Austencore in Asia
I love Jane Austen and the period romance genre. For a good portion of my teens and 20s, I was all about the restrained desire, heated tension, and quiet, unwavering love that Austen’s characters exhibited in her books. My annual tradition is to watch “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) at least twice, and cry while at it. I’m still quite obsessed with Matthew MacFadyen. And of course, I dream of one day going to the Jane Austen Center in Bath, have a small town getaway in the Cotswolds, and pretend that I am the Lizzie Bennet strolling the halls of Chatsworth House, the setting of Mr. Darcy’s manor.
But alas, like most fans living in a third world country, expensive flights and pesky visas aren’t exactly making this dream the most accessible thing. Perhaps, one day, when disposable income and stronger documents come my way, I’ll finally get my own “Austencore” vacation in the UK. For now, I (and you, too!) shall settle for somewhere in the Philippines, or places close to home.
Your Austencore trip doesn’t have to be in Europe. All you need is somewhere where you’re able to capture the feeling of slow living, Regency inspiration, and countryside romance: think picnics on the lawn, handwritten letters, long walks in nature, and cozy afternoon tea sessions.
It’s not about accuracy. It’s all about the vibes. Here are some places in the Philippines and other Asian countries where you can live out your wildest Jane Austen fantasies.
Philippines
Baguio
The closest city where you’ll find Jane Austen-esque inspiration is none other than in the misty pine forests and mountains of our own summer capital—Baguio. For one, you’ll already get to enjoy chilly weather and don your prettiest coats. And before you fight me, yes, Baguio is notorious for its traffic and bustling city life, but it still holds pockets of quieter locations that recall simpler, slower times.
There are numerous heritage bed and breakfasts and cozy cabin-like Airbnbs outside the city center, where you can bring a handful of books and the finest stationery to write your dreamiest love letters. If you’d still like to stay near the center, you can head to Camp John Hay and stroll through the gardens or sip a hot cup of tea at The Manor.
Take advantage of soft, foggy mornings and walk along the tree-lined Leonard Wood Road. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll see your own Mr. Darcy walking in the distance, right across you. Or maybe not, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to dream.
Sagada
Farther up north is tranquil Sagada, with even more beautiful landscapes for every nature lover and adventure seeker. If you’re an Austen girlie (or guy) who loves hiking mountains, walking through trails (cue the famous “I’m very fond of walking” line), and the great outdoors in general, this scenic provincial destination is your most ideal getaway.
While none of the Jane Austen novels are explicitly set in mountainous regions, we do have one iconic “Pride & Prejudice” movie scene, where heroine Elizabeth Bennett stands on top of a cliff, the wind blowing against her face, skirts fluttering behind her. If there is a place in the Philippines to best recreate this scene, it’s in Sagada—at the famous Marlboro Hills or Mt. Kiltepan to be specific—where you can see the clouds beneath your feet and the gentle sunrise in the distance. Just play Dario Marianelli’s dreamy score on your earphones and you’ll definitely feel like the main character of your own period romance novel.
Tagaytay
If Baguio or Sagada is too much of a commitment for you, do a day trip or a staycation in the highlands of Tagaytay instead. While it’s no English countryside, a drive up in the -ber months would let you experience cooler weather, misty mornings, slow living, and of course, breathtaking views of Taal Lake, all within an accessible two-hour drive from Metro Manila. Grab some coffee or a meal at the charming Marcia Adams’ Restaurant and solemnly contemplate when your lover is coming back from the war. Close enough, am I right?
Have a bit more budget than a simple day trip? Take it up a notch and stay the night at a cozy, rustic accommodation like Nuuk Taal, built with bricks and vintage hardwoods. Have some afternoon tea overlooking the lake or take a morning walk outside with your favorite Jane Austen book in hand. Everyone deserves to romanticize their life once in a while.
Japan
Furano
Admittedly, this place is giving more “The Sound of Music” than “Sense and Sensibility” but who wouldn’t just love to see an ocean of flowers, whether you’re a Jane Austen fan or not? Furano, located in the Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, is famous for its endless, rolling fields of flowers, particularly lavender. It is surrounded by mountains capped with snow, truly making it seem like you’ve been transported to The Alps instead of a province in Asia.
Pro tip: Go in the summer months of June to August to see all the flower fields in bloom. Because Hokkaido is known for its dairy products, beat the heat by having some soft serve ice cream on a farm, then test out some lavender-scented items (another thing this prefecture is famous for) at Farm Tomita. You won’t just eat well and have amazing vacation photos, but you’ll also smell great.
Otaru
Want to feel like you’re in a quaint English town fetching pretty ribbons for the next big ball, where you may or may not randomly encounter your soulmate? Japan’s port city of Otaru is your best bet. Lined with well-preserved stone warehouses and countless European-style buildings, Otaru’s history and culture is as rich as it is charming. From Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo, Otaru is just about an hour away by train—a much-needed calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here, you can walk down the famous Otaru Canal and admire the picturesque warehouses and vintage-style lamps. Shop for trinkets along Sakaimachi Street, where you can find quirky items like music boxes, clocks, and stained-glass merchandise. Right before leaving the city, make sure to have a cup of tea and cake at the Le Tao flagship store for the full English experience. Bonnet and parasol excluded, but you can always bring those along to feel like a true main Jane Austen character.
Vietnam
Da Lat
Da Lat, sometimes called the “City of Eternal Spring,” is the closest you can get to an English countryside in Vietnam. It’s somewhat similar to Baguio, as a highland city with a colder climate, evergreen gardens, and pine forests. What makes it even more charming is the large number of French villas built in the colonial style, many of which you can stay in for your vacation.
Da Lat has everything for various types of travelers—stunning gardens like Da Lat Flower Park to walk in for the more laid-back, and hiking paths at Lang Biang Mountain for adventurers. Xuan Huong Lake is one of the central points of the city, where you can take a dreamy boat ride with your lover (just don’t expect Colin Firth to come out of it anytime soon). For a truly Austencore moment, wander through the old French Quarter, where mansions and quiet lanes evoke the atmosphere of a timeless European retreat.
Taiwan
Qingjing Farm
You know you’re in the countryside when you find yourself surrounded by wide green meadows and grazing sheep. No, it’s not New Zealand or an English province—it’s Taiwan’s Qingjing Farm. Nestled in the central mountains of Nantou County, this quaint farm resort is just a drive away from the famous Sun Moon Lake, and definitely worth an overnight trip from the bustle of Taipei. Here, you can take long walks along the verdant trails, admire panoramic views of the Central Mountain Range, and visit the European-inspired pastures where you can interact with adorable farm animals.
The farm’s landscape has a certain pastoral charm that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped straight into the pages of “Emma” or “Mansfield Park.” In the late afternoon, stop by the Old England Manor, a Tudor-style hotel and one of Qingjing’s top accommodations, for tea and scones while the mist rolls in over the hills.
