Travel
Catching the Wild King Roger Federer in Action: Queensland Tourism Feeds Wild Dolphins
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is gearing up for the 2015 Brisbane International. Recently, he took a break from training to spend a holiday with his family on Moreton Island (also known as Dolphin Island), the world’s third-largest sand island near Brisbane. The Queensland Tourism & Events Promotion Bureau revealed Federer’s itinerary, which included not only strolling along the beach but also hand-feeding wild dolphins.
Couldn’t get a flight home for the holidays? Extra flights to Kinmen and Penghu for the Lunar New Year go on sale January 21
The aviation transportation period for the 2015 Lunar New Year holiday runs from February 13 to February 24, totaling 12 days. For the restricted island routes (Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu), after the initial regular flights and first wave of extra flights were opened for booking, airlines have planned a second wave of extra flights for the Kinmen and Penghu routes due to continued high demand during peak hours. The Penghu route will have 36 flights, offering 2,928 seats, while the Kinmen route will have 16 flights, offering 1,932 seats.
The green tunnel in Luye, Taitung, to ban lying on the road starting the 15th; village chief: lie on the side roads instead
The rows ofTerminalia catappa trees in Longtian Village, Luye Township, Taitung, form a beautiful green tunnel that is a must-visit spot for many travelers. Some businesses have even promoted cycling and lying on the road here, sparking a trend. However, it has recently been reported that local villagers have decided to ban tourists from “lying on the road” starting this month, the 15th.
Get it home for just ¥88！Tokyo Odaiba’s Must-Have Limited “Lunar New Year Lucky Bag”
During the New Year period, one of the most anticipated events for both Japanese locals and foreign travelers is the ultra-value limited lucky bags offered by major department stores and brands. This year, to coincide with China’s Lunar New Year holiday, Tokyo’s Odaiba shopping complex is launching a special time-limited “Lunar New Year Lucky Bag” for the first time, available from February 18 to 24, with prices starting as low as ¥88！
Even the Japanese Imperial Family loves this flavor – A Century-old Uji Matcha Tea House
Nakamura Tokichi is a matcha café operated by a tea merchant with over 200 years of history. It holds an undisputed top spot in Kyoto’s matcha scene and is one of the must-visit eateries for travelers coming to Kyoto. Nakamura Tokichi has three branches and one takeout shop in Kyoto, two of which are located in the Uji area – one is the Nakamura Tokichi Uji Main Store featured today, and the other is the Nakamura Tokichi Byodoin Store next to Byodoin Temple. The remaining two branches are both inside the Isetan Department Store at Kyoto Station: the Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station Store and the Kyoto Station Store NEXT, which is dedicated to takeout. I’ve been to Nakamura Tokichi many times, mostly to the conveniently located Kyoto Station Store, visiting five times in total. As for the Uji Main Store, I had only visited once before, and this trip marked my second visit to the Uji Nakamura Tokichi Main Store.
Earn NT$145,000 a month: Hong Kong Airlines recruits 20 cabin crew supervisors in Taiwan for the first time
To meet fleet expansion and operational needs, Hong Kong Airlines will hold its first cabin crew recruitment event in Taipei on January 21. Compared to other airlines recruiting newcomers, Hong Kong Airlines will directly hire 20 experienced professionals as “cabin crew supervisors,” with an expected monthly salary of NT$145,000.
First wave of early-bird discounts as low as 33% off — Osaka and Tokyo included
TransAsia Airways is launching its first wave of early-bird deals on its official website from January 15 to March 31, 2015. The promotion offers an average of 24% off on various international regular routes departing between March and October 24 of this year. The biggest discount is on the Taipei Taoyuan–Okinawa route, starting at NT$5,688, which is 33% off the original price.
Creating a Smoke-Free Environment: Banqiao Railway Station and Xinyue Bridge Surroundings to Become No-Smoking Zones Starting March
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been expanding outdoor smoke-free areas since April last year, designating all scenic spots and park green spaces across Taiwan as no-smoking zones. Now, the policy will further extend to sidewalks. The New Taipei City Health Bureau announced that starting in March, areas including Banqiao Railway Station, Xinyue Bridge, and surrounding roads will be designated as no-smoking zones to provide pedestrians with a smoke-free environment.
Korean cuisine that sticks in your throat? Live, wriggling octopus tentacles
When visiting Seoul, many people head to Noryangjin Fish Market to pick out fresh live seafood and have nearby restaurants cook it for them, enjoying a feast of raw and lively seafood dishes. We were no exception—having missed Noryangjin on our previous two trips, we were determined to make it this time no matter what, so we ambitiously scheduled it as our first activity on the second day.
