Travel
Targeting Taiwanese tourists? Heavy winter snow in Hokkaido sees some car rental firms refuse foreign customers
Traveling to Hokkaido, Japan, many people enjoy renting cars for self-guided tours. However, a Japanese car rental company recently announced on its website that starting next month (December) through March of next year, it will suspend car rentals to foreign tourists. Some members of the public suspect the rule might be aimed at Taiwanese visitors. But the rental company responded that the measure is primarily due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility during Hokkaido’s winter, and is intended to ensure the safety of foreign travelers.
Where’s the cat-and-mouse game? A police dorm turned into a colorful attraction
Near Shuijiao She in South District, Tainan, there is a police-themed painted dormitory that uses "cat and mouse" as its storyline, becoming a new local attraction.
Online check-in is available 48 to 24 hours before departure — check out these 5 key tips
Most airlines open online check-in about 48 to 24 hours before departure, with check-in closing typically between 3 and 1 hour before the flight. If you don’t want to arrive at the airport too early, it’s recommended to use online check-in or your airline’s mobile app to avoid queuing. However, most low-cost carriers do not yet offer online or app-based check-in services, so passengers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier.
360-degree panoramic views & ring the love bell – a must-visit for couples at Singapore’s Mount Faber
If you want to take a cable car to Sentosa Island, there are two boarding points: one is at HarbourFront Centre Tower 2 next to HarbourFront MRT Station, and the other is on Mount Faber. It's recommended for those taking the MRT to HarbourFront.
Hot butterbeer & Minions parade: 4 must-see Christmas highlights at Universal Studios Japan
Even before December arrives, Japan is already brimming with festive Christmas cheer. Universal Studios Japan has announced a 55-day winter Christmas event series starting November 13, featuring special menus and a grand Christmas celebration parade to accompany global visitors through a romantic holiday night. Here are 4 must-see highlights for travelers planning to visit at year’s end.
Kyoto’s Unspoken Rules: How to Tell Real Maiko from Impostors?
What’s your reaction when you spot a maiko on the street? Do you immediately whip out your phone to take a picture? Or ask if you can take a photo together? Well, those aren’t even the right questions—asking such things makes you a total novice in Kyoto. The real question you should be asking is: “Is that a genuine maiko?” Kyoto offers many services where tourists can dress up as maiko, and you can also explore the city by rickshaw or taxi.
Wait an hour in line? A must-try budget snack in Chiayi – Liu Lizhang’s Turkey Rice
This ‘Liu Lizhang’s Turkey Rice’ place really shocked us with how crowded it was!! We’ve been to Chiayi several times and tried turkey rice from Wenhua Road, the Fountain one, etc... But this ‘Liu Lizhang’s Turkey Rice’ had the most people!! We waited the longest time... And it’s not because they serve slowly – it’s just that the crowd is... unbelievably huge, shocking even!! I think it’s because many locals love this place too XD
Like a giant ingot resting on the Jianan Plain, the National Palace Museum Southern Branch opens for free starting December 28
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi has taken nearly 15 years from planning to near completion, and is set to officially begin trial operations on December 28. On the 10th, the museum and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) launched the “Meet the Southern Branch – THSR Mural Train” together, holding a press conference at Chiayi HSR Station. National Palace Museum Director Feng Mingzhu stated in her speech that although the Southern Branch is not yet fully completed, she guarantees it will open as scheduled on December 28, which is expected to boost overall tourism in the Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan regions.
Hit the trails this autumn and winter to admire breathtaking views — start with the Beidawushan National Trail
As autumn deepens and the chill sets in, Beidawushan sees a constant stream of visitors, especially during weekends and holidays. It boasts Taiwan’s largest area of primeval forest, rich in precious ecological resources such as the Formosan lady’s slipper orchid, Formosan azalea, and Formosan serow — all valuable treasures of nature. The sea of clouds and the stunning pure coniferous forests of Taiwan hemlock on Beidawushan are also major draws for hiking enthusiasts.
Yilan Japanese-style Retro Café | Specialty “Black Pepper Honey Latte”
This Giraffe Café is truly unique—or rather, steeped in Japanese style. Even the coffee is called “珈t2,” and there are Japanese characters underneath. If you didn’t know the address, you’d think you were in Japan!!! In reality, it’s a café located near Yilan University. It’s an exceptionally classy spot. When you step inside, you naturally lower your voice. The café’s design is also quite distinctive—the lighting stays softly amber both day and night, giving off the vibe of an old-school coffee shop.
