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North-East Asia

Destination guide

Tokyo

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At 1.7 kilometres, Kansai International holds the record for the longest airport terminal in the world.

This charmless airport terminal is the world’s longest (and is slowly sinking)

An architectural and aviation landmark when it opened, Osaka’s Kansai International still measures up, except for one small thing.

  • Kristie Kellahan
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival draws millions of visitors each year.

The frozen ‘Ice City’ home to the most likeable people on Earth

Here, winter isn’t just endured: it’s a full-throttle celebration of all things cold, led by a people known for their wicked sense of humour and appetite for a good time.

  • Frank Sweet
Twins fans cheer during the Korean Series Game Five between LG Twins and KT Wiz at Jamsil Stadium.

You’ll cheer at this must-do event (and have no idea why)

The least interesting thing about this sporting event is what happens on the field.

  • Paul Marshall
Illustration: Greg Straight

Save your yen: How to travel Japan on a budget

Japan is already a good-value destination, but here are a few key tips on how to make your yen stretch even further.

  • Brian Johnston
Japan in autumn.

Japan at its most beautiful? It’s not cherry blossom season

On this trip we see the beauty of Japan in full blaze. What we don’t see are crowds.

  • Kerry van der Jagt
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South Korea’s answer to Machu Picchu: Gamcheon, Busan.

Move over, Japan: The other Asian country Australians are flocking to

As Japan grapples with overtourism, its close neighbour is only just beginning to enjoy a boom in visitors thanks to its food and pop culture exports.

  • Craig Platt
The beach at Namiitakaigan.

As Japan struggles with tourists, this region is still waiting for them

At the train station we’re the only passengers who get off. At our accommodation, we’re the first foreigners our host has seen in a long time.

  • Catherine Marshall
Happy New Year mochi filled with sweetness.

Want to have a successful 2026? Start by eating this Japanese dessert

There are traditional New-Year foods eaten in many countries and this smooth, sticky mass of sweet rice is said to attract prosperity.

  • Ben Groundwater
Tachiataru is in a part of Tokyo where I’ve never seen another tourist.

Want to feel like a local in Tokyo? Here’s where to drink

Small and intimate, tachinomis – also known as standing bars – provide a window into Japanese drinking culture, where it’s okay to turn up alone.

  • Paul Marshall
Kamakura seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

This coastal delight is just one hour from Tokyo, but feels a world away

This charming coastal town is quickly climbing the ranks of must-visit destinations in Japan.

  • Kylie McLaughlin