Travel
Awesome！Geneva Airport starts using robots to check in luggage
As labor becomes more expensive, it also signals that the robot era may be approaching. In the travel scene, we’re gradually seeing these “partners.” According to Lonely Planet, Geneva Airport in Switzerland will start using robots to help passengers with their luggage Up！
Osaka's newly opened "cat + human" capsule hotel lets you nap with cats
Not just humans have capsule hotels. To protect stray cats, a business in downtown Osaka has launched a brand-new "Cat Nap Space CAT & BED & BOOK" ! It offers not only the chance to play with cats and enjoy drinks but also the unique experience of napping together in a space resembling a capsule hotel.
The "stunning contrast" of corrugated iron houses • Cananga trees in Taichung are in full bloom
It’s cananga season, and the cananga trees along Xingda Road in Taichung have also begun to burst into beautiful yellow blooms. Photographer Flying in the Sky used aerial photography techniques to capture the entire road transformed into a vibrant yellow scene. Viewed from above, the urban cananga trees reflect the surrounding concrete buildings and greenery, creating a striking visual contrast.
Thailand’s foremost celebrity chef Ian Kittichai guest stars at Marriott – specializes in Thai-Western fusion cuisine
Ian Kittichai, head chef of Issaya Siamese Club — the Thai restaurant ranked 19th on the 2016 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list — is known as Thailand’s top chef. He will be a guest chef at Garden Kitchen in Taipei Marriott Hotel from May 24 to May 29. Although Ian Kittichai personally favors the flavors of northeastern and northern Thailand, years of exposure to French cuisine have made him skilled at adapting Thai dishes to Western palates. His cooking is not as spicy as traditional Thai food. Lunch during his residency is priced at NT$2,980+10%, and dinner at NT$4,280+10%.
The King Angelfish Turned into Chunks of Meat: Divers Say Seeing One Abroad Costs Up to $100,000
Due to the personal greed of a Green Island homestay operator surnamed Chen, an endangered wild King Angelfish (also known as the Humphead Wrasse) was brutally killed. A veteran diving industry insider stated that habitats for the King Angelfish in the Philippines and Palau are mostly protected areas. Diving trips from Taiwan to see them can start at NT$30,000–50,000, and joining a Tubbataha diving tour could easily cost over NT$100,000.
Summer Limited Edition！Japanese Ramen Shops Introduce Zaru Soba & Cold Noodles
Nothing beats chilly eats on scorching summer days. When it comes to cooling foods, many think of cold noodles. In addition to dedicated cold noodle shops, many Japanese ramen spots are also rolling out authentic zaru soba and cold stir-fried noodles to beat the heat—no sweaty brows after eating.
Disney’s Super Cleaners at the Park: Drawing 30 Cartoon Characters with Just Water & a Broom
In most scenarios, cleaning staff might be the most unassuming supporting characters. Yet few people know that the cleaners at Tokyo Disneyland are actually one of the park’s most skillful main attractions. These cleaners don’t just learn how to sweep and collect trash—they also master the art of drawing cartoon characters on the spot using a broom. With just a puddle by the roadside in the afternoon or a bucket of mopping water, they can draw Mickey, Pluto, or Minnie in under two minutes.
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year — a popular Japanese restaurant at Tsukiji Market
When visiting Tokyo, Japan, how can you miss Tsukiji seafood? Pingzi would like to recommend Sushi Zanmai Main Store at Tsukiji Kyubey, a 24-hour chain sushi restaurant from Kyubey. No need to worry about it being closed on weekends or public holidays, and there's no need to get upset over long queues. Enjoy Tsukiji seafood for lunch or dinner any time of the year — it never closes, satisfying all your taste buds.
Taking a Selfie on the Death Railway Bridge, Tourist Gets Hit by Train and Fractures Ribs
"Selfies" have almost become a must-do activity for travelers everywhere, but safety should never be overlooked while taking them. Recently, a Japanese tourist was taking a selfie on the Death Railway Bridge when he failed to notice an approaching train, was knocked down, and fell off the bridge. In addition to head injuries, he also suffered fractures to six ribs.
Japan's FamilyMart goes all out: 24-hour gyms and self-service laundromats coming next year
Convenience store clerks in Taiwan are expected to be jacks of all trades—handling inventory, making bubble tea, and addressing customers' most unusual requests. The same applies in Japan, where FamilyMart has now announced plans to install self-service washing machines and gyms in its stores, both operating 24/7 to further diversify its services.
