Travel
Let’s all go, Pikapi~ga！ Osaka’s Pokémon Expo Gym “makes your Master dream come true”
Kansai’s largest department store, EXPOCITY, grandly opened in 2015. In addition to the “tallest in Japan” Ferris wheel, which is expected to officially open in 2016, the various themed restaurants and attractions within the complex have also become pilgrimage destinations for visitors. Among them, the “Pokémon Expo Gym” (now officially named Pokémon) is located right at the entrance. The super-cute Pikachu paired with a challenging gym-style experience has attracted plenty of attention. Come join us on 《ETtoday Travel Cloud》 as we say Pikapi~ga together！
It’s finally happening after 43 years of waiting — the Hokkaido Shinkansen officially begins service today, on the 26th!
The Hokkaido Shinkansen is finally open for service on the 26th of this month. After decades of planning and construction, the people of Hokkaido have waited 43 long years, and now they can travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido in just 4 hours and 2 minutes.
Sticking to a 72-hour pure pork bone broth — Sweet and mellow Japanese ramen makes its way to New Taipei
The Japanese pork bone ramen champion, Hakata Nagahama Ramen Tanaka Shop, has opened a store at Mitsui OUTLET. A rich broth simmered from pork bones for three days, paired with grilled char siu, is truly delicious. Though Bear and Meow can’t claim to have fully explored Japan, they’ve certainly visited plenty of ramen shops and felt the dedication of many ramen artisans. They remember one Japanese chef saying that the simpler the flavor, the harder it is to maintain, and the fewer the ingredients, the more challenging it is to stay consistent.
A rare polar phenomenon, "sun dogs," created the illusion of three suns, and just a turn around revealed the moon.
"Fox Mother" Wen Fangling traveled to Wapusk National Park in Canada to join a polar bear expedition and witnessed two incredible polar wonders in one trip. Around 6 a.m., the sun and moon appeared to "alternate" on the horizon; what’s more, a rare "sun dog phenomenon" occurred—making it seem as if there were three suns. Throughout that journey, she was moved to tears almost daily, and even the tour guide remarked on their extraordinary luck, saying, "All good things happen to good people!"
Master 2 secrets: See both Hakodate sunset and the Million Dollar Night View in 30 minutes
Viewing the Hakodate Million Dollar Night View alone is just the “basic level.” Nowadays, the most authentic way to enjoy the scenery is to wait from the sunset until nightfall. With just two insider tips, you can take in both the Hakodate sunset and the Million Dollar Night View within 30 minutes.
Enjoy Authentic Elegance: 5 Must-Try Japanese Afternoon Teas
Although Taiwan has seen waves of "Korean" trends in recent years, with Korean restaurants popping up one after another, the simple and comfortable "Japanese style" has remained a long-standing favorite. In addition to the recent influx of Japanese chain restaurants and desserts, there are also hidden gems serving delightful Japanese-style afternoon teas in many corners. Today, we’ve rounded up 5 Japanese-themed afternoon tea spots where you can indulge in a touch of "Japanese elegance" amidst your busy life.
A café that truly respects people—a cozy NYC space run by a Frenchman and Korean woman
Williamsburg in Brooklyn was once an industrial zone, but rapid gentrification in the 21st century transformed many former factory warehouses into spacious restaurants and shops. Unlike dining in crowded Manhattan, where you’re often shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers and can’t help overhearing conversations,
Big misunderstanding alert！The “Tainan Locals Guide the Way” initiative at the Chi Mei Museum does not require a reservation, but it’s not free either.
In response to the government’s tourism promotion and blessing activities, the Chi Mei Museum in Tainan launched the “Tainan Locals Guide the Way – Friends No Reservation Needed” program, which received an enthusiastic response. However, it was reported that some people thought it was free and tried to enter without buying a ticket, leading to an awkward situation. The museum specifically added a clarification on its official website: “No reservation needed ≠ free of charge,” and also advises visitors to come on weekdays to avoid long queues.
You can get free refills of noodles up to two times!! Kaohsiung’s late-night ramen spot — only 30 servings of Red Oni Head Ramen available
Yamamoto-ya Ramen was initially started by a group of ambitious young people. These highly educated youths had entrepreneurial dreams even during their school days, but due to practical constraints, it wasn’t until several years after graduation that they finally went to Japan to learn from a Japanese ramen master. After returning, they opened the first Yamamoto-ya Ramen shop, which unexpectedly gained a great reputation. They later each chose to open branches in northern Taiwan, central Taiwan, and Kaohsiung, with each branch managed by a different owner.
V Air's Taipei–Manila inaugural flight hits 90% load factor; mascot Willie the Bear causes airport hilarity while seeing off passengers
V Air officially launched its direct Taipei–Manila route this afternoon (March 27) with its inaugural flight achieving a near 90% passenger load rate, marking its ninth international route. To celebrate the maiden voyage, V Air arranged for its mascot, Willie the Bear, to greet passengers at the airport and hosted a "Lucky Grab" event, giving travelers the chance to win various Willie the Bear-themed souvenirs.
