Travel
Step into Japanese street-style photos instantly — Kura Sushi’s first-ever “street-front store” in Taiwan officially opens!
Japan’s renowned conveyor belt sushi chain “Kura Sushi” has officially opened its first-ever street-front store in Taiwan on the 18th, Up!, with its first location in Taiwan situated in Taichung. The store features a traditional Japanese kura (earthen storehouse) architectural design, giving visitors the feeling of being right in Japan. Here, you can enjoy sushi to your heart’s content and snap stylish, Japan-inspired street photos.
Taipei Japanese-style Yakitori Izakaya – The Overpowering Whisky-Flamed “Fire Chicken”
I recently found out that a very Japanese-style yakitori izakaya opened in Taipei’s East District, and it even has a tatami area, which really intrigued me. So, during a business trip to Taipei, I came here to eat with some friends. The location of Tanjun Japanese Izakaya is right in between Zhongxiao Dunhua Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing Station on the MRT, so it’s convenient from either station. We exited from Exit 8 of Zhongxiao Dunhua Station.
How to choose a European tour operator? 8 Q&As to help you avoid wasting money
Apart from airfare, the biggest cost is accommodation. The difference between accommodation and airfare is that airfare doesn’t offer “or similar,” but accommodation does. Whether a hotel is in the suburbs or the old town affects how much time you spend commuting in and out of the city—anywhere from an hour less to two or three hours more per day. The price difference between a five-star hotel in the suburbs and a convenient old town location can be at least 2,000 to 10,000 yuan per day. And that’s not even considering when they just say “or similar”—can different hotels, standards, decor, and cultural experiences really be the same?
Foguangshan 3D Light Show Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Founding & Welcomes Lunar New Year with a Month-Long Lantern Festival
Not sure where to travel during the Lunar New Year? Why not visit Foguangshan to welcome the New Year? In 2017, marking the 50th anniversary of Foguangshan’s founding and the upcoming Lunar New Year, this year (2017) Foguangshan will hold a month-long Lantern Festival from January 28 to February 25 under the theme “Fame Shines Across the Heavens.” Additionally, the long-running fireworks show will feature a “3D Light Sculpture Blessing Show” for the first time, inviting the public to celebrate the New Year together.
Why Taiwanese Are Obsessed with Tuscany – Travel Experts Recommend New Ways to Explore
Movies like *Stealing Beauty*, *A Room with a View*, and *Under the Tuscan Sun* have all left a lasting impression on our hearts with their romantic scenes. Beyond the dreamy settings, what else is a must-do when visiting Tuscany, Italy? Check out these expert-recommended new ways to explore the region.
Addicted after one bite！Must-try authentic crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside “stinky tofu” in Yuli, Hualien
In Yuli, Hualien, there’s a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside “stinky tofu” that only locals know about. This unassuming roadside stall sees a constant stream of customers in the small town of Yuli. Now in its 51st year, the second-generation owner, Mr. Yang, took over from his mother and has been tirelessly perfecting the recipe to make the stinky tofu even more delicious — adjusting everything from the soy sauce to the pickles to achieve the perfect balance. The result is such tasty stinky tofu that customers have excitedly said they’re “addicted after just one bite”!
Do you like braised pork rice? 10 must-visit braised pork rice shops in the Greater Taipei area
What is the most iconic Taiwanese snack? Aside from stinky tofu, most people would say braised pork rice. From roadside stalls to high-end restaurants across Taiwan, you can find a steaming bowl of aromatic braised pork rice almost anywhere. If you’re a fan of braised pork rice, these 10 renowned spots in the Greater Taipei area are absolute must-visits.
Zhongli’s soul-crushing ice cream delight—Taiwanese-style ice cream with rich sesame and peanut sauce
A “Zheng Fengsheng Trading Co.” in Zhongli, a shop specializing in grains and cereals, has become wildly popular for its homemade Taiwanese-style ice cream. Topped with thick peanut and sesame sauce and sprinkled with sesame, peanuts, and chocolate powder, it’s so tempting your mouth waters before the ice cream even melts.
Hokkaido’s Second Blue Pond Revealed: The Hidden Gem of “Tori-numa Park”
In summer, Furano boasts romantic purple lavender fields and rainbow-hued flower gardens, while in winter, it transforms into a silver-white world blanketed in snow. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful all year round. Today, the Matcha editorial team is uncovering a hidden gem in Furano—“Tori-numa Park.” This isn’t your ordinary park. Its marsh, Tori-numa, features water that constantly changes, making it a mysterious swamp. So, what secrets does Tori-numa hold?
"Wind City Fantasia" – Hsinchu Gets a Beautiful Makeover: The Moat Lights Up to Become a Magical Time Tunnel
Hsinchu nights have become truly romantic this year. "Celebrate a Great New Year in Hsinchu 2017," themed around "Wind City Fantasia," features installations along the city moat and East Gate Fort, using tree lights to create a poetic and dreamlike night scene. This innovative art light zone blends tradition with modernity. On the evening of the 20th at 6:30 PM, the lights will be switched on at Hsinchu’s 228 Peace Park. Visitors are invited to stroll beneath the art lights, soaking in the warmth, freshness, and brightness while experiencing a uniquely Hsinchu time tunnel together with family and friends.
