in Chengdu by gesturing at someone else's plate? Turned out to be rabbit head - not my finest moment, but became my best travel story. Embrace the chaos.