Travel
No need to worry if your hotel won’t hold your packages anymore – Japan Post to launch “online shopping pick-up” service
Many Taiwanese travelers enjoy shopping on Japanese websites during their trips to Japan and have their purchases delivered to their hotels, but they sometimes encounter issues such as hotels refusing to accept the packages, leading to time-consuming communication and explanations. Now, Japan Post has announced a new measure that may solve these problems.
A Dream Realized in Xinzhuang’s Alleys: This Cozy Italian Eatery Feels Like Home
Do you have a dream? Turning that dream into reality is not just a milestone but also a courageous journey for oneself. The story of chasing dreams unfolds at Polly's 波利厨坊 in Xinzhuang. Though tucked away in a quiet alley, every dish and decorative item in the restaurant is personally crafted by the owner, infusing the space with a handmade warmth that feels just like home.
Hualien's Playful Fan Paradise Revives 1950s Teahouse Culture with "Oriental Express" Star Hostess
It’s like stepping back in time to 1950s Taiwan. The large signboard of Dongyun Pavilion Teahouse is surrounded by colorful neon lights, reading “Beautiful women galore, guaranteed satisfaction.” Inside the display window, dim yellow lighting illuminates photos of teahouse hostesses, with the star hostess known as “Oriental Express” hailed as the ultimate femme fatale. Accompanying slogans include “Gentle ladies, attentive service” and “Just starting out in the business.” Nearby, a pushcart sells sweet potato candy, creating a surreal sense of time travel.
Will the official website hold up during the 18:00 ticket rush? Vanilla: Staff on standby
Vanilla Air, which experienced system crashes yesterday due to a surge in ticket bookings, is expecting a second wave of high traffic at 18:00 today. According to statements from Vanilla Air’s Japanese office, the website malfunctioned yesterday due to excessive traffic, and staff will remain on standby today.
HowToTrip / A First-Timer’s Guide to Miyajima: Top 4 Must-Know Attractions and Delicacies
Beyond the “floating torii gate,” Miyajima has even more breathtaking sights and delicious food to explore. Let HowToTrip help you sort out the Top 4 must-visit experiences for your first trip to Miyajima.
Looking for Batman? Turkish Airlines opens bookings for "Gotham City" flights
With the upcoming release of the movie *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*, Turkish Airlines, as a sponsor, has recently started offering bookings for flights to "Gotham City" on its official website. The site even features a complete introduction to Gotham City sightseeing, including local tourist maps, temperatures, and more — a fun nod to fans.
Travel from Tokyo all the way to Hokkaido — ride the shinkansen unlimited for 6 days with “this pass”
In conjunction with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen on March 26, JR East has launched a new transportation ticket, the “JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass,” starting April 1, allowing travelers to journey from Tokyo all the way to Hokkaido. With this rail pass, within 14 days of issue, you can choose any 6 days to enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains, traveling from Tokyo through the Tohoku region all the way to Hokkaido!
Men’s Kitchen: International Cuisine – Don’t Miss This “Thai Red Curry Chicken” If You Love Spicy Food
Thai curries are mainly categorized into red, yellow, and green curries based on the different types of chilies and spices used. Red curry gets its vibrant red color primarily from the use of red chilies in its preparation. Additionally, there are both dry and wet cooking methods. Today, I’m sharing with you one of the most common Thai dishes we enjoy – Thai Red Curry Chicken. Spice lovers, don’t miss out on this one. And if you’re not into spicy food, don’t worry – simply adjust the amount of red curry paste to still enjoy a delicious and authentic red curry. Let’s get started~
Let tattooed travelers enjoy hot springs too: Japan Tourism Agency proposes 3 improvement measures
As the number of inbound travelers to Japan continues to rise, while bringing positive impacts, it has also prompted discussions on various issues arising from cultural and national differences. Recently, Japan’s National Tourism Organization has begun reviewing whether to relax restrictions on tattooed travelers using hot springs and has proposed three methods. The aim is to gradually allow more flexibility for hot spring operators, enabling more foreign visitors to experience the charm of Japanese hot springs without being turned away.
Willing to give up a seat, but not to have it snatched away！ A "divine clapback" on a Tze-Chiang Limited Express train goes viral online
On assigned-seating trains, have you ever had your seat taken by someone else? One passenger shared his experience of having his seat stolen on a Tze-Chiang Limited Express. After showing his ticket, one elderly woman actually waved her hand and said, "It’s okay for young people to stand a bit longer. I saw this seat first, and I paid for it too, so let me sit here!" The passenger couldn’t help but argue with the woman, and his post titled "I’m willing to give up my seat, but I don’t want it snatched" became a viral clapback that was widely praised by other netizens.
