When it comes to luxury, there are a few regions that seem to do it best. At the moment, for example, the Middle Eastern nations of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar seem to be taking the spotlight. Desert hotspots like Dubai and Riyadh are home to some truly extravagant lifestyles.
Another established capital of luxury is East Asia. Though this area is massive and covers a broad range of lifestyles and cultures, cities dotting countries like Japan, South Korea, and China have taken center stage. These cities are home to some of the most lavish experiences in the world, including shopping, spas, dining, and more.
But which East Asian cities do it best? In an ever-evolving landscape of luxe trends, products and activities, the capital for lush living is constantly moving around. Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably hear quite a few different cities.
Let’s take a closer look at which East Asian metropolises truly open the doors to extravagant new worlds.
Macau
Macau is considered the ‘Vegas of the East’. In reality, however, it’s a much grander spectacle than the US’s Las Vegas. It’s larger, it’s brighter, and its hotels, casinos, and resorts are top-tier. Luxury casinos have led the charge; Macau is home to the largest casino-resorts in the world, including exciting new architectural and entertainment projects.
For the most part, those who enjoy roulette, blackjack, and slots stick to a preferred online casino when they’re in the mood to game. Online casinos are more convenient and accessible—and many offer bonus deals. In other words, for many people, casinos are now fully virtual gaming platforms.
But if you’re heading to Macau, you’ll have access to some truly memorable casino floors, along with world-class spas, Michelin-star restaurants, and multiple luxe shopping malls. Be sure to soak up the entertainment factor, as it’s what sets Macau apart from others on this list.
Hong Kong
Macau might be a shiny spectacle, but Hong Kong is typically listed as the number one East Asian destination on the Globe Shopper Index. While you might find exciting new experiences in Macau, Hong Kong places a stronger focus on luxury brands and indulgence, making it a paradise for shoppers.
Visitors can wander around places like IFC Mall, Harbour City, Elements Mall, and Pacific Place—along with shopping streets like Canton Road, Des Voeux Road, and Stanley Street. In fact, it’s a bit of a pastime. If you’re heading to Hong Kong to shop, you won’t be alone. Plan to wait in more than a few lines if you’re shopping during peak hours.
Tokyo
Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing are also quickly rising to the top of lavish destinations in Asia—but Tokyo has been a staple for decades. Many of its neighborhoods are synonymous with luxury shopping, including the top brands from the west, east, and everywhere in between.
Ginza is Tokyo’s primary lux shopping district, home to Chanel, Mikimoto, and Dior. But there’s also Ometesando, a slightly more trendy and edgy take that includes shops like Hermes and Gucci. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—shoppers in Roppongi, Shinjuku, Daikanyama, and Aoyama also have access to some of the world’s most refined shops.
In fact, this unique spread of luxury brands is unique to Tokyo. Usually, high-class shops and studios are clustered around malls or famous avenues. But in Tokyo, you might actually stumble across a high-fashion brand without even noticing.
Seoul
Seoul is a shopper’s paradise. As the country of South Korea’s main hub, it needs to meet the interests of an increasingly luxury-oriented population. Unsurprisingly, you can find high-profile brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel in areas like Gangnam and Apgujeong. But that’s far from the only offering.
Similar to Macau’s focus on casinos, Seoul places a slightly stronger emphasis on skincare and physical wellness. That means that it’s home to many spas that will rejuvenate you using world-class products and techniques. Some of the best spas the city offers are Areukespa, In Spa, GOYO Wellness, and Mediheal Spa. At the moment, treatments like aqua peel, lasering, massage (using things like yogurt, milk, and coconut oil), sugaring peels, and banyans are popular.
