Travel
V Air celebrates launch of Taipei–Okinawa route with event giving away round-trip tickets for two
To celebrate the inaugural flight of its new Taipei–Okinawa route on July 1, V Air held the “V Bear Flies to Okinawa – Flight Attendants Say Yes, I Do!” event this afternoon (28th) in Taipei’s East District. The event featured the airline’s popular V Angels flight attendants and mascot V Bear interacting with the public for photos. Attendees could also participate in activities such as voting for the best couple to win round-trip tickets for two, and uploading photos to V Air’s Facebook page for a chance to win Okinawa flight tickets.
French pastries in Taipei’s hidden alleys！A lemon cake so sour it makes your eyes water
If you’re a sweet tooth, in a metropolis like Taipei, the options for desserts have never been lacking: French, Italian, American, Japanese, Taiwanese—sweet flavors from around the world, each with its own charm, all at your fingertips; whether it’s chain stores, boutique shops, home kitchens, or online group buys, all kinds of pastries are just a stone’s throw away.
Fewer Chinese tourists again！ Report says all “incentive tours” booked after May 20 suddenly canceled
Previously, there have been continuous reports about a significant drop in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan. Now, the magazine CommonWealth Magazine (Yuanjian) pointed out on the 27th that not only have group tours and independent travel decreased, but visit delegations have also been suspended, and even long-agreed “incentive tours” have been abruptly canceled without warning.
Feeling lost in life? A new vending machine on Yizhong Street serves bubble tea to help you find your courage.
Vending machines offering specialty drinks are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, this trend has quietly emerged on Yizhong Street in Taichung. Unlike other vending machines, this one features a literary and artistic vibe, centered around romance between men and women, hoping to inspire people with courage to move forward after enjoying a drink.
Taipei is so beautiful after all!
What images come to mind when you think of your hometown? Photographer Chen Borui, who once released the documentary "Taipei," recently selected highlights from the film, edited them into four one-minute short videos themed by the four seasons, and published them online. The response was equally enthusiastic. One netizen commented after watching: So Taipei is that beautiful!
A natural air-conditioned room in the great outdoors—Hsinchu’s new campsite surrounded by misty mountain scenery
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Last year’s visitor count surpassed DisneySea; Universal Studios Japan ranks fourth in the world
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) recently announced that in 2015, its attendance exceeded Tokyo DisneySea for the first time, ranking fourth globally—a one-place rise from the previous year. In fact, an earlier survey also showed that among the most popular Japanese tourist destinations for foreign visitors, USJ came in first, followed by Tokyo Disneyland.
Starting June 1st, you can take a bus to the "Stiletto Chapel" — super convenient when combined with the high-speed rail!
You can go directly to the Stiletto Chapel by bus!"Taiwan Tourist Shuttle—Salt Coast Line" will begin stopping at the Stiletto Chapel in Budai starting June 1st. There are bus stops at both the Chiayi HSR Station and the Chiayi Transfer Station where you can board directly for the Stiletto Chapel. In addition, holiday departure times have been adjusted to later hours, so you don’t have to wake up as early and can enjoy a more relaxed trip after a good night’s sleep.
Perry the Platypus, Minions, and Gudetama (Lazy Egg)! Five Cute Cartoon-Themed Foods in Tainan
There are countless cartoon characters, from the wildly popular Gudetama, Minions, and the Three-Eyed Monster to others—all with adorable looks that have won over fans. Beyond merchandise, these characters have now made their way onto plates as food items too. Styletc Le Fashion has specially compiled a list of five must-try cartoon-themed foods in Tainan. But are you really willing to eat them?
Get a sneak peek at New Taipei’s “Bubble Domes”! Night views that resemble glowing crystal balls in the dark
The Bali Cultural Park Camping Area, operated under contract by the High-Level Beach Management Office of New Taipei City Government, has recently introduced Taiwan’s only “Bubble Domes,” becoming a hot topic among netizens recently. Following an earlier inside look at the interiors of the Bubble Domes, ETtoday EBC News is exclusively bringing readers a nighttime view of the Bubble Domes. With warm lights shining outward from within, they look like giant crystal balls resting gently on the earth, adding an extra touch of romance.