So heartwarming: Taiwanese netizen visits popular Japanese attractions with sign to thank locals and hand out pineapple cakes
It has been five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Japanese have never forgotten Taiwan’s heartfelt donation of 20 billion yen back then and have continued to express their gratitude in various ways. Even after all this time, their appreciation hasn’t faded. When Tainan was hit by a major earthquake on February 6, Japan immediately offered substantial help, which deeply moved many Taiwanese. Recently, one Taiwanese netizen turned that gratitude into action. On the PTT Japan Travel board, he shared his experience of holding a sign that read “Thank You, Japan” at famous Japanese landmarks, silently spreading this message of thanks. Other netizens called it heartwarming, touching, and a true display of “Taiwan-Japan friendship.”
No less delicious than Din Tai Fung: 5 great xiaolongbao spots in Greater Taipei
When it comes to xiaolongbao, friends in the Greater Taipei area will surely think of Din Tai Fung. However, besides Din Tai Fung, there are five other xiaolongbao joints in the region that also serve up incredibly tasty bites—some even say they rival Din Tai Fung in flavor. Among them, Jingdinglou is listed as a must-try xiaolongbao spot by many Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan, while Hangzhou Xiaolongbao and Shengyuan Sponge Gourd Soup Dumplings are hidden gems near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
A whimsical alligator-themed dessert shop — try the savory chicken pie "pop-up book"
On a drizzly day, I found a dessert shop to brighten my mood despite the gloomy weather. What caught my eye about Lady Crocodile wasn’t just its playful name, but also the charming illustrations. Tucked away in an alleyway, this dessert shop offers both sweet tarts and savory pies — perfect for a filling meal or a light bite, whether you’re here for afternoon tea or brunch.
Firefly season is here！2016 Taiwan-wide guide to chasing magical “stars”
The arrival of spring brings dancing lights in the forest, heralding the official start of firefly-watching season. Fireflies thrive only with clean water sources and shaded grass or woods, and thanks to nature’s gift, we can witness these tiny glowing dots in the dark. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has specially compiled firefly-watching information across northern, central, and southern Taiwan—come explore the twinkling “little stars” in the mountains with us！
Embark on an adventure with Luffy！ Set sail on the Thousand Sunny—Chopper and Nami are aboard too！
If you're a fan of the One Piece anime, you absolutely must visit Laguna Ten Bosch in Aichi Prefecture. It’s home to the world’s only full-scale, 1:1 replica of the iconic Thousand Sunny from One Piece, offering an immersive experience. With only five sailing time slots available each day, boarding the ship lets you set off on an adventure alongside the wildly popular Captain Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates crew！
Experience the healing magic of "Zentangle" at Hualien Sugar Factory – Send a letter to your future self in one year!
At Hualien Sugar Factory, you can not only enjoy some ice cream, but also go biking around the park and experience the therapeutic power of painting. Located at the Hualien Sugar Factory, “The Woodpecker’s Home” offers travelers the chance to try the popular “Zentangle” art under the guidance of teacher Ati Rong. No drawing skills are required — just a pen is enough to get started. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and waters, it’s a great way to relax both body and mind. You can even write a letter to “yourself one year from now” on the back of your artwork, and the shop will help send your “future mail.”
Experience being surrounded by century-old buildings！Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park to Host “Children’s Picnic Party”
From April 2 to 5, the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park will hold the “a child zone” Children’s Day picnic party. In collaboration with Donghua University, it has planned a series of fun parent-child activities, on-site lucky draws, and a variety of exciting performances. The park buildings have a history of over 100 years and were once an old brewery. Today, the preserved historic structures from the Japanese colonial period have been transformed into a cultural and creative park, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.
Amazing! The most beautiful sea color in the hearts of Hokkaido people is called “Shakotan Blue”
Aside from Okinawa, the waters of Hokkaido also have a unique hue. The “Shakotan Peninsula,” which can be reached by driving west along the coast from Otaru for about an hour, is a favorite summer vacation spot for locals. The sea here has a distinctive color, known as “Shakotan Blue,” and is considered the most beautiful ocean color in the eyes of the locals.
The Penghu Fireworks Festival kicks off every Monday and Thursday from April 18th! There are also “bonus fireworks” on Fridays and Saturdays.
The annual Penghu Fireworks Festival will be held from April 18 to June 23. This year, international fireworks teams from Austria, Japan, China, Russia, and Italy have been specially invited to join the celebration. Fireworks shows will take place every Monday and Thursday evening, as well as on four Saturdays (April 30, May 7, May 21, and June 18) at the Guanyin Pavilion Leisure Area. Additionally, there will be shows on May 16 in Jibei and June 4 at Aimen Beach. Moreover, smaller-scale “bonus fireworks” will also light up the skies every Friday and Saturday!
A night for under $500? Sleep on urban turf — Taichung’s new youth hostel opens
Isn’t it adorable? PerBed uses artificial turf instead of carpet and has built little tents on the turf—feels like stepping into a magical childhood playground. There’s even a hammock setup like this—one that actually sways when you sit on it. Super unique, right?! But I wonder if rolling over in the middle of the night might make you feel dizzy from the “bed”! Also, there are power outlets designed right under the beds—pretty thoughtful.