Travel
Kyoto Launches Street “Souvenir Vending Machines” – Tea Can Accessories & Towels Are a Huge Hit
Travelers visiting Japan are often struck by the abundance of vending machines scattered across the country. Similar to those in Taiwan, most Japanese vending machines primarily sell drinks or cigarettes. Recently, Kyoto has become the talk of the town with the appearance of “souvenir vending machines,” which package Kyoto-style trinkets in the shape of beverage cans, allowing visitors to easily purchase them by inserting coins.
Taichung’s late-night dining hot spot: Wanke Shige’s 2018 plan to open its third branch
Winter is the perfect season for hot pot. Wanke Shige, a 20-year-old veteran hot pot brand in Taichung, enjoys an exceptionally high return rate among locals. For 20 years since its opening, the daily queue has been as long as that of Haidilao. After launching its first branch, Qinghai Store, in 2016, the brand plans to open another branch, Chongde Store, in 2018.
Don’t miss out on these 9 most beautiful cherry blossom spots in northern Taiwan!
As winter turns to spring, it’s the perfect time for cherry blossoms to bloom. In the northern region, there are 9 cherry blossom viewing spots recommended for travelers. Some areas have already started blooming early, while others are still in bud. Ready to be surrounded by this pink happiness? Take notes and head out for a cherry blossom adventure!
The newly renovated Aqua Lounge debuts with distinct Lounge and Bar spaces
Located on the first floor of Taipei’s Ambassador Hotel, Aqua Lounge boasts large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush green boulevard of Zhongshan North Road. Renovated in December 2015 and reopened in January 2016, the space has been divided into two distinct atmospheres—Aqua Lounge and Aqua Bar—using different colors, lighting, and music.
The “Straw Village” in Miaoli with a strong Taiwanese flair — challenge the 50-meter straw duck maze
Taking advantage of the winter fallow period, the “Ti? Nature Farm” in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli, has used harvested straw to build 20 distinctive straw huts in the rice fields, as well as a 3-meter-tall straw duck maze, inviting the public to come during the holiday break to tackle challenges, enjoy tea and conversation, and even experience the rural joy of picking vegetables. This rare straw landscape art will be in free trial operation until the 24th, with fees starting on the 26th. The entire straw landscape art display will only be available until the end of February.
Popular second-tier Japanese tourist cities Kumamoto sees 227% growth rate thanks to Kumamon
Taiwanese travelers love visiting Japan. Having grown tired of popular cities like Tokyo and Osaka, second-tier cities have gradually come into the spotlight. According to a survey by an international hotel booking website, Kumamoto in Japan has seen the highest growth rate in search popularity as a travel destination, thanks to Kumamon the bear. Takayama and Kanazawa rank second and third, respectively, followed closely by Nagoya, Karuizawa, Naha, and Fukuoka.
Snow on Yangmingshan Mountain? Yangmingshan Police: There are 2 popular snow-viewing spots; last occurrence was in 1992
"Will Yangmingshan get snow?" can be said to be the hottest topic amid the recent cold snap in northern Taiwan. Many people have even prepared to hike up the mountain for a chance to see snow. Based on past experience, the "Erziping Visitor Center" on the Datun Mountain range and the "Datun Mountain Aid Station," which stands at an elevation of 1,077 meters, are both likely to become popular snow-viewing spots. Currently, the Yangmingshan Police Team has also made plans and will implement traffic controls on routes such as Balaka and Yangjin when necessary.
Challenge the 16-meter limit！The Six Clans Blessing Sharp Cannon Fort opens on the 21st
The “2016 Hakka 12 Major Festivals - Six Clans Blessing Sharp Cannon Fort,” which received much attention last year, is scheduled to kick off with various competitions on February 21, 27, and 28. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM on January 22. The popular individual event, the 16-meter-high “Extreme Sharp Cannon Fort,” will also be held again.
Must-visit among Japan’s Three Great Oddities on Shōdoshima: Climb Mount Kankakei for Stunning Views of the Seto Inland Sea
Mount Kankakei is located in the center of Shōdoshima. Formed by volcanic activity 13 million years ago, it boasts spectacular rugged rocks and stones. With distinct seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and serene winter landscapes—each visit offers a unique experience. In 1923, Mount Kankakei was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and incorporated into the Seto Inland Sea National Park, becoming widely renowned as one of its representative sights.
Presidential Office, Taipei 101 among Taipei’s Top 12 Best Photo Spots
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism has designated 12 major city attractions as “Best Photography Spots” this year, including North Gate, Ximending Red House, Futo Street Western-style Building, Zhongshan Hall, Zhenru Temple, Longshan Temple in Wanhua, Liberty Square, Taipei Guest House, Presidential Office, National Taiwan Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, and Taipei 101, where visitors can find the most photogenic spots.