Add Oreo and marshmallows — Taiwan’s shaved ice gets a K-pop twist as “grilled ice cream”
The “shaved ice,” which was once popular in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, quickly became a craze due to its unique preparation method and appearance. Recently, a similar dessert has emerged in Korea and been given the new name “grilled ice cream.” It has recently become the hottest sweet treat on the streets, with both locals and tourists eager to hop on this new food trend.
Japan’s one-month-only “Hydrangea Garden” – Tens of thousands of hydrangeas bloom along the hillside
Colorful and vibrant hydrangeas are among the most beautiful sights of early summer in Japan. In Morohara City, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, there is a renowned hydrangea viewing spot called “Hattori Nouen Hydrangea Yashiki,” where over 10,000 hydrangeas are in full bloom from June 1 until early July.
Late-night budget eats in Yuanlin: sweet-savory and mildly spicy preserved plum pork belly rice
After resting at the hotel until evening, I went out alone to look for food, planning to eat something and then take some back for J. I’ve always felt that the city center of Yuanlin is a nightmare to park during peak nightlife hours. Ideally, it’s better to ride a ubike or borrow a hotel bicycle, but it was drizzling on and off that day. It seems every time I come to Yuanlin, it happens to be raining, so I ended up driving.
The filling bursts out of the sandwich in a wild overflow—meet the “landslide” sandwich that’s bursting with ingredients.
While more expensive and refined dishes exist, high-value, cost-effective meals tend to win over the public. One food business has developed a landslide sandwich so packed with fillings that it overflows, leaving customers amazed and their appetites stirred at the sight.
Is Japan’s consumption tax hike postponed again? Abe considers delaying it by two and a half years
Is Japan’s consumption tax hike likely to be postponed again? The consumption tax in Japan was originally scheduled to increase in April 2017 from the current 8% to 10%, but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently indicated that he may consider delaying the hike by two and a half years, with the new rate expected to take effect in October 2019.
Spend a night at a countryside homestay in Hokkaido and experience authentic farm food and heartfelt hospitality
The Japanese TV show "One Night Farm Stay" has become hugely popular, perhaps because many city dwellers, long immersed in noisy and hectic environments, yearn for a moment of peace and the simple warmth of human connection. At "Yanagihara Farm" in Nagamatsu Town, Hokkaido, life is just that—simple and genuine. The family raises their own cattle and grows crops, cooking meals straight from what they harvest. Visitors here can not only enjoy an authentic farm life and delicious home-cooked meals but also cherish the small joy of sharing meals together.
The most delicious in Kyoto!! Fluffy and delicate "Honey Pancakes"
I fell in love with them the first time I tried the pancakes at the Shinzosuke branch, Cafe Rhinebeck, back in 2012. Shinzosuke’s pancakes are hailed as the most delicious in Kyoto. I’ve visited the branch about five or six times since then. I had thought about coming to the main store before, but I missed it because I misread the closing time. Recently, I finally got the chance to visit again.
Head straight to Maokong now that Taipei’s “Maokong Gondola” has completed its maintenance and will resume service on June 1!
After 23 days of annual major maintenance, Taipei’s Maokong Gondola is finally nearing completion. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation announced that the gondola will resume operations starting June 1.
You haven’t really been to Aomori if you haven’t tried its famous train bento!
The bento I’m introducing today is called “Baccha Gosho,” a true “Heritage of Tsugaru Cuisine” that condenses the local food culture of Aomori Prefecture into one compact box. It can be purchased on the 2nd floor exit of Aomori Station. If you ask the sales clerk which bento is the most delicious and popular, she will definitely recommend this one!
Head to Beitou during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday for a "mountain retreat" and enjoy a stress-relieving, purifying spa experience.
With the Dragon Boat Festival drawing near, many people have already started planning their holiday trips. To coincide with the holiday, The Lihxi Hotel, located at the “highest point” in Beitou District, Taipei City, is offering a variety of special promotions from June 8 to June 12, inviting travelers to escape the heat in the mountains.