Travel
The dazzling Winter White Illumination lights up Sapporo
Hokkaido’s famous winter event, the “Sapporo White Illumination,” officially began lighting up in late November, with the entire city adorned with dazzling bulbs, presenting the most romantic and beautiful winter scenery. The Sapporo White Illumination Tree Festival originally started in 1...
The adorable "Gudetama" themed cake exhibition is a huge hit
Gudetama, always seen in its slumped, lazy pose, has captured hearts with its cute and comforting image. Its immense popularity continues to sweep across Taiwan. In addition to the highly anticipated year-end themed exhibition "Gudetama Can't Be Bothered Exhibition," recently...
New Tax Refund System for Japan and South Korea Tourism Takes Effect in 2016
Japan and South Korea tourism continues to boom. To boost tourism, both countries plan to adjust their consumption tax refund thresholds and mechanisms in 2016. The Japanese government plans to lower the tax refund threshold for foreign visitors shopping in Japan from 1...
When it’s cold, soak in a hot spring — the HowToTrip app takes you on a cozy winter adventure at your fingertips
As the season turns to winter and temperatures continue to drop, it’s the perfect time for a hot spring soak. Hot spring festivals across Taiwan are kicking off one after another. With these seasonal events underway, various regions have also launched a series of special offers. This early winter, give yourself the warmest treat...
Most Beautiful Sunrise Hotspot: Er Liao's 3,000 Free Entry Tickets Available for Limited Time
Countdown to New Year’s Day 2016 has begun. The Er Liao mountain area in Zuozhen District, Tainan City, is one of the popular spots to welcome the first sunrise in recent years, attracting over 3,000 visitors in past years. This year, coinciding with a long holiday period,...
You are a good child reenacts the power of love
You Are a Good Child (BeingGood), adapted from the original novel that won the "28th Jirō Tanizaki Literary Award", features director Kurosawa Mipo—who has received accolades at the Montreal Film Festival and Japan's Kinema Junpo for Best Director—demonstrating an extraordinary...
Onsen Season Here!: Top 5 Popular Hot Spring Ryokans in Beitou
In Taipei, when you think of soaking in hot springs, Beitou is the first place that comes to mind. Besides its renowned White Sulfur Hot Springs, known as the "Emperor’s Spring," the area also boasts a wealth of nearby attractions, making it perfect for a one- or two-day trip with friends or family...
A Hundred Sheep "Baa" Their Way onto the Stage to Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve Together
This year, Christmas in Keelung is going to be very different. The Yangming Marine Culture and Art Museum has specially invited over a hundred little sheep to cross the ocean and come to the museum square to celebrate the holidays and count down to the New Year with everyone. With Christmas approaching, the Yangming Marine Culture...
Facebook check-in hotspot in Taiwan: Chimei Museum tops 2015 list
As the year draws to a close, many people begin reflecting on what they’ve done and where they’ve been with whom. In recent years, Facebook has introduced a review feature that selects daily posts from the same date in previous years...
Dessert lovers, rejoice: Japan’s must-try treat PABLO is coming to Taiwan
The ultra-popular Japanese dessert, the semi-melted cheese tart “Pablo,” is set to launch in Taiwan in late December. Its first branch will open at Taipei Main Station’s “HOYII Taipei Main Station,” along with a “takeaway shop”...
Christmas Atmosphere at Its Peak: 6 Must-Visit Christmas Events Across Taiwan
As Christmas draws nearer, Christmas trees have been erected across Taiwan, adorned with charming festive lights, creating a warm and delightful holiday ambiance. In addition, Christmas events in areas such as New Taipei, Tainan, Pingtung, and Taichung are also...
The Pink Beauty Tree Blooms: A Must-See Pink Flower Tunnel in Winter
While spring cherry blossoms are a favorite among flower lovers and travelers, winter also offers a pink floral spectacle that often tricks visitors into thinking the cherry blossoms have arrived early. In fact, these are Beauty Trees. When in bloom, their grand pink blossoms create a magnificent and romantic sight, covering the entire tree in vibrant hues.
Self-service stays: Employee-free hotels are gaining popularity
If you dream of a holiday with zero human interaction and pure relaxation, Germany’s BuddyHotel might be the perfect choice. It breaks away from conventional hotel norms...
Manmaru celebrates her birthday as Cherry's Donuts go on sale
The classic Japanese cartoon "Chibi Maruko-chan" has aired for 25 years, accompanying many children and adults through joyful childhoods. Each character in the show has a distinct personality, and the episodes often revolve around humorous little stories that unfold through Maruko's interactions with her family and friends...
Taiwan’s First Disney-Certified General Store ZakkaHouse Opens
Taiwan’s first officially authorized Disney general merchandise store, ZakkaHouse, officially opened on the second floor of Breeze Song Gao in Taipei’s Xinyi District on December 9. In the future, Disney fans won’t need to fly...
The popular Kyushu Pancake opens its second store in Taiwan
Among this year’s food trends, the pancake craze has been the most prominent, offering dessert lovers a wide range of choices. Kyushu Pancake, a Japanese brand that has come to Taiwan, is undoubtedly one of the most popular pancake shops. News has emerged about the opening of its second store, located near Songshan Cultural and Creative Park...
New Highlight in Taoyuan Aerotropolis: Taiwan’s First American-Style Outlet Opens
GLORIA OUTLETS Huatai Luxury Outlet Mall officially opened on December 18. In addition to becoming Taiwan’s first American-style open-air outlet plaza, it will also serve as a new landmark for Taoyuan Aerotropolis and the Airport MRT...
Taipei Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s dazzling Christmas tree and European-style market unveiled
Every December, streets and malls are adorned with various Christmas decorations, adding a warm touch to the urban landscape. For those wanting to experience a richly European-style Christmas setting, the “Golden Mandarin Christmas Celebration” at the Taipei Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a...
Experience the sunset and sea of clouds on Alishan — don’t miss these six top viewing spots
During autumn and winter, the high-altitude regions receive abundant moisture, and with the help of seasonal winds, sea of clouds phenomena are especially common. The sea of clouds over Alishan in Chiayi is one of the area’s five major wonders and is a must-see natural beauty in Taiwan. From November onwards is the best time to visit Alishan...
Become an Eskimo in Japan!Build snow igloos and eat hot pot in Nagano!
In winter Japan, the most fun isn't just about enjoying the snow and skiing. For Shinshinai in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture — famous for its heavy snowfall — piling up thick layers of snow into mounds, digging caves inside, and building your very own secret base...