The Return of the Steam Train King – Ride CT273 and Relive the Nostalgia of Eastern Taiwan
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will launch a cruise-style train tour combined with a steam locomotive journey on January 31, limited to 280 passengers, with ticket sales starting from January 16. TRA stated that this package includes transportation, sightseeing, and guided commentary. The steam locomotive will also be coupled with two DR2500 diesel railcars, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of eastern Taiwan and reminisce about the charm of the retro era.
Chan-Kun Shopping Festival – Save NT$3,000 on Japan & Korea Cherry Blossom Tours
Chan-Kun Group announced today (15th) the launch of its four-day “Shopping Festival,” running from January 16 to January 19. During this period, its brands including Chan-Kun, Chan-Star Travel, Food & Beverage, and Aurora Communications will roll out various promotions to capture pre-holiday business opportunities.
Beep beep～Open the Anywhere Door and see Shizuka & Doraemon on the cute train
For many children and adults alike, the adorable and imaginative Doraemon is one of their most cherished childhood memories. In Toyama Prefecture, Japan, there’s a “Doraemon Train” that’s not only filled with Doraemon elements but also features a variety of magical gadgets that make everyone exclaim, “Kawaii!”
EVA Air’s Osaka Route Introduces Michelin Three-Star In-Flight Meals — Even Available in Economy Class
You Can Now Enjoy Michelin Three-Star Dishes on a Plane ! On the 15th, EVA Airways held a press event to unveil its new Michelin three-star in-flight meals, partnering with the renowned Japanese restaurant “Nakamura Kyōryōri,” which has received Michelin three-star ratings for five consecutive years. This makes EVA Air the first airline in Taiwan to offer Michelin three-star meals on board.
Watch pink cherry blossoms paint the blue sky in color — the “2015 Japan Cherry Blossom Front Forecast” is out!
Cherry blossoms in Taiwan have just begun to sprout, and Japan is about to welcome its annual cherry blossom season, which lasts around three months. On the 14th, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released the first round of the “2015 Japan Cherry Blossom Front Forecast,” predicting that from March 21, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom in regions of Kyushu such as Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. If you want to experience the full explosion of pink blooms, around March 30 is the best time.
Exclusive deal only in Tainan!! Handmade "designer bags" for just 20 bucks?
The title is a bit exaggerated XDD I wish I could buy a designer bag for two coins too~~~((screaming. But this bag isn’t that kind of bag—today we’re not introducing high-fashion designer bags, but rather actual edible buns!!
Backpacker King Leads the Way: China Airlines’ 5 Hot Destinations with Flight + Hotel Packages Starting at NT$8,500
To make it easier for travelers to explore beyond Taiwan, China Airlines launched its new independent travel brand “Backpacker Holidays” in July 2014, emphasizing more affordable options for the public. Today, aside from holding a press conference to introduce the backpacker itineraries, China Airlines also announced the results of its recent online PK event for the “Backpacker King,” which was won by “European Travel Girl” out of 103 competing groups.
Vanilla Air's first flight on the Kaohsiung–Tokyo route on February 1 — one-way special fare at NT$888
The first promotional plan for Vanilla Air’s new Kaohsiung–Tokyo route, set to launch on February 1, was announced today (January 15), featuring a special one-way fare of NT$888. (Tax not included)
Is soy sauce always black? Japan introduces 'pink soy sauce' to challenge traditional perceptions
Most people think of soy sauce as black, but businesses in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, have now launched 'pink soy sauce'—and it tastes just like traditional soy sauce too!
Chimei Museum Grand Opening Celebration – Book a hotel stay with your ticket stub and enjoy up to 62% off starting now!
Since its grand opening on New Year’s Day, the Chimei Museum in Tainan’s Metropolitan Museum Park has quickly become one of the city’s hottest attractions. To allow visitors from across the country to experience the unique charm of Tainan while visiting the Chimei Museum, the Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau has launched a six-month promotional campaign called “Celebrate the Chimei Opening – Explore and Shop in Tainan.” The campaign integrates five major themes: dining, accommodation, sightseeing, shopping, and transportation.
Free refills on noodles and rice? Big Guy's affordable Hong Kong-style café
It’s been a while since I last visited the Gushan Ferry area, and I noticed many unique little shops along Binhai 1st Road. As I walked by, what caught my eye the most was this adorable chubby truck in front of Big Guy Restaurant. According to the owner, they used to run a Hong Kong-style dim sum stall near the MRT station, which was very popular with nearby students. Since street stalls couldn’t provide a better dining environment for customers, they found a suitable storefront on Binhai 1st Road...