Road Trips in East Asia
East Asia rewards the self-drive traveller with landscapes that unfold best at their own pace: Japan’s northern wilds, Taiwan’s coastal loop, Korea’s volcanic island, and the epic historical corridors of China and Mongolia. Beyond the bullet trains and city metros lies a world of open road, rural villages, and scenery that rarely disappoints.
Driving standards and rental logistics vary. Japan and Taiwan are straightforward and superbly signposted, while Mongolia and remote China call for a guide, a sturdy vehicle, and a sense of adventure. Autumn colour and spring blossom make the finest driving seasons.
From coastal loops to Silk Road epics, the routes below cover the region’s best road trips.
Best road trips#
Hokkaido, Japan Japan’s northern island is made for driving, with quiet roads linking lavender fields, volcanic lakes, hot-spring towns, and wild national parks. Long distances and sparse traffic reward a week or more behind the wheel, especially in summer and autumn.
Noto Peninsula, Japan A scenic loop around a rugged peninsula on the Sea of Japan coast, past terraced rice fields, fishing villages, dramatic coastline, and traditional crafts. It offers a slower, more rural side of Japan far from the tourist trail.
Taiwan loop, Taiwan Circling the island by road takes in soaring east-coast cliffs, marble gorges, hot springs, tropical beaches, and mountain passes. Well-maintained highways make the round-island trip one of Asia’s great and accessible drives.
Jeju, South Korea The volcanic island’s coastal ring road strings together beaches, waterfalls, lava tubes, and quirky museums, with the central peak always in view. Compact and easy to drive, it is a favourite self-drive holiday for Koreans.
Silk Road, China Following the ancient trade route across northwest China leads through desert oases, Buddhist grottoes, and Muslim-quarter cities beneath snow-capped ranges. It is an epic, history-soaked journey best tackled over many days.
Mongolia Driving across Mongolia’s roadless steppe, desert, and mountains is a genuine expedition, usually with a driver and support. The reward is boundless wilderness, nomadic camps, and a sense of freedom found in few other places on earth.
Izu Peninsula, Japan A coastal drive south of Tokyo winding past dramatic cliffs, hot-spring resorts, hidden beaches, and views of Mount Fuji across the bay. Its scenic roads and abundant onsen make it a classic weekend escape from the capital.
Shimanami Kaido, Japan Though famed for cycling, this island-hopping highway across the Seto Inland Sea is also a spectacular drive, crossing a chain of graceful bridges between Honshu and Shikoku. Sea views, citrus groves, and quiet islands line the route.
Central Cross-Island Highway, Taiwan A legendary mountain road climbing from the coast over high passes through Taroko Gorge and cloud forests to the island’s alpine heart. Hairpin bends and staggering scenery make it one of Asia’s great driving adventures.
Karakoram Highway, China Beginning in Kashgar, this soaring route climbs the old Silk Road through the Pamirs past glacial lakes and towering peaks toward the Pakistan border. It is among the highest paved roads on earth and an epic high-altitude journey.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China A famously rugged and beautiful route crossing the eastern Tibetan Plateau, ascending countless high passes past monasteries, grasslands, and snow peaks. Long and demanding, it is a bucket-list overland drive for the adventurous.
Aso and Kyushu, Japan A volcanic drive around the vast Aso caldera and across Kyushu’s mountainous interior links steaming craters, grassy highlands, and hot-spring towns. Winding scenic roads make Japan’s southern island a rewarding self-drive region.