Travel
The charming alleys of Yonghe are home to the happy birds that come bearing coffee.
The first time I met Mr. Yamada was in a building near Yonghe’s No. 4 Park. Back then, Yamada Coffee T2 was still more of a workshop, with several large display shelves neatly arranged with various KONO equipment. Though the space was a bit cramped, you could still feel the meticulous professionalism of the Japanese.
News Flash / Heavy snow hits Japan again on the 14th; over 50 flights canceled at Narita and Haneda airports
This year’s Valentine’s Day in Japan might be particularly challenging. Following last week’s heavy snowfall in the Kanto region, which caused major transportation disruptions and made many roads impassable, the capital region was hit by another snowstorm today (the 14th). In addition to delays on the Shinkansen and railways, over 50 domestic and international flights from Haneda and Narita airports have been canceled since the morning.
2014 “Love Forever” – Tainan City Promotes Top 10 Romantic Destinations for Couples
This Valentine’s Day on February 14 this year is not only the romantic 2014 “Love Forever,” but also coincides with the Lantern Festival. This rare alignment of Western and Eastern holidays won’t happen again until 2033, so don’t miss out. The Tainan Tourism Bureau has specially planned ten romantic destinations in Tainan to help couples deepen their love, enhance the sweetness of romance, and even give single friends a chance at love.
Bear Travel Yang Endorses Lamigo, Invites Public to Hike Floating Mountains, Visit West Lake, and Explore Deserts
La New, renowned for its leisure footwear industry, ventured into the tourism sector in 2009 by establishing Lamigo International Travel Agency. Continuing its philosophy of health, leisure, and sports, it pioneered the inclusion of hiking routes in travel itineraries, allowing travelers to personally experience hidden scenic wonders on foot. This year, Lamigo International Travel Agency has also specially invited news anchor Xiong Lüyang to serve as its spokesperson, inviting the public to embark on a springtime journey through China.
Hase-dera Temple, where the Lovely Enmei Jizo is Super Cute
Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura is as renowned as its counterpart in Nara. The national treasure wooden Eleven-faced Kannon statue enshrined here is practically its twin — both were carved in 721 AD by the priest Tokudo. However, the Eleven-faced Kannon statue is now gold in color, having been completely covered in gold leaf by Ashikaga Takauji during the Muromachi period.
Crispy as if full of life—hidden gem eel pasta loaded with toppings, sweet and tangy to the tongue!
Eel pasta and beef soup are two Tainan street foods that always leave me torn between love and hesitation. Their incredible flavors are unforgettable after just one bite, yet their prices make you hesitate to spend. And these two dishes are everywhere in Tainan XD, almost as common as convenience stores—you’ll find them around every corner.
Having traversed eras while keeping pace with trends — the traditional yet fashionable ancient capital of Osaka
Today’s Osaka, beyond its dazzling skyscrapers and bustling streets, reveals traces of its storied past upon closer exploration. Historical scenes evolve, and fragments of history weave together to form the modern face of this ancient city. Strolling through Osaka feels like a treasure hunt, where every step brings new discoveries and the joy of seeking and finding.
A Must-See for Couples: The Perfect Japanese Festival for New Loves — Even the Shyest Will Hug While Waiting
How should you spend Valentine’s Day to create the most romantic atmosphere? Yesterday (14th), on Valentine’s Day, Kakunodate Town in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, held the “Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival.” This could be considered the most couple-friendly festival of all — not only does it drive away the damp cold of winter, but it can also truly ignite the “spark between lovers.” No matter how shy the couple may be, they won’t be able to resist hugging tightly under the gaze of the crowd.
Frequent Measles Outbreaks Pose Risks to Infants and Toddlers – Vietnam and the Philippines Are Truly “Troublesome”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that measles outbreaks continue in Vietnam and the Philippines. Hanoi, Vietnam, has seen a resurgence of measles cases, while countries including Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Singapore
The Treasure Hill Lantern Festival – A Hidden Gem Where You’re Bound to Get Lost and Turn into Art
Do all lantern festivals feel the same to you every year? Have you ever imagined that a Lantern Festival could be filled with artistry and even turn visitors into part of the art itself? From February 15 to March 16, Treasure Hill Artist Village presents a lantern festival exhibition through contemporary art curation. Eight groups of contemporary artists are invited to employ various methods such as visual art and performance, combined with Treasure Hill’s unique cultural environment, to create a one-of-a-kind artistic lantern festival.
