Not sure what to eat today? This humble yet cozy shop in Taoyuan, “まいにち。日和” (Everyday. Hiyori), instantly puts you at ease with its simple yet charming interior. The food here is no less impressive—their signature grilled rice balls and hot-pressed toast are must-tries. Though the portions may seem small, they’re surprisingly filling—even guys won’t leave hungry.
Japan’s “Three” Vows by “Sea” feature the witness of lakes, the pledges of the seas, and the romantic whispers of water and moonflowers. Travel through one of Japan’s Three Views—Amanohashidate, the interconnected boat houses on Ine Bay, and the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village in Miyama Town, Kyoto. The grandeur of mountains and seas is breathtaking, and the beauty of traditional Japanese culture is fully embraced.
Just celebrating its second anniversary on July 26 this year, the Iyo-nada Monogatari is a brand-new pilgrimage route for railway enthusiasts. It runs along the most beautiful coastline of Ehime in Shikoku, allowing you to sit in comfortable carriages and enjoy the breathtaking, endless seascape. Below, the vehicles on National Route 378, leisurely cyclists, and the occasional speeding motorcycles seem to be racing across the sea. This unparalleled railway experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
The San’in and San’yō regions of Japan have been peaceful and prosperous since ancient times, boasting unique natural scenery and preserving rich cultural heritage: Okayama Korakuen Garden, ranked among Japan’s Three Great Gardens; Adachi Museum of Art, which received three stars from the Michelin Guide in 2015... and many more historic sites that together tell the remarkable story of this land.
The Senbang Group, which started with “Laya Burger,” has spotted a business opportunity in Taiwan’s burger market and has newly introduced a steak-grade brand called “Selfish Burger Kha Burger.” It emphasizes that the burger patties are made from fresh U.S. Choice grade beef cuts, with an 8:2 fat-to-lean ratio, ground and cooked to order. The first branch is located near the MRT Taipei City Hall Station (Exit 101 World Trade), with average burger prices ranging between NT$200 and NT$290.
After visiting the Rockefeller Observatory, I made time to head up to the Empire State Building Observatory. Though both tickets are pricey and both offer views of Manhattan, the architectural significance and vantage points are distinct. Unable to choose between them, I decided to do both—after all, who knows when I’ll be back in New York next?
Touted as the largest in New Taipei City, the new cultural and creative night market located next to Jiangzicui Riverside Park in Banqiao was originally scheduled to open in June but was postponed due to not fully passing inspections. Now the opening date has been confirmed: November 11th. Not only will there be a fireworks show starting at 5 p.m. that day, but all visitors to the night market will receive raffle tickets. At 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., 11 foldable bikes will be given away via lottery during each of those three time slots. Over the course of three consecutive days, 100 foldable bikes will be awarded.
At the end of October, Japan’s ONE PIECE announced that the first officially licensed overseas “One Piece themed restaurant” will be located in Taipei’s Dongcheng District, Taiwan. It seems the restaurant is currently in intense preparation, and although the opening date has yet to be confirmed, the official Facebook page has already released photos of three tasting menu items and some interior shots of the restaurant.
Traveling solo isn’t really anything new these days, but even with all the information available online, many people still run into trouble on their trips. Being alone gives you freedom, but it also means there’s no one to turn to when things go wrong. The smart travel website SmarterTravel suggests one essential lie to tell while traveling solo — it can be surprisingly useful in many situations. Everyone might want to take note.
Trains running along mountain routes usually require tunnels to be dug through both sides of the mountain to allow passage. But at “Kaifu Station” in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, you’ll only see a tiny railway track standing alone not far from the station — with the huge mountain above it nowhere to be found. This unusual sight has made this unmanned station an overnight sensation, becoming a popular photo spot for many train enthusiasts.
The National Palace Museum announced on the 11th a trial program offering free admission to residents of “Chiayi County and City” at its Southern Branch. Starting from November 15 this year, residents of Chiayi can enter the museum free of charge by simply presenting their ID.
The 2nd Taoyuan City Flower Color Festival in 2016 kicked off on November 12th in five floral zones including Zhongli, Daxi, Luzhu, Dayuan, and Pingzhen. The city’s Agriculture Bureau noted on the 11th that due to this year’s weather conditions, the flower seas have not bloomed as scheduled, but unlike the first edition of the festival, various distinctive land art installations have been placed within the flower fields. The public is welcome to come admire the flowers and also enjoy the land art, dancing alongside the flower seas.
How long has it been since you last sent a letter? Last year, the leaning postbox—knocked askew by a falling signboard during Typhoon Soudelor—aroused nostalgic memories of the postal service among many Taiwanese. As times progress, sending letters is no longer part of everyday life. Yet rather than disappearing, post offices have evolved with the times, creating local characteristics and attracting visitors eager to take photos and check in.
After settling into Sinyi Breeze in late 2015 and operating steadily for nearly a year, Dim Sum Breeze’s second branch—Breeze North Railway Station—is set to officially open on November 13. In addition to the original menu, three new dishes will be introduced: Scallion Oil Chicken Chop Rice Noodles, Crispy Pork Floss Cheung Fun, and Scrambled Egg Beef Rice. These three items will be exclusive to the Breeze North Railway Station branch.
Changhua’s fan-shaped roundhouse is not only Taiwan’s only fan-shaped “locomotive hotel,” but also a precious treasure of the island’s railway culture. This historically and culturally significant depot specializes in housing and maintaining vintage steam locomotives that have withstood the test of time, making it one of the must-visit pilgrimage sites for railway enthusiasts across Taiwan.
Close your eyes and listen to the melodies of the forest. I imagine crossing over mountains, and I also imagine galloping across vast grasslands. I believe in the wild, unrestrained dreams of splendor, and I also believe that under the starry sky of LOVE Camping, there are the most sincere smiles, chance encounters, and sweet memories with you.
A recent YouTube video about the completion of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família has caused quite a stir online. Through 3D visuals, travelers can see what the decades-in-construction building will look like once finished, although the actual completion is still expected around 2026.
Drawn by enthusiastic online reviews, I made a special trip to Lv’s Potstickers next to RT-Mart in Yonghe. Open all afternoon — my favorite dining time.
RALLY NIPPON’s collection of vintage Japanese cars arrived at the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industry Park—built during the Japanese colonial period—at 14:40–16:00 on November 12. The entrance of 67 classic vintage cars was warmly welcomed by the public, who eagerly took out their cameras to capture these rare and iconic sights.
Organized by Taitung County Government, the Xingang Fishing Association, and other entities, the “Xingang Melody: Riding the Waves in Search of Sailfish & Navel Oranges” Slow Travel – 105 East Coast Sailfish Festival & Navel Orange Festival event kicked off with the opening ceremony of the Sailfish Festival, which was held grandly this (12th) afternoon in the parking lot in front of the Xingang Fishing Association in Chenggong Township. The event featured award presentations and sailfish auctions with tastings.