Osaka is packed with authentic and delicious eats! Travelers vote: Top 10 most popular food rankings in Osaka
With the growing popularity of low-cost carriers, Osaka has become one of the top Japanese cities for travelers from our country. Known as the "kitchen of Kansai," Osaka naturally boasts a diverse array of culinary delights. In addition to takoyaki and okonomiyaki, there are many other popular must-try foods. Rakuten Travel has released the Top 10 most popular food rankings in Osaka as voted by travelers—don’t miss out on trying these when you visit Osaka!
30 years of hotel management experience: Michael Ziemer appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group officially appointed Michael Ziemer as the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei in February 2016. Prior to this, he served as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, and has held senior management positions at renowned hotels in Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and other locations, bringing over 30 years of extensive hospitality experience.
Turn off the lights for 1hr – Guests are asked to step out of their rooms. 12 hotels join “Earth Hour”
The 2016 “Earth Hour” campaign is set to kick off on March 19. At least 12 hotels in Taiwan have pledged to participate by turning off their lights for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm that evening, encouraging guests to leave their rooms. This initiative is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which in the past has seen participation from over 162 countries, more than 7,000 cities, and reaching at least 200 million people, allowing the Earth to rest in darkness for an hour to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Sixteen thousand cherry blossoms blanket Sanzhi — the “moving forest” becomes the hottest hidden gem for hanami
The “Sanzhi Cherry Blossom Festival” is one of the annual highlights of cherry blossom viewing in New Taipei City. This year, it kicks off on the 19th. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful blooms of mountain cherries, Yoshino cherries, and other varieties as they flower throughout the season. In addition to classic hanami spots, there’s a “moving forest” in Sanzhi that has recently become a viral hidden attraction online — rows of cherry trees stretch along the road, creating some of the most stunning scenery in the area.
Cantonese-style crispy-skin duck and Shanghai-style eight-treasure duck — Grand Formosa Regent unveils an eight-treasure crispy duck with five ways to enjoy
What kind of magic happens when Cantonese-style crispy-skin duck meets Shanghai-style eight-treasure duck? The Grand Formosa Regent’s third-floor restaurant, Crystal Jade, combines both to create the eight-treasure crispy duck with five serving styles: crispy-skin duck rolls, bite-sized crispy-skin duck, fire duck soup made from carefully simmered duck bones, lettuce wraps with shredded duck, and eight-treasure duck clay pot rice. The set is priced at NT$2,800.
Taipei can also get "light bulb milk tea" — limited-time offer, 100 per day
Haven’t tried Yilan’s "light bulb milk tea" yet? The light bulb milk tea, which became a hit all over Taiwan after originating in Yilan, instantly gained massive popularity thanks to its super creative and eye-catching design. It quickly won the hearts of both adults and kids, prompting beverage shops across central, southern, and northern Taiwan to follow suit. Now, Taipei’s "Rabbit Rabbit Tea Specialty Store," a bubble tea shop, has announced that it will start selling light bulb milk tea on March 18, 19, and 20, with a daily limit of 100 bottles.
Helping hermit crabs find homes on Green Island — The farthest package came from Japan’s “Oyster House”!
A photo of a hermit crab carrying a faucet as its home caused an online sensation over three years ago. The crab, squeezed uncomfortably into a space that didn’t fit its body, looked just like a refugee, highlighting ecological issues. In addition to urging tourists not to take shells, Taitung’s Green Island has also launched a “Hermit Crab Home Plan.” Over the years, visitors from various places have sent shells and other items to the relevant organizations, and the farthest package surprisingly came from Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which was truly touching.
Spring is really coming soon！ The cherry blossom season in New Taipei City kicks off in Sanchi on the 19th
The cherry blossoms in Sanchi have bloomed！ On the 19th, the New Taipei City Government will hold the 2016 New Taipei City Cherry Blossom Season event “Spring Breeze Presents Cherry Blossom Affection” at the Sansheng Trail in Sanchi District. Not only can you have a picnic under the cherry blossom trees with family and friends and enjoy a leisurely time, but the site also gathers food stalls, farmer’s markets, and other activities, allowing visitors to not only admire the cherry blossoms but also experience local culture and the essence of native life.
Limited time only！Hiroshima, Japan’s Chanoike Matcha Full Moon Cream Cake now available for direct delivery to Taiwan
The renowned matcha dessert brand “Chanoike” from Hiroshima, Japan—which was once ranked No. 1 in desserts on Japan’s Rakuten website—will participate in the Japan Festival at the event hall on the 12th floor of SOGO Department Store’s Zhongxiao Branch from March 22 to April 5. The store’s matcha full moon cream cake, matcha Swiss roll, matcha soft serve ice cream, and more will be available for purchase on-site.
Dreamy Stars: "Fireflies" Lull You to Sleep – 9 Top Camping Sites Across Taiwan to See Fireflies
In the warm spring months of April and May, alongside vibrant blooms, adorable little creatures also quietly emerge. Fireflies light up the night across Taiwan. Want to sleep under the stars with fireflies? ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of 9 great camping areas where you can see fireflies, letting you spend a night in the mountains and be neighbors with these “fire gold aunts.”