Travel
Tokyo & Osaka Exclusive: Japan’s “FamilyMart & Lawson” Now Offer Tax-Free Services
Following 7-Eleven, major Japanese convenience store chains FamilyMart and Lawson have also announced the launch of tax-free services at select locations in Tokyo and Kansai.
Macau Through British Eyes: 26 Casinos, Impeccably Clean, and Dog-Friendly Toilets
The unique charm of Macau lies in its fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. Its architecture can sometimes make you feel as if you're in Lisbon. Located at the mouth of the Pearl River in southern China, Macau includes the Macau Peninsula and two outlying islands (Taipa and Coloane), all connected by three massive bridges. In 1999, Macau became a Special Administrative Region of China after separating from Portuguese administration.
Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival moves up one day this year to be held on August 7
The Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks events, will be held one day earlier this year on August 7, the event’s organizing committee announced on April 30. Approximately 10,000 fireworks are expected to be launched from Otsu Port.
Former hotel chef rolls up sleeves to cook up authentic Indian cuisine
When I heard that head chef Joseph had suddenly left the Garden Hotel and decided to set up his own Indian restaurant near the Itō dining scene, I was deeply intrigued. This Indian chef is no ordinary one—he had previously served as the executive head chef at the Regent Taipei. That’s a highly senior position overseeing administration, not one that usually involves hands-on cooking. Yet now, in his own restaurant, he takes care of everything—from preparation to cleaning—an impressive feat indeed.
Top 10 Most Popular Overseas Amusement Parks: Disney Ranks First, Universal Studios Second
With the rise of low-cost airlines, the cost of traveling abroad has decreased significantly, and the willingness and frequency of Chinese people to travel overseas have increased considerably. In addition to famous scenic spots, amusement parks are also a major destination for many travelers. Among global amusement parks, which one has the highest online popularity? According to statistics from DailyView Network Temperature Meter, Disneyland takes the first place, Universal Studios comes in second, and Hong Kong Ocean Park ranks third.
Travel Q&A: Is It Possible to Open the Emergency Exit During a Flight?
After a year of frequent aviation incidents in 2014, safety has become a top priority for many travelers. Natural disasters are unavoidable, but can accidents caused by human error be reduced? Whether emergency exits can be opened mid-flight is a common question. The travel website Trillist interviewed three pilots, and here is what they had to say.
Takagi Kazuo: Receiving Michelin Stars Is Not an Endpoint, but a Beginning
Recently, Taiwan has seen a growing number of guest appearances by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, sparking a trend among consumers to chase these “stars.” However, for Chef Takagi Kazuo, earning a Michelin star is not a goal or an ending, but a beginning—a starting point for using this recognition to help others.
Travel time on trains is no longer boring — Japan’s “Tōhoku Shinkansen” now has free WiFi too
More and more railways in Japan are offering free WiFi services. JR East Japan has announced that, starting today, free WiFi will be available inside the Tōhoku Shinkansen E5 series train “Hayabusa” (はやぶさ), which runs between Tōhoku and Shin-Aomori.
American beef brisket with tendon and yellow beef tendon Sheraton’s NT$500 beef noodle loved by gourmets
Beef noodle shops can be found all over Taipei streets, so much so that CNN says beef noodles can reveal the real Taipei. But what kind of beef noodles are sold for as much as NT$500, yet still attract many foodies? The Sheraton Taipei uses chilled American beef brisket and yellow beef tendon, and the broth is simmered for 12 hours using beef bones and chicken bones along with a secret recipe. Even at NT$500 a bowl, many customers still come daily to order it.
Open Only at Night: Super Popular Pressed "Grilled Toast" Near Kaohsiung Municipal Girls' Senior High School
The headlights of bustling traffic slice through the quiet night. Late-night eateries in Kaohsiung are few and far between, so shops that stay open past eight or nine in the evening really stand out. Ou Xiong Xiaopu is located right across from the Rose Church, near Kaohsiung Municipal Girls' Senior High School. With such a cute name, no one would expect it to be run by a sincere and old-fashioned Hakka guy. Though it’s been open for less than a year, it’s already very popular among the nearby students of Kaohsiung Municipal Girls' Senior High School.