The temperature drops below 10°C — A She Canteen sells a pack of dry noodles for just NT$10
The weather forecast predicts that temperatures will fall below 10°C this weekend. In response, A She Canteen has launched a low-temperature special sale. Whenever the temperature drops below 10°C, the Tainan Dry Noodles – Original Flavor / Outer Province Dry Noodles – Satay at A She Canteen’s Taipei Main Station exclusive counter will be on special for NT$10 per pack (original price NT$35 per pack). Meanwhile, A She’s official website will also offer synchronized promotions: Tainan Dry Noodles – Original Flavor / Outer Province Dry Noodles – Satay for NT$10 per pack or NT$50 per set, with free shipping for orders over NT$390.
Taoyuan Airport Winter Vacation Passenger Surge: Remove Thick Coats & Metal Items to Speed Up Security Checks
During winter vacation and the Spring Festival period, the second terminal is expected to see over 6,000 outbound passengers per hour during the morning peak from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. To comply with global counter-terrorism measures, airport security checks are stringent and may take longer. The airport authority advises travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flight’s departure time and recommends removing thick coats and metal items in advance to facilitate security screening.
Pudding Dog Restaurant finally opens officially – Matcha Pudding is an exclusive item for Taiwan store
The Pudding Dog Restaurant, which enjoys immense popularity in Japan, has finally opened its doors in Taiwan this year. Last year saw a boom of themed restaurants in Taiwan—from Totoro hot pot to Rilakkuma-themed eateries—but this year it's Pudding Dog taking the lead. The Taiwan branch is directly operated by Japan-based Creation Food Company, so most menu items remain the same as those in Japan. The only difference? Taiwan's store offers an exclusive Matcha Pudding that’s sure to charm all matcha lovers with its delicate flavor.
A deer runs in the snow – Osaka and Kyoto experience their first snowfall of winter
Over the past two days, Japan has been affected by a Pacific low-pressure system, bringing heavy snow to the Kanto and Tohoku regions, which even temporarily disrupted both land and air traffic. Meanwhile, the Kansai region finally welcomed its first snowfall of the winter on the 19th due to this low-pressure front.
I Love Burgers!: 7 Mega Burgers That Are Too Big to Hold in One Hand
Mega burgers that could dislocate your jaw!? You might be visually stuffed before even taking a bite—whether it’s a towering burger stacked two coffee mugs high or one with a diameter over 20 cm, these aren’t just a challenge to your appetite but also to your visual sense of food indulgence. Here are 7 spots serving mega burgers. When you have time, why not give them a try?
Only until Valentine’s Day! Limited-time “mini light rail” comes to Kaohsiung Pier-2
Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art District has been the first in Taiwan to offer a mini steam train for public rides since last year, receiving widespread praise. With the upcoming holiday season, it is now launching the “
A 43-hectare sunflower sea maze taller than people blooms all the way until after the Lunar New Year
On the fallow farmland of Jinling Community in Xiushui Township, Changhua County, sunflowers and cosmos flowers have recently blossomed. Since each sunflower grows taller than a person, the community has turned the area into a 43-hectare "sunflower sea maze," allowing visitors to explore inside. It’s now open and will remain so until after the Lunar New Year—come for a flower-viewing trip during your holiday.
Countdown to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics！ Korea’s Olympic celebrations kick off first
South Korea will host the Winter Olympics in 2018, with the event taking place in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, which was once selected by The New York Times as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2016.” To mark two years until the Winter Olympics and to wish them a successful run, Gangwon Province not only opened the “2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Promotion Hall” at the Green City Experience Center in Gangneung City in January, but also held an “Olympic Celebration” from February 4 to 6 in the area around Gangneung Dano Park.
Garrett Popcorn launches a limited-edition Monkey Year bucket for the Lunar New Year, with about 200 buckets available daily
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Garrett Popcorn has planned to launch Taiwan’s first-ever “Garrett 2016 Monkey Year Limited-Edition Bucket,” along with a complimentary “Garrett Monkey Year Good Fortune Red Envelope.” The Garrett 2016 Monkey Year Limited-Edition Bucket will be available for limited daily sales from January 22 to February 10. Approximately 100 one-gallon and 100 one-quart buckets will be offered each day on a first-come, first-served basis, with all daily stock selling out quickly.
2016 Spring Festival Travel Alert: 10 Popular Scenic Spots in Taiwan Prone to Traffic Jams
This year’s Spring Festival holiday stretches over nine consecutive days. In addition to returning home to reunite with family, people can also plan trips during this festive period. To ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable Spring Festival holiday for the public, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has identified 10 popular scenic spots likely to experience congestion based on past holiday travel patterns, and has proposed traffic diversion measures.