Travel
King Enma’s “Face-Changing” Stare – Visiting Noboribetsu Onsen Feels Like a Trip Through Hell
When people think of soaking in hot springs in Japan, they often imagine a tranquil and comfortable romantic setting. But Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido is nothing like that at all. The hot springs here are described as being “in hell,” and the hot spring town is crawling with terrifying “demons,” adding a unique dose of storytelling to Noboribetsu compared to other onsen towns.
Waste Turned into Wonder: “Starry Grassland” Made of 4 Million PET Bottles Opens on the 26th
Waste PET bottles can become stunning scenery too. On the 26th, the trial opening of the “Starry Grassland” landscape art piece, created by using 4 million PET bottles to recreate Van Gogh’s famous painting, will debut at Keelung’s Yongheng Cultural and Creative Park. Entry is free on the opening day. Spanning nearly 13,000 square meters, the Starry Grassland offers a breathtaking view both day and night.
Affordable Eateries in Kaohsiung: Handmade Egg Pancakes Without a Drop of Water & Mushroom Pork Burgers
Nestled next to Hanshin Department Store, this local eatery is a fusion-style small restaurant that has been open since August. With several months under its belt and seemingly positive online reviews, we decided to check it out. The two-story space features a rather eclectic vibe in both its decor and menu offerings.
The incredibly bizarre Gyeongju Teddy Bear Museum combines themed zones like dinosaurs and mermaids.
When people talk about teddy bear museums in Korea, they often think of those in Seoul or Jeju Island, but what you may not know is that the historic city of Gyeongju also has its own teddy bear museum. Just like other teddy bear museums with their own unique features, Gyeongju’s museum has something special too. As soon as you arrive at the entrance, you’ll see teddy bears dressed as Silla soldiers guarding the entire museum, while inside, the venue is divided into several themed exhibition areas.
Articles, Yongle, A Village, Round Ring: A Big Comparison of Tainan’s Popular Beef Soups
It’s been almost three years since my last visit to Tainan—time really flies so fast, doesn’t it? This time, because my old dog K passed away from a serious illness, I suddenly had a lot more free time on my hands. So I decided to head back to my hometown, Tainan, to wander around and unwind. During those three days in Tainan, I really ate to my heart’s content XD Although I didn’t manage to hit the goal of 30 restaurants, I still ate at 27, which is 90%—not bad, right? XD For the first article, let’s start with Tainan’s most famous beef soup!
Breathtaking！Pingtung’s Shan Chuan Liuli Suspension Bridge Now Open — Free Access Until February 29
Connecting the townships of Sandimen and Majia in Pingtung County, the country's longest hammock-style suspension bridge — Shan Chuan Liuli (Mountain-River Colored Glaze) Suspension Bridge — held its inauguration ceremony on the morning of the 26th. It was also announced that from 2 p.m. today until the end of February next year, the public can experience crossing the bridge for free.
Japan's Must-Visit World Heritage Site "Yakushima" — A Glimpse into the Enchanted Forest of Princess Mononoke
Yakushima, Japan's first natural landscape to be designated a World Heritage Site, boasts not only towering precious cedar trees but also the 7,200-year-old "Jomon Sugi" and Mount Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu. It also served as the inspiration for the setting of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke." The island’s "vast primeval nature reserve, rich in subtropical and alpine plants as well as thousand-year-old cedar trees," is one of the three main reasons it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site.
US study finds Friday is the most expensive day to buy flights — but which day is actually the cheapest?
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Mail, if you want to snag a good flight deal, it’s best to avoid booking on Fridays. Booking on Sundays can save you a lot, with price differences sometimes reaching up to 13%!
Run along the blue coast and stunning beaches！ Registration for the Queensland Marathon in Australia is now open
Run joyfully by the sea breeze, next to the azure waters and golden sands！ The internationally renowned marathon with breathtaking scenery—The 2016 Gold Coast Airport Marathon—officially opened online registration on the 25th.
A spicy hot pot for one too—don’t miss their signature Asian pear bone broth!
After two days of chilly 10°C weather, Taipei’s temperatures haven’t risen much these past couple of days, and the northeast monsoon has even brought moisture—making everything damp and uncomfortable. I had originally wanted to go to Ramen Lanmaru for a hearty soy sauce ramen, but there was a long queue. Just a few steps ahead, I spotted a newly opened shop. It looked bright and clean, serving individual portions of spicy hot pot.