Art Integrated with the Environment: Two Bridges in Taitung Become More Beautiful!
To continue fostering the aesthetic tourism atmosphere of the East Coast, the Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has once again invited local indigenous artists to create on-site installations at Donghe Bridge and Zhangyuan Bridge. By integrating their works with the surrounding environment, these pieces weave together an environmental aesthetic, allowing the public to experience the beauty of ecology. The exhibitions will be displayed from now until May 31, 105 (2016).
A "family-friendly" travel trend is sweeping through Macau's tourism scene — entertainment experiences are now all the rage
In the past, people’s impression of Macau was pretty much limited to gambling. But it seems the tide is turning. Industry players have sensed another potential customer base, and many newly opened or soon-to-be-completed mega entertainment hubs are quietly shifting their focus toward these visitors.
Blue-and-white dragon motifs adorn the train – The "Meet the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum" high-speed rail paint-themed train makes its debut on the 10th
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum will open on December 28. The museum and the high-speed rail operator have jointly launched the "Meet the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum" paint-themed train, which will depart from Taipei Station at 12 noon on the 10th. Inspired by the "Blue-and-white Dragon Motif Celestial Globe Vase" set to be displayed at the Southern Branch, Taiwan High Speed Rail Chairman Liu Wei-chi said the timetable for the paint-themed train will be published on the THSR official website, and invited the public to choose a departure time to experience it.
Taipei–Ho Chi Minh City Free Flights Vietjet Offers 300,000 Complimentary Tickets
To welcome the end-of-year holiday season, Vietjet is holding a one-week promotional campaign from November 11 to November 18. The airline is giving away 300,000 free tickets valid from December 1, 2015, to May 20, 2016.
UK Unveils New Passport Design Featuring Shakespeare, the Tube, and Buses
The UK has recently unveiled its latest passport design. According to The Independent, William Shakespeare, artist Anish Kapoor, designer Elizabeth Scott, and the London Underground are featured prominently on the inner pages, with the new passport also incorporating enhanced security and anti-counterfeiting features.
Water Church Becomes Chinese-Owned: Chinese Investment Acquires TOMAMU Hoshino Resorts for $4.9 Billion
Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart, backed by China’s Fosun International as its major shareholder, announced today that it will acquire 100% equity of Hokkaido’s TOMAMU Hoshino Resort for approximately 18.3 billion Japanese yen (about NT$4.9 billion). Taiwan’s exclusive agent for TOMAMU Hoshino Resort, Tang Guizhen International Travel Service, stated that check-in and bookings for Taiwanese travelers will not be affected.
How beautiful is Tainan? 27 stunning photos give you an exclusive preview of "Beautiful Tainan"
Ready to embark on a visual and soul-stirring journey through Tainan? Published by the Tainan City Government, the photo book "Beautiful Tainan" features over 300 images taken by hundreds of photographers, offering the public a glimpse into Tainan’s scenery and local stories. At the book launch on the 10th, director Wei Te-sheng even recorded a personal recommendation video.
ICOCA Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Limited-Time “Platypus Menu” in Osaka
When it comes to the popular IC card ICOCA commonly used in the Kansai region, many travelers are no doubt familiar with its adorable mascot — the platypus Iko-chan. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of ICOCA, JR West has collaborated with the well-known café BAR DELSOLE to launch a limited-time Iko-chan-themed menu at Osaka Station’s fifth floor starting today.
Silky, Irresistible Taste: 6 Popular “Cheesecake” Shops in Taipei
Cheesecake, also known as cheese cake, is one of the most beloved types of cakes, commonly found in many bakeries and even frequently spotted in cafés. But finding a cheesecake that truly hits the spot isn’t always easy. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has specially selected six extremely popular cheesecake shops in Taipei to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you’re craving that distinctive cheesy flavor and crispy crust.
379 ping (approx. 1,254 m²)! Cathay Pacific unveils Taoyuan Airport’s largest premium lounge with bartender service and made-to-order beef noodles
After more than four months of renovation, Cathay Pacific’s premium lounge in Terminal 1 of Taoyuan Airport officially opened to the public today. Spanning 379 ping, the lounge has become the largest single premium lounge at Taoyuan Airport. In addition to offering rest areas and freshly mixed alcoholic beverages, it also serves authentic Taiwanese snacks such as pork rice and bubble tea. Chef Wong Wai-kan from Hong Kong noted that the “beef noodles” are among the must-try dishes.