News Flash / 15TN "Round Baby" Sky Lantern Burns After Takeoff Due to Wind and Rain
The popular "Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival" reached its highlight on the evening of the 14th — the release of a 15TN-tall "Round Baby" sky lantern during the Lantern Festival. Although the initial takeoff seemed normal, strong winds and rain caused the lantern to catch fire just dozens of meters after ascending, as flames tilted and burned through the outer skin, prompting gasps from the crowd.
New York Times Recommends Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan, with Keelung’s NMNS Also on the List
After a 24-year wait, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMNS) in Keelung officially opened on January 26 and has already attracted over 120,000 visitors. As the world’s only museum that integrates marine science, technology, ecology, culture, and local environmental beauty, it was specially recommended by the New York Times in their January report “52 Places to Go in 2014” as one of the must-visit spots in Taiwan.
Taipei's 9 Most Romantic Love Trails Let Couples Deepen Their Bond "Step by Step"
The Taipei City Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation has specially recommended 9 romantic trails for couples on Valentine’s Day: the Naval Vessel Rock Trail, Huangxi Hot Spring Trail, Tianmu Ancient Trail, Elephant Mountain Trail, Zhinan Temple Trail, Camphor Tree Trail, Flying Dragon Trail, Ascent Trail, and Little Sky Trail. These allow lovers to stroll hand-in-hand through the mountains and forests, adding warmth to their relationship.
Taiwan’s Top Three Lantern Festival Celebrations: The Fearless God of Wealth Takes on Firecrackers Despite the Chill!
The cold weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the vibrant Lantern Festival, as Taiwan’s three major Lantern Festival celebrations kicked off with great fanfare on the 14th. In Taitung, the highlight event — “Firecrackers for the God of Wealth (Han Dan Ye)” — saw the deity, portrayed by a human daredevil, bravely enduring a barrage of deafening firecrackers amidst thick smoke. This year, Taitung’s Han Dan Ye celebration has been expanded to include as many as 30 events.
Cozy open-air foot bath in Wulai — soak to your heart's content for free
Many people think of Wulai’s hot springs as soon as they hear the name. That’s why the tourist service center at the entrance of Wulai Old Street has set up a complimentary foot bath especially for visitors, allowing them to experience Wulai’s most distinctive hot spring feature without spending much.
Take a break！ Yuan Zai works for 41 days, takes one day off on the 17th
Time to rest！ The giant panda cub "Yuan Zai" at Taipei City Zoo has been “on the job” for 41 days since making its public debut, having only taken a break on New Year’s Eve. To allow Yuan Zai to get ample rest, the Giant Panda House will be closed on the 17th and reopen on the 18th. The zoo stated that besides giving the pandas a holiday to recharge, routine cleaning and maintenance will also be carried out that day, making the environment more comfortable once it reopens.
TRA Cruise Train: Spring Trip to Alishan Forest Railway & Fenchihu
Alishan’s cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom in March. To coincide with the blooming season, the TRA Cruise Train has launched a spring trip to Alishan departing from northern Taiwan. This year, the itinerary includes the famous Alishan Forest Railway for the first time. In addition to enjoying the cherry blossoms along the way, travelers will also visit “Taiwan’s highest old street”—Fenchihu Old Street—and Alishan National Park.
Top 10 Emerging Asian Destinations: Kaohsiung & Kenting Make the List
Taiwan Shines Again: Global hotel booking site Agoda.com has selected its “Top 10 Emerging Asian Destinations” for 2014, with both Kaohsiung and Kenting — the southernmost point of Taiwan — making the list. This marks the first time Taiwan has had two destinations featured in the rankings in a single year. Other featured destinations include Okinawa and Osaka in Japan, Lombok in Indonesia, and Chiang Rai in Thailand.
Taiwan's "Taiwan Da" Makes Debut at Tokyo Orchid Show with Performance by Children's Dance Troupe "Water Sprites"
The "2014 World Orchid Exhibition" grandly opened on the 15th amidst snowfall at Tokyo Dome. This year’s event attracted 3,000 varieties of orchids from 21 countries. Taiwan’s mascot "Taiwan Da" also made its first public performance of the theme song "Taiwan Da of the Southern Island" together with composer Kenichi Ebara on the opening day.
Foshan Tops China’s Most Romantic Cities List; Ningbo and Dongguan Follow
When it comes to the most romantic city in China, which one comes to mind? Amazon China, a well-known online marketplace, has released its first-ever “China’s Most Romantic Cities Ranking.” Foshan in Guangdong Province took the top spot, followed by Ningbo in Zhejiang, while Dongguan—also located in Guangdong and recently cracking down hard on vice—ranked third. In contrast, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the three first-tier cities, failed to make it into the top 10.