Japan
A destination that has been enticing travellers for centuries, Japan may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about a yacht charter, but...
Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to East Asia
Experiential yacht chartering doesn’t come better than sailing the wealth of East Asia. Offering a myriad of experiences, this collection of ancient and evocative countries brim with cultural drama, storeys of dynasties, and incredible sights. From the buzzing night markets of Taiwan to Japan’s fairytale sights of bowing deer, geisha performances, and pink petals in bloom, you can pick the pace that suites your style in East Asia. North Korea offers a tense peek behind the tightly drawn curtain, South Korea is all high class living and sublime sophistication, and China invites you to plunge into the old world of warriors and emperors. Sail to enigmatic islands, visit temples and shrines, indulge in heady foodie experiences, and fall in love with all the facets of elegant East Asia.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in East Asia
Worlds Apart
Every corner of East Asia is like stepping into a different world. North China is all ancient fables and Dynasties and the south is laid back style, islands, and natural splendour. North Korea and South Korea are chalk and cheese, with one bringing in modern sophistication and high fashion and the other a feeling of standing still in time. Even Japan has many faces, from the tropical treasures of the south islands to the manic buzz of its big cities, East Asia is a million scenes and storeys.
Ancient Splendour
North China is steeped in ancient splendour boasting caves from as far back as the fifth century, a tapestry of temples and shrines, and endless details of dynasties that have left their mark on the architecture, art, and history of the country. The Great Wall is so impressive it can even be seen from space. Even beyond the borders of buzzing China, Japan is a kaleidoscope of ancient cultural traditions with it’s Geisha ceremonies, UNESCO sites, and torii gates.
Foodie Finery
Incredible sushi is the only way to start the day at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market or those craving comfort zone, a steaming bowl of ramen can make you weak at the knees. Over in China, and your foodie senses are sure to explode with the taste of Peking Duck and Taipei Beef Noodles over in Taiwan. The blaze of night markets are all colour, scent, smoke, and magic, and whether Michelin star magic or hole in the wall, this is a culinary journey you won’t forget.
What to See in East Asia
China
The rippling spine of the Great Wall to storeys of the Silk Road, skyscrapers that rise like mountains, and ancient cities, China is vast, vibrant, and has a thousand variations to its landscape and name. In North China you can marvel at the famed Terracotta Army, see the fabled walls of the Ming Dynasty in Xian, and soak up the open-air museum like vibes of beautiful Beijing. Into the south of China and there’s Hong Kong with its epic foodie experiences, Taiwan with its romantic island charm, and gorgeous Guilin with its turquoise winding waters and UNESCO majesty.
Korea
South Korea is all soft serenity with its frothy cherry blossoms, gentle hospitality, and upmarket shopping. Nicknamed The Land of Morning Calm, you couldn’t wish for a more endearing charter destination. Hit up Seoul for chic shopping and escape to Juju Island for watersports and sparkling seas. Less than a hundred kilometres away but worlds apart, North Korea is a whole different kettle of fish. From the DMZ to the Pyongyang, North Korea is a curious country to travel through but offers incredible architecture and a feeling of falling back into the past.
Japan
Geisha led tea ceremonies in the backstreets of Kyoto, Mount Fuji framed by the pink and white shades of snow and spring blossom, and Tokyo’s bedazzling bright lights and robot cafes, Japan is the charter destination that keeps on giving. Set sail for Okinawa where Hawaii style beaches welcome you in to a world of tropical vibes and hundreds of islands to explore. Stay in cosy mountain ryokans and catch meditative morning ceremonies, wander Zen gardens, and sing your heart out at Tokyo’s tantalising karaoke bars.
When to Charter a Yacht in East Asia
For those looking to see Japan in her best cherry blossom dress, the best time to sail to the Hanami heaven is between the months of March and May.
The shoulder season months of Spring and Autumn are the best times for dropping anchor in South Korea and North Korea.
China in springtime is a stunning affair. Warm temperatures, flowers in bloom, and festivals bring out the best in these shores. While Taiwan also makes a comfortable spring destination, the autumn months also serve this island well, but for those charter guests wanting to lap up the tropical beach lifestyle, summer is sublime.
