The Russian poet Fyodor Tyutchev once said, “Russia cannot be understood with the mind alone, nor measured with a common yardstick.” Because of its boundless history and culture, only by visiting in person can one truly grasp the grandeur of this imperial nation.
This trip, like last year, brought me to Nagoya. While researching travel info beforehand, I discovered that the movie *Your Name* had opened a limited-time café in Nagoya, so I added it to my itinerary. The *Your Name* Café (君の名は。カフェ) brings iconic scenes and dishes from the film to life, accompanied by live music and screenings that let you relive the emotional impact of the movie — even more deeply.
Today (the 11th) is the Lantern Festival. Although the weather outside is a bit chilly, it adds even more atmosphere to this annual celebration. Aside from remembering to eat tangyuan (sweet rice balls), two major Lantern Festival events in the Taipei and New Taipei areas are set to kick off this evening. The “West Side Carnival Parade” of the Taipei Lantern Festival will take over the streets of Ximending, with a variety of colorful and adorable floats making lively appearances to celebrate with the public. Meanwhile, the highlight of New Taipei City’s festivities, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, will launch its first batch of sky lanterns at 6 PM, ushering in an entire night of exciting performances.
I really enjoy drawing the North District, and my favorite illustrations and scenes include — Port Town 13th Place Shuangshi Branch, Taichung Park, and the original store of Fengren Ice (I love the simple, authentic Taiwanese vibe of this shop).
It doesn’t seem very common to see black-colored food on the table. But a hotel chain has gone against the trend at its Tokyo location in Japan, launching an ultra-special “black afternoon tea” menu, where all the dishes are based on dark-colored ingredients. It’s definitely intriguing to wonder what they taste like!
The highly anticipated "2017 Taiwan Lantern Festival" officially kicked off today! This year, the two major lantern areas in Huwei and Beigang cover a total of 50 hectares, making it the largest lantern festival in history. In the evening, President Tsai Ing-wen personally presided over the lighting ceremony, where the dazzling "Phoenix Coming in Grace" emitted a magnificent glow, symbolizing Taiwan’s journey into a new era. The subsequent 500-second fireworks display lit up the entire lantern area. The event will run until February 19 and is expected to attract 10 million visitors.
The “2017 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival” officially kicked off at Shifen Square. On the joyous occasion of the Lantern Festival, which symbolizes reunion and happiness, the lantern was jointly released by New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu, Mr. Makoto Numata, representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (a public interest incorporated foundation) participating in the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival for the first time, and three deputy mayors of New Taipei City. The large-scale main lantern was collaboratively created by over a hundred children aged 6 to 12 from Shifen Elementary School in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, and Taipei Japanese School.
Located under the Dali River Bridge in Taichung, this hidden miniature world offers a brand-new space tucked beneath an elevated expressway. It not only catches the eye of passersby but has even attracted tourists from Singapore who took taxis specifically to visit. These miniature versions of early Taiwanese rural houses, all built from stacked stones, were created bit by bit over three years by a hobbyist artist, Uncle Li, who is in his sixties.
Valentine’s Day can be especially tough for singles. You don’t want to witness PDA, and you’re dying to find love. Here’s how to spend Valentine’s Day as a single person. ETtoday Ettoday News Cloud recommends several ways for singles to enjoy the day, helping you feel like you’ve got sunglasses on – keeping all the couples’ PDA out of sight!
At the start of 2017, a highly Korean-inspired blue-and-white American breakfast café, “Feed Me Breakfast,” opened in Taipei. In just two short weeks of trial operation, the café has attracted many visitors with its uniquely creative American breakfasts and fresh, eye-catching decor, becoming a highly talked-about restaurant on Instagram recently.
There are various theories about the origin of the daruma doll. Some say it was introduced from China to temples in Nagasaki, while others claim it was adapted from a toy called "tobikake koboshi." The daruma doll already existed during the Edo period, but it later evolved by taking inspiration from the real-life "Bodhidharma," rapidly gaining widespread popularity.
The night sky and earth spin through the lens. My camping world, with a wide aperture, tries to find little asteroids drifting in the mysterious cosmos. Just close your eyes and listen in silence. That 30-second shutter rhythm holds sweet secrets between you and me on this night.
When it comes to must-visit attractions in Sendai, the so-called largest aquarium in northeastern Japan, the “Sendai Umi no Mori Aquarium” (Sendai Ocean Forest Aquarium), is a great destination for families. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port, combining fun and shopping, allowing you to spend the whole day here. This article rounds up 5 must-see highlights of the Sendai Ocean Forest Aquarium, giving readers a simple introduction to this beautiful marine world.
France has long been famous for its champagne and red wine, but recently a rare and highly praised whisky bar opened in Paris. Named Golden Promise, this bar is located in the basement of a restaurant and is renowned for its collection of over 1,000 whiskies.
As a cold wave hits and temperatures drop to 10°C, there's no better time for a hot spring soak. ETtoday EBC News has rounded up 6 hot spring restaurants in Taipei’s Yangmingshan and Beitou areas where you can dine and soak for as low as NT$300. Immerse yourself in warm, comforting waters to chase away icy fingers and toes, then treat yourself to a delicious meal — truly a little slice of happiness.
With the recent cold snap, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of dumplings. Located in Taichung, Shuangfu Handmade Desserts has become one of the city’s most popular sweet shops in less than a year, thanks to its generous portions and abundant toppings.
Paripari apt., jointly established by st1 cafe and Bird Fly Antiques, combines antiques, coffee, and a homestay experience. I was filled with anticipation when I first heard about this project—feeling certain it would be something truly special. During their intensive renovation period, I even snuck in for a peek (I happen to know the owner of st1, and it’s all about who you know). The final result truly lives up to the hype.
With its playful pink-and-blue exterior and a charming wooden cabin pieced together like “Howl’s Moving Castle,” this building that looks like it belongs in a storybook town isn’t a new tourist attraction — it’s the real deal when it comes to handmade wood-fired pizza! Luau 0? Pizza Chailiao Pizza in Hsinchu boasts a unique and spacious setting, featuring not only dining areas but also plenty of outdoor spaces. The taste of its handmade wood-fired pizza is simply outstanding, making it a must-visit destination!
This "Da Tie Dou Hua" (Iron-Forged Tofu Pudding) is quite well-known in Taichung, and its specialty is serving tofu pudding in cute lunchboxes shaped like smiling faces—just looking at them can bring a smile to your face. According to the official website, Da Tie Dou Hua originated on Yongxing Street in Taichung and now has five branches in the city, with the newest "Zhongyou Branch" opening as recently as October 2016.
Eight Immortals Mountain was once selected as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Taiwan” during the Japanese colonial period, ranking alongside Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, and is also one of Taiwan’s three major forest farms. The park is home to about 1,000 mountain cherry trees, which are currently in full bloom. Peach and plum blossoms are also blooming in succession, painting a scene reminiscent of the Peach Blossom Spring depicted by Tao Yuanming, brimming with endless imagination.