Budget hostel site goes against luxury — HovelStay offers stays under NT$3,000
With the slogan of "anti-luxury," HovelStay has a rather unique approach to lodging categories: "bare minimum," "decent," and "clean & comfy." You’ll find that the accommodations on this site differ from those on other platforms where listings always look picture-perfect. Here, you can embrace adventure on a shoestring budget — for just NT$360, you could stay in a massive estate, or for NT$2,000, snooze away on an alpaca farm.
Head to the Daxue Mountain for a “Free Paulownia Flower DIY” activity and take mom into nature for some relaxation!
As Mother’s Day approaches, the Dongshi Forest District Office has specially planned an interesting and free “Paulownia Flower DIY Activity” on the 10th within the Daxue Mountain Forest Recreation Area, inviting all the amazing moms to step into the mountains and forests and experience the comfort and tranquility of nature.
The jingling begins—the purple bells of jacaranda are sweeping through Brisbane Park!
Spring, flower-viewing season—this week I visited Riverside Community in Kaohsiung… In 1997, Kaohsiung and Brisbane, Australia became sister cities. To commemorate their bond, Brisbane Park was established here in Riverside Community, where 100 jacaranda trees—the city flower of Brisbane—were planted. As the golden rain tree blossom season comes to an end, the jacaranda trees in Riverside Community take center stage. On this day, with the southern breeze blowing, I soaked in the silent romance and happiness beneath the pale purple bell-like flowers.
Wearing boots to pick pineapples in the fields of Iriomote Island and making desserts on the grassland—super vacation vibes
In addition to its beautiful seascapes and mangroves, the pineapples of Iriomote Island are also one of the region’s most famous agricultural products, beloved by people from mainland Japan. RISONARE Iriomote Island Resort, operated by Hoshino Resorts, first launched a pineapple-picking experience activity in 2015. Guests staying at the resort can join the activity by registering in advance, and even turn freshly harvested pineapples into delicious crème brûlée pineapple tarts, enjoying afternoon tea on the grassland with a cool breeze.
I fell in love with Jiufen, so I came here — three homestays where you can enjoy the sea view and relax
Jiufen is filled with distinctive architecture and impressive multi-level staircases, attracting many people with a special connection to the place. They come from afar to open homestays and shops here, and eventually settle down to live.
A must-try for milk tea lovers – made with imported New Zealand powdered milk and high-mountain tea
During a follow-up visit to Tainan, I dropped by Nanhua Dream Mall for some shopping... but first, I stopped at Taiwan Tea Channel in Yongkang District for a new taste (*ˇωˇ*人). What amazed Xiao Hu and Sally at this drink shop was that [the milk tea is actually made with powdered milk] (& д⊙)! It tastes totally different from regular ones. Milk tea fans will definitely love it ~ because it’s especially rich and creamy. Even picky Xiao Hu recommends it... definitely worth a try :)
Love stopping on the street halfway through your walk? 10 Most Annoying Tourist Behaviors
In truth, being a good tourist simply means taking the opportunity to relax and reflect while quietly appreciating the local way of life and beauty. If you dislike the poor behavior of some foreigners visiting Taiwan, then you should also avoid falling into similar absurdity when traveling abroad. Please refer to travel website Thrillist’s “10 Most Annoying Tourists”:
Every car is my wireless hotspot 7 Japanese railways with free WiFi
Japan is one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations for global tourists, but in the past, the lack of comprehensive WiFi facilities was often seen as a drawback. In recent years, this issue has gradually improved, with more attractions and trains now offering free WiFi. Below is a list of subways and railways that currently provide free WiFi—handy to know, even if you don’t end up using it.
A must-try in-house cuisine at Kyoto lodgings: yuzu aroma lingers on the palate for a remarkably long time
This is a Kyoto essential you must try when visiting the city. Yuzu is one of Kyoto’s famed specialties, with its sweet-tangy flavor that can be savored in restaurants across various districts. In central Kyoto, if you’re looking for a place that incorporates yuzu into its dishes, the renowned “Yuzu-ya Ryokan,” known for its yuzu hot pot, is absolutely worth a visit. The flavors are delicate and layered, and the lingering sweet-sour yuzu aroma on your palate is exceptionally memorable.
What to eat in Chiayi? Grapefruit green tea with pulp and Lin Congming’s Clay Pot Fish Head
Lin Congming Royal Aroma House, a well-known drink shop in Chiayi. Last time I came here, I gave up because it was hard to find parking nearby. This time, I was determined to try it and it didn’t disappoint~ (Should I... clench my fist now?)