Tigerair Taiwan launches its first flight to Busan, South Korea today! Operating three flights per week with exclusive gifts for passengers
Tigerair Taiwan officially inaugurated its second Korean route from Taoyuan International Airport today (19th). In the initial phase, three flights will operate weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Tigerair Taiwan also held a routine inaugural flight photo ceremony in the Taoyuan Airport terminal. Passengers on the inaugural flight not only received specially designed commemorative postcards from Tigerair, but also a Korean tourism guide and a map, each provided by the Korea Tourism Organization.
Seoul’s popular Korean beef specialty store – the marbling melts in your mouth, incredibly tender!
This Korean barbecue restaurant, Korea House, located in Hongdae, is already a fairly well-known spot, hailed as a must-visit pilgrimage site for VIPs, because BB has eaten here (been spotted here). However, Korea House was my second Korean beef experience during that trip. I had arranged to meet my friend from Hong Kong, Alice. My first Korean beef experience with my Hong Kong friend Alice was in Busan, which was a bit of a letdown. This time, we met up again in Seoul and went to another Korean beef place.
Biggest changes in 20 years！Market competition intensifies as Cathay Pacific undergoes major restructuring
Recently, Hong Kong media have extensively reported on news of Cathay Pacific's major restructuring. Due to organizational integration, there have been reports of potential layoffs and flight transfers. In response, Cathay Pacific issued an official statement on the evening of the 18th, stating that the company will indeed establish a new strategy and implement the largest reforms in 20 years. These include cross-functional integration, structural restructuring, and the creation of “a leaner structure focused on customers and their needs.”
Following Café de Flore, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi will introduce Hong Kong's Honolulu Coffee Shop
One of the world’s most beautiful cafés, Caffe Florian, is set to open by the end of March at the second floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi A9. In addition, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi will also bring in Hong Kong’s renowned “Honolulu Coffee Shop,” allowing visitors to enjoy classic cha chaan teng flavors without leaving Taiwan. The shop is expected to open in April or May at the B1 level of A11.
A must-visit sea of flowers for the New Year!“Flowers in Changhua” at Xizhou Park on the first day of the Lunar New Year
The “Flowers in Changhua” event, organized by Changhua County Government and ranked among the top ten Lunar New Year tourist attractions nationwide for two consecutive years, will grandly open at Xizhou Park in Changhua County from January 28 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) to February 5. In addition, the site will also feature floral carpet landscapes, bamboo art landscape tunnels, agricultural culture exhibitions, performances, local specialty product fairs, and special food zones. If you haven’t decided where to go for a spring outing during the New Year, why not head to Xizhou Park in Changhua to enjoy the flowers and welcome the new year?
ANA Star Wars characters unite in full force – C-3PO livery plane makes its Tokyo debut in March
Attention Star Wars fans – following R2-D2 and BB-8, the newest character C-3PO will now join Japan Airlines’ (ANA) fleet, completing the ultimate reunion. Introducing the latest Star Wars-themed livery plane, the “C-3PO ANA JET,” featuring the iconic color scheme and beloved elements of C-3PO. It will make its inaugural flight on ANA621 from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Kagoshima on March 21, 2017. Going forward, this aircraft will be regularly operated on various domestic routes in Japan.
A Touch of Red in Winter: Taitung Creates a Millet Landscape and Launches the “Can’t-Live-Without-You” Tour Package
To promote a cross-sector demonstration project integrating rural revitalization with industrial development in Taitung, and to boost the growth of the region’s specialty crop—“red quinoa”—on the Southeast Coast, the Taitung Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau held a press conference on the 20th to inaugurate the “2017 Taitung Red Quinoa Season.” In addition to showcasing the achievements of Taitung red quinoa in six-tier industrial development, the event also announced that February to March is the maturation and color-changing period for red quinoa. Visitors coming to Taitung during the Lunar New Year holiday are invited to explore tribal areas, admire the red quinoa fields, and taste red quinoa delicacies.
Tainan Moon Lake Harbor Lantern Festival: Hidden Eco-Art "Adventure in the Ice Age"
The Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau promotes resource recycling and reuse. In conjunction with the municipal government’s “2017 Moon Lake Harbor Lantern Festival” to welcome the Year of the Rooster, it has created paper-mache artworks such as “Adventure in the Ice Age,” “Egg Chicken Paradise,” “Butterflies Greeting the New Spring,” and “Finding Alice” using recycled waste materials. These pieces are cleverly hidden in corners of the lantern festival exhibition area, offering delightful surprises to visitors. Everyone is welcome to come and explore them.
Only 10 servings per day available！This rice ball lets you enjoy something extraordinary in simplicity
Located near MRT Liuzhangli Station, “Rice Vendor Cafe” is a coffee shop opened by “Rice Vendor Dining”. On a bright and sunny holiday, it’s the perfect spot to quietly sip coffee and pass the time. Through the window, you can see the lush trees and vibrant spring scenery of Quanan Park, instantly calming your mood.
Pochacco is opening a hot pot restaurant in Taichung – Ushi no Tane Forest Hot Pot begins trial operations on January 24
Attention Ushi no Tane fans in Taichung: the adorable Ushi no Tane characters are coming to town with a new hot pot restaurant. Following the success of the Ushi no Tane-themed "Ushi no Tane's Secret Garden Café & Light Meals," which opened in 2014 and sparked a wave of themed dining, the next location after two stores in Taipei will be the hot pot-themed "Ushi no Tane Forest Hot Pot" in Taichung. Trial operations are scheduled from the evening of January 24 to January 27.