Travel
A marine ranch in Penghu that doesn’t raise cattle or sheep — experience fishing with a rod, oyster feasting to your heart’s content
At most ranches, people watch cows, feed sheep, and drink milk, but have you ever tried fishing, eating fish, and grilling oysters at a ranch? In Penghu, not only should you know how to enjoy seafood, but you should also know how to cast a fishing rod. The floating marine ranch is the perfect place for such an experience. Aside from enjoying the thrill of fishing, you can also indulge in an imperial-level feast of all-you-can-eat oysters.
Ultra-luxury braised pork rice set meal – One serving for NT$800 lets you experience a lost traditional flavor
What does braised pork rice look like in your memory? Most people might enjoy a bowl of braised pork rice for just a few coins, but this time, the Mi Xiang Taiwanese Cuisine Restaurant at Taipei Marriott Hotel has launched the “Luxury Vintage-Style Braised Pork Rice Set Meal” priced at NT$800. It uses premium rice and fresh ingredients to highlight the value of this bowl of braised pork rice.
The Guanziling Hot Spring Festival 550-TWD package is a huge hit — second wave of pre-sales now open for ticket grabbing!
Want to experience the Japanese vibe of wearing a yukata and soaking in hot springs without spending a fortune on overseas travel? Head to the Tainan Guanziling Hot Spring & Food Festival instead. Kicking off on September 24, the festival offers an unbeatable deal covering transportation, food, and hot spring bathing for just NT$550, which immediately caused a buying frenzy upon launch. Don’t be discouraged if you missed out on tickets — the limited 300-unit special offer has just opened for online pre-sales in its second wave.
2017 Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide Released – One Fewer Three-Star Restaurant, Now 10 in Total
The 2017 Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide was announced on the 18th, with a total of 419 restaurants receiving stars. Among them, 186 restaurants in the Kyoto area earned stars, while 233 in the Osaka area were starred. A total of 10 restaurants received three-star ratings, with 7 in Kyoto remaining unchanged, and 3 in Osaka—down by one from last year—because Fujiya 1935 dropped from three stars to two this year.
Hard to source ingredients anymore — Hong Kong’s famed “Thirteen Stalls Tripe” decides to temporarily bid farewell to Taiwan
What a shame, there will soon be fewer chances to enjoy authentic Hong Kong-style tripe in Taiwan. The well-known tripe shop from Hong Kong, “Thirteen Stalls Tripe,” located in Shilin Night Market, recently posted on Facebook an announcement about its temporary closure, stating that due to difficulties sourcing ingredients in Taiwan, it will temporarily cease operations starting at 11 p.m. on the 30th.
Go on a magical autumn leaves hunt ! 2016 Kyoto Maple Viewing “Complete Guide to Night Illuminations”
As autumn arrives, Japan’s annual maple leaf season, which moves from north to south, has quietly begun in Hokkaido. Kyoto has always been a popular city for maple viewing. In addition to admiring the brilliantly red leaves under the sunlight during the day, the night view of the maple leaves — transformed by illumination into a completely different, magical beauty — is also a highlight not to be missed. Below is a list of the illumination times for 21 “Kyoto Maple Viewing Night Light-Ups.” Consider adding them to your maple-chasing plans this year !
Bigger than your face – Regent Taipei introduces Sri Lankan crabs for the first time
Crab season in autumn: Regent Taipei has launched a series of autumn crab dishes starting today. On the third floor, Regent Chinese Restaurant draws inspiration from guest celebrity chefs’ private recipes to present “Flame-Grilled Crab” and “Cantonese Premium Seafood Soup.” Meanwhile, the 21st-floor Regent International Club and The Palace Museum Regent have gathered Taiwan’s locally abundant crabs such as virgin crabs, large male sand crabs, and large female sand crabs, recreating classic Cantonese, Shanghai, and Chaozhou-style crab dishes. At the same time, in November, Regent will introduce for the first time “Mega Sri Lankan Crabs” that are bigger than a human face and “OMG Sri Lankan Prawns” that are too big to hold with one hand.
Kin Ramen, famous for its chicken white broth, opens its 2nd branch in Taipei 101
Kin Ramen, known for its chicken bone broth in Akita, Japan, landed in Taiwan in December 2015 (last year). Its first store in Taiwan opened at Huatai Premium Outlets in Taoyuan, and now it is set to open its second branch in Taipei 101. Staff for both front and back of house positions are currently being recruited for the Taipei 101 location.
The longest fireworks show of New Year's Eve 2017 is coming to E-DA World – a 999-second spectacle challenging Taiwan’s record!
Have you decided where to ring in the New Year yet? The 2017 E-DA World countdown event will light up the night sky of the harbor city with the longest and most spectacular fireworks display in Taiwan. Themed “2017 Purple Glory E-DA, Love You to the Infinite,” the celebration will feature a dazzling fireworks show lasting 999 seconds at midnight on December 31, 2016, at E-DA World!
