EAST ASIA – home of the Asia’s largest country, China and the largest desert, Gobi Dessert.
This sub region is composed of six political states such as China, Mongolia, North Korea, South
Korea, Japan, and Taiwan and two special administrative regions (SAR): Hong kong and Macau.
Taiwan, Hong kong and Macau – are countries associated with mainland China.
Region’s Major River – Yellow river (Huang He), Long River (Chan Jiang), and West River (Xi
Jiang).
Culture – the countries under this region possess a rich culture. The distinct cultural and
historical identity of each nation serves as the country’s tourism resource.
Culture maybe diverse in the region, but they are shared values that are evidently practiced by
the people of East Asia. Such as high regard for respect especially to those in authority and their
public demeanor or public behavior. Other similarities can be found in their language
backgrounds and food.
Countries: 6 countries (2 SARs)
Largest Country: China
Biggest Island: Japan
Longest River: Yangtze River
Highest Mountain: Mt. Jade Mountain (Yushan)
Taiwan (The Republic of China) ROC – was formerly known as “Formosa”. Which means “beautiful”. It is
surrounded by Japan in the north and Philippines in the south. Taiwan is a country that put high respect
to various religious practices.
The major religions that are being observed are Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
The languages spoken in the country are Taiwanese Mandarin (official), Hakka, and indigenous
dialects. Taipei, The capital is situated in the modern part of the country.
Capital: Taipei
Currency: Taiwan’s New Dollar (NTD)
Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam
Carrier: China Airlines (CI)
Language: Taiwanese Mandarin
Major international Airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, (TPE), Kaohsiung
International Airport (KHH), Taichung International Airport (TXG) and Taiopei Songshan
Airport (TSA)
Tourist attraction:
Taipei 101 – the country’s tallest skyscraper;
National Museum of history – which showcases Taiwan’s historical treasures;
National Place Museum – which exhibits Chinese imperial arts and artifacts collection; and
National Taiwan Museum
International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – it serves as the hub of the country’s principal
carriers China Airlines (CI) and Eva Airline (BR)
Taiwan also well known;
Taiwan is also famous for its pearl milk tea, or bubble tea. A drink composed of black tea pearls,
and milk. This drink may have been concocted because tea is one of the country’s specialties.
Taiwan’s Tea: (Jones, 2018)
1. Black
2. Oolong
3. White
4. Green tea
Philippine passport holder – can visit Taiwan for at least 14 days without applying for a visa for
the purpose of tourism. (Attending conference, visiting friends and relatives, among others).
JAPAN (Nihon or Nippon), also known as the “land of the rising sun” is divided into eight regions:
Kanto
Chubu
Hokkaido
Kansai
Kyushu
Shikuko
Chugoku
Tohoku
Tokyo – the country’s capital – it is situated in the region of Kanto.
Capital: Tokyo
Currency: Yen (JYP)
Language: Japanese
Religion: Buddhism and Shintoism
Carrier: Japan Airlines (JL)
Major International Airports: Osaki international airports (OSA), Narita International Airports (NRT),
Kansai International Airport (KIX), and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) (HND)
Major Gateways:
Narita (NRT)
Haneda (HND) International Airports
Tourist spot:
Ginza district – a shopping district consisting of luxury brands.
The Imperial Palace – which serves as the house of imperial family;
Tokyo skytree – the tallest skyscraper in Japan; and
Tokyo Disney land and Disney Sea – which are popular theme parks in Tokyo.
Weather:
Japan four Season – spring, winter, summer, and fall. Each season is marked with spectacular sceneries.
Spring – (March to May) is the season to view the cherry blossom (sakura)
Winter – (December to February) is the perfect time to visit Japan’s ski destinations and the
experience onsen (hot spring).
Summer – (June to Mid-September) is the best time to observe Japan’s festival, such as Gion
Festival in Kyoto.
A festival registered in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.
Fall – (September to November) is a good time to see the country covered with colorful leaves.
Japan Culture:
Japan is rich in interesting culture and can be appreciated through their food, traditional arts,
and crafts and temples and shrine.
Cuisine:
Ramen and Sushi are among the popular Japanese foods.
Sports:
Sumo – (Japanese wresling)
Budo – (Kendo) are Japanese martial arts.
Noh – (musical drama)
Banraku – (puppet Theater)
Kabuki – (dance drama)
Shrines in Japan:
Fushimi Inari
Motonosumi Inari
Usa Shrine
Arakura Sengen shrine
Temples in Japan:
Yama-dera temple
Zenkoji temple
Phoenix hall
Byodoi-in temple – registered as the world cultural heritage site.
Culture norms:
It is important when visiting Japan, an individual is expected to be punctual.
It can be observed that Japanese are formal in their introduction.
Bowing is customary.
It is considered rude to use one finger in point for something.
Use the whole hand instead.
Useful words in Japan:
Good morning – Ohayo gozaimasu
How are you? – O-genki-desu-ka?
Thank you – Arigato
You’re welcome – Do-itashi-mashite
Goodbye – Sayo-nara
I’m sorry – Gomen-nasai
Please – dozo
Excuse me – Gomen-Nasai/sumimasen
Good evening- konbanwa
Good afternoon – Konnichiwa
Yes – Hai
No – lie
Brief Information:
Philippine nationals who desire to visit Japan for tourism purposes must secure a temporary visit
visa (stay in Japan is up to 90 days).
Document application requirements are;
Valid passport
Application form
1 passport size picture
Birth certificate (PSA Issued)
Marriage certificate (if married PSA issued)
Evidence of financing funds (income tax return) and bank certificate
Itinerary during stay in Japan
Hong kong – is now officially known as Xianggang special administrative region (SAR).
Hong kong originated from the Cantonese words “heung gong,”
heung gong – literally means fragrant harbor.
It is formerly colony by British until 1997.
Become the most popular destination in Asia.
Capital: Victoria
Currency: HK Dollar (HKD)
Language: Chinese and English
Religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam
Carrier: Cathay Pacific Airways limited or Cathay Pacific (CX)
Major International Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Tourist spot:
Theme parks such as, Hong kong Ocean Park, and Hong kong Disney land.
Avenue of stars
The peak
Sky 100
Brief Information:
Hong kong is known by tourist as shopping district. This shopping areas include the Sneeker
Street, Stanley street and ladies market. Mongkok is one of densely populated shopping areas
while habour city at Tsim Sha Tsui offers numerous hands.
Macau (Macau Special Administrative Region of the People ’s Republic of China) – was former
portugese colony until 1999.
It is famous for its Casino, which helped it gain the title, “Las Vegas of Asia” (Palmer, 2013)
Capital: Macao
Currency: Macanese Pataca
Language: Cantonese
Religions: Buddhism, Roman Catholics, Protestant, and others
Carrier: Air Macau (NX)
Major International Airport: Macau International Airport (MFM)
Tourist destination:
The Ruins of St, Paul cathedral, which is considered as its land mark.
Macau tower convention and entertainment center – a place to experience the revolving
restaurant, bungee jumping, and sky walk.
The senate square
Golden lotus Plaza
Taipa Houses Museum at Avenida Da Praia Taipa, Macao.
South Korea (Republic of Korea) – occupies the southern part of Korean Peninsula. Its neighbor countries
are China, Japan, and North Korea.
The country’s capital is Seoul, where the most significant royal palaces of Joseon are situated.
These palaces have become a major historical heritage of Seoul.
Tourist Destination:
Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace – is the main and most important royal palace.
Changdeokgung Palace – is famous because it is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deoksugong Palace
Gyonghuigung Palace
Changgyonggung Palace
The national Palace Museum of korea – houses some of the relics of the major Palaces.