Battle for High-End Diners: 4 Upscale Steakhouses in the Xinyi Shopping District
With the addition of Breeze, competition among department stores in Taipei’s Xinyi Planning District has intensified. The focus has gradually shifted from luxury brands to food and beverage offerings. Many mid- to high-end steakhouses have also set their sights on the bustling crowds in Xinyi, partnering with department stores to establish outlets. Coupled with existing steakhouses in the area, the Xinyi shopping district has become a new battleground for steakhouse operators.
Japanese hotel's new promotional stunt: Can't see Mt. Fuji this time? Next stay's on us!
Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s iconic landmarks, is a sight many travelers hope to capture from every angle. The Fujisan Hotel in Yamanashi Prefecture, which offers clear views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka, has recently launched a new promotion. From January 12 to 24, guests who experience more than one minute without a view of Mt. Fuji from check-in to check-out will receive a free accommodation voucher for their next stay.
Kumamon shoots a promotional MV for Kumamoto Castle; fans praise his solo dance moves: "The Minister is so talented!"
Kumamon, Asia’s ultra-popular mascot, took on the serious task of promoting Kumamoto Castle this time—not only co-starring in the MV for the Kumamoto Castle song with a dance group, but also showcasing historical lyrics, a catchy tune, and Kumamon’s own energetic and adorable dance moves that won high praise from fans: "The Minister really knows how to perform!" The video also set a record with nearly 140,000 views within a single day.
Kaohsiung’s “National Palace Museum” Welcomes a Lantern Festival Showdown: Minions and the Leaning Postbox Make an Appearance
The 2015 National Palace Museum Opens Kaohsiung Gates – Celebrating Art & Lantern Fun was a series of celebratory events held for the upcoming opening of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. In addition to 3D light projection shows and performances, various themed lantern zones were set up along the Crown Prince Boulevard in front of the Kaohsiung County Government, leading all the way to the main entrance of the Southern Branch. The exhibition runs until next year’s Lantern Festival.
Lounge with legs up, sip red wine, and bask in the sea breeze — enjoy the 180-degree harbor view at Four Points by Sheraton Penghu
The Four Points by Sheraton Penghu is the first 5-star hotel in Penghu, located near Magong’s Third Fishery Harbor and just about a 15-minute drive (or roughly 5 minutes) from Magong Airport, making it extremely convenient. The hotel boasts an exceptional seascape location, with the South Penghu Visitor Center right in front, offering easy access for travelers wishing to take a boat.
Super savory and perfect with rice: A traditional Hakka stir-fry dish that Taoyuan locals have grown up eating
The Zhongli Niujiazhuang near Taoyuan City Hall is a place many locals have been frequenting since childhood — I hadn’t been in over a decade. The last time I came by too late, they were about to close, so I ended up at Fuzi Beef (which was delicious). This time I arrived just after 5 pm and finally got to relive the old flavors.
5 places locals find super boring... but tourists keep visiting anyway...
Many locals who know the truth feel that photos really beautify a dull spot way too much. The UK's Daily Mail compiled online local reviews based on opinions from Reddit users—facts that might scare off most tourists. Here are netizens' comments on 5 attractions:
The mysterious underground dragon palace of "Huanglong Cave" — its adventure level almost rivals that in "Ghost Blows Out the Light"!
Located within the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site, Zhangjiajie’s Huanglong Cave features stunning natural karst landscapes. Selected as one of "China’s Most Beautiful Tourist Caves" in 2005, although it has been developed for some time, nearly three-fifths of the area remains unopened — its adventurous feel is almost on par with the mysterious underground palaces depicted in the popular online novel "Ghost Blows Out the Light"!
Poinsettias bloom along the roadways—head to Provincial Highway 3 to admire the most festive "red highway"!
Even though Christmas has passed, you can still soak in a strong holiday atmosphere along Provincial Highway 3 between kilometers 316.5 and 318.5. Vivid red poinsettias flourish along one side of the road, forming a crimson floral lane—a truly festive "red highway." The blooming period is expected to last until February next year. If you’re driving by soon, slow down and take in this beautiful sight.
Travel the mountains and forests by train: “Alishan Forest Railway” adds extra section trains on Sundays
To allow more travelers to explore the mountains and forests aboard the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan Railways announced that starting January 3, 2016, under the theme of “Sunday Hiking Fun,” one additional Zhongxing-class section train will be added between Chiayi Station and Duli Mountain Station on both Saturday mornings and afternoons.