Should I buy a JR Pass for this route?

Usually no. A JR Pass is only worth it if you are taking multiple long-distance Shinkansen trips within Japan. If you are flying between countries, point-to-point tickets are cheaper.

Is English widely spoken in these regions?

In major transport hubs and tourist areas, yes. Download Google Translate with offline language packs for Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei to navigate signage and menus in smaller districts.

How to plan an efficient route through East Asia

Stick to the 'Golden Loop' by connecting Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei using regional budget airlines and high-speed rail. Dedicate at least 14 days to this route to avoid spending your entire trip in transit hubs.

Choose your primary transport hubs. Fly into Tokyo (NRT or HND) and out of Taipei (TPE). These cities serve as the most reliable anchors for regional flights, keeping your travel time between capitals under 4 hours.
Book regional flights strategically. Use carriers like Peach, Jeju Air, or Tigerair for the hops between Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Book these at least 6 weeks in advance to keep costs under $150 per leg.
Map your transit days. Designate a 'transit day' as a full day of travel. Do not plan sightseeing on the day you switch countries; you will be exhausted from airport security and border logistics.
Align with regional high-speed rail. In Japan and Taiwan, rely on the Shinkansen and THSR respectively. In South Korea, use the KTX. Do not rent a car; it is inefficient for city-to-city travel in these regions.

Should I buy a JR Pass for this route?: Usually no. A JR Pass is only worth it if you are taking multiple long-distance Shinkansen trips within Japan. If you are flying between countries, point-to-point tickets are cheaper.
Is English widely spoken in these regions?: In major transport hubs and tourist areas, yes. Download Google Translate with offline language packs for Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei to navigate signage and menus in smaller districts.