Come join a “trawling” adventure—and enjoy 1,000 free Shimen meat zongzi!
Do you know what “trawling” is? Trawling is a traditional fishing method where fishermen cast a net from the shore and then work together to pull it back in. This practice has become quite rare these days. On May 28th, Shimen District in New Taipei City will hold a “Shimen Trawling Music Festival and Zongzi Festival” at the Shimen coastline. In addition to sampling local specialties, the public can also experience the fun of trawling.
The pressure from chasing competitors continues to mount — The Lioho Hotel in Jiaoxi is next setting its sights on the family-friendly market.
In recent years, domestic hotel chains have been actively expanding into Yilan, with major players such as Regent, Grand Hyatt, Les Suites and Far Eastern already staking their claims. Facing strong competition from these heavyweight rivals, The Lioho Hotel in Jiaoxi is also feeling the heat. Coinciding with its 11th anniversary, the hotel has launched new plans targeting the family market by adding more child-friendly amusement facilities.
Airlines Launch New Membership Perks – World’s First “Flight Simulator” Experience
Both Singapore Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have announced new membership services today. KrisFlyer members of Singapore Airlines can redeem their accumulated miles for Premium Economy tickets, while China Eastern has newly launched a Platinum Card membership tier. Notably, China Eastern has also included a “flight simulator” experience in its membership benefits for the first time.
MURAKAMI HARUKI Fans, Don’t Miss It!“Murakami Haruki and Illustrator Exhibition” Opens in Tokyo on May 25
Readers who love Murakami Haruki know that most of his works are accompanied by illustrations, allowing readers to immerse themselves even deeper in his world. Among all collaborators, his work with Anzai Mitsumasa is especially extensive, including titles such as Murakami Haruki’s Essay Collection and Murakami Haruki’s Asahi Column. Recently, the Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo will gather illustrations from various Murakami Haruki works over the years for an exhibition — a must-see for fans.
6 Major Airlines Flying to Tokyo with Up to ¥5,000 Savings — Travel to Japan Before Summer Break Is Super Affordable
The period between winter and spring vacations and the peak summer season — May and June — is the off-peak time for overseas travel, prompting many airlines and travel agencies to roll out promotional deals to boost bookings. For popular destinations like Japan, which have ample flight availability and are favored by travelers, recent ticket prices are ¥2,000–¥5,000 cheaper than during peak season, making it a great opportunity to snag a bargain.
London’s First “Naked Restaurant” to Open in June — 30,000 Bookings Already!
If there are already nudist camps and nude beaches, then a “nude restaurant” shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? According to Time Out, London’s new pop-up nude dining experience, The Bunyadi, will break away from conventional eating habits by “liberating” the body and enjoying meals in the nude!
Freebies are gone for good. New Taipei City museums to charge NT$80 per person from July
New Taipei City’s public museums, which have offered free admission for five years, will reinstate ticket fees starting July 1 to improve the visitor experience. The standard fare will be NT$80 per person.
The entire slope has turned golden yellow ! The golden needle flowers in Meishan, Chiayi are "in full bloom"
The golden needle flower park at Hengshanping Leisure Area in Meishan, Chiayi has entered its flowering season, with vast fields of yellow golden needles in full blossom. Rows of golden needle flower seas stretch along both ends of the road. Travelers planning to admire the golden needle flowers may want to visit during the holidays.
Hualien’s Giant Watermelons: Limited-Edition “Green Diamond” This Summer – 3 Tips to Pick the Best
Hualien’s giant watermelons are sweet, juicy, and famed as the “Green Diamond.” This year, due to unusual weather conditions, their harvest is delayed by 1 to 2 weeks compared to previous years. The first batch is expected to gradually hit the market in late May. We’ve got 3 tips to help you pick the best watermelons, and we also suggest not storing them in the fridge for too long — they’re best enjoyed about three days after harvest for peak flavor.
Take on low-cost carriers head-on: China Airlines launches “No Luggage Tickets” starting at NT$5,000 (tax excluded) to Tokyo
To compete with low-cost airlines, China Airlines introduces new “Joy GO” travel options from tomorrow (May 25), targeting budget travelers, backpackers, light travelers, and DIY travel enthusiasts. Passengers can decide for themselves whether to check in luggage, smartly managing their travel costs while still enjoying China Airlines’ premium onboard services. The first wave features popular routes among Taiwanese travelers: Taipei Taoyuan – Tokyo Narita, with round-trip flight tickets starting at just NT$5,100 (tax excluded) for an effortless trip.