One of Japan’s Pokémon Go sacred sites – Tottori Dunes has over 100 PokéStops
Located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, Tottori Dunes is not only the largest sand dune in the country but also a “Pokémon-catching paradise” for players, as it alone features 87 PokéStops, and with additional nearby ones, the total exceeds 100. Could it be that Tottori Dunes has an unusually high number of collaborations with The Pokémon Company?
Taiwan’s hottest wall — all your IG artsy photos are taken on these stairs!
The National Taichung Theater was designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Its beamless, column-free curved wall technique is recognized in the industry as one of the “most difficult buildings in the world to construct.” Upon its completion, even Reuters rated it as the “9th new landmark in the world.” But even Toyo Ito himself probably never imagined that the long outdoor staircase outside the grayish-white walls would become such a powerful backdrop for photos.
Several JiMi-themed electric buses hit the road! Via Su’ao Port and Tofu Cape — free for the first 3 days
Following the JiMi-themed buses in Yilan City, there are now JiMi buses Up in the Su’ao area too! To boost local tourism, State-run Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport Co., Ltd. has launched the “JiMi Painted Electric Bus” in the Su’ao area. Free rides are available from today until the 20th.
Tokyo’s Tenkaippin (Heavenly Beef Bowl) – A Legacy of Grandfather’s Secret Recipe for Edomae-Style Tenkaippin!
Kaneko Hannosuke is a renowned Tenkaippin spot in Tokyo. Compared to other traditional old shops, it knows even better how to attract customers. With delicious shrimp, conger eel, squid, and eggs all deep-fried and served in a bowl, the visually abundant Tenkaippin rice is unbelievable at just 950 yen.
Japanese online survey reveals top 10 most beautiful autumn views overseas—Taichung’s Gaomei Wetlands take the crown!
A well-known Japanese travel website, H.I.S., recently announced the top 10 results of its reader poll titled “I Want to Go There!: Overseas Autumn Scenery Ranking (行ってみたい！海外の秋の绝景ランキング),” with the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung topping the list, surpassing the autumn foliage of various countries around the world.
Hidden "Blue Tears" Secret Spot in Hualien — Azure Lake Surface Like a Divine Palette
The breathtaking beauty of Jiaming Lake in Taitung has drawn many to hike just to witness the so-called "Angel’s Tears," but now you don’t have to climb any mountains. In Guangfu Township, Hualien, there lies a "Blue Tears" secret spot lying flat on the earth. When sunlight shines upon it, the lake surface turns an incredible shade of blue, making it one of the most recommended hidden attractions by netizens in 2016.
KAGAYA’s Executive Chef from Japan Makes a Special Appearance at Beitou KAGAYA – A Gourmet Experience for Just NT$3,000
From November 17 to November 20, Beitou KAGAYA will host Uchitou Yuhi, the Executive Chef of “Wakura Onsen KAGAYA,” which has been ranked No. 1 in Japan’s prestigious “Hot Spring Inn Selection” for 36 consecutive years. During his visit, Chef Uchitou will bring premium ingredients from Ishikawa Prefecture and local Tohoku sake to Taiwan, introducing the “Noto Gastronomy Banquet” as a special daytime dining experience. In the evening, guests can also enjoy a traditional Japanese “Hōchō-shiki” (knife ceremony), which will be performed free of charge for all visitors.
Check-in desks and baggage carousels powered by solar energy — South Africa's airport goes green and eco-friendly
Is solar energy being used in airports, which are among the biggest energy consumers? Many people may be curious about this. According to the Lonely Planet website, George Airport in South Africa is the first in the country and the second in the world to operate on renewable energy, with power supplied through solar energy.
Enjoy wild stream fun！ Japan's Wakayama hidden hot spring spot — dig your own bath
In the cold of autumn and winter, soaking in a hot spring and enjoying the purifying waters is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Kawauchi Onsen not only offers traditional bathing, but also the rare experience of grabbing a shovel and digging your very own hot spring pool at your favorite spot along the riverbank.
Vietjet announces daily Taipei-Hanoi flights; Ho Chi Minh City–Kaohsiung route to launch by year-end
Vietjet Air held a new route announcement ceremony in Kaohsiung today (19th), unveiling two new routes: Taipei–Hanoi and Kaohsiung–Ho Chi Minh City. Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Shih Che stated at the event: “Kaohsiung boasts convenient land, sea, and air transport links, making it a key gateway for international tourists entering southern Taiwan. We hope that Vietjet Air will open more Vietnam–Kaohsiung routes in the future.”
Another choice for ramen lovers: 4 ramen shops recommended by the Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide
The 2017 Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide was announced on the 18th, with a total of 419 restaurants receiving stars, along with 232 “value-for-money restaurants” (Bib Gourmand, offering high-quality cuisine for under 5,000 yen), including 4 Japanese ramen shops on the list. Among them, Tōhichi is a newly selected ramen shop this year.