In recent years, the Japanese government has focused on tourism to revive the economy and attract global visitors, but at the same time, locals are reaching their limit. Just from Taiwan alone, hundreds of flights head straight to major Japanese cities every day — not to mention travelers from other regions. How many tourists can a place like Kyoto accommodate in a single day? Poor behavior, especially after they leave, leaves behind disaster-like conditions in public restrooms.
The topic of Taiwan-themed restaurants never seems to fade. Following the Gudetama-themed restaurant, Taipei City has recently added three new themed restaurants that can heal fans. One of them, ㄇㄚˊㄎㄨㄟˋㄅㄧㄥˇㄇㄧㄣˊㄊㄨㄥˇ, is the first in Taiwan to feature LINE stickers as the main characters, which are also characters created in Taiwan. There’s also a Moomin-themed restaurant, and an upcoming limited-time Powerpuff Girls-themed restaurant.
No time off? Can’t travel far? Still want to cool off with some water fun? ETNEWS has specially selected 3 water play spots in Taipei City that you can reach by bus or MRT—super convenient. These include an ultra-exciting 4-story waterslide and free-entry water play areas—all in this one article.
Awaji Island, part of Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination known for Tadao Ando’s “Awaji Yumebutai” and the “Church on the Water,” hailed as a dream wedding church choice worldwide. Now, Kansai Airport has launched new regular flights to Awaji Island, with travel time of just one hour.
Churches and castles bring together European elements that are truly enchanting. In fact, Taiwan has quite a few European-style buildings too—you can feel like you’re in a foreign land without flying halfway around the world. ETNEWS Travel Cloud rounds up five hidden European-style scenic spots across Taiwan, where the dreamy scenery will have your camera working non-stop. Don’t forget to clear some memory space before you go!
A relaxing and luxurious cruise is a top choice for many travelers going on holiday abroad. Dream Cruises has announced that its ship, the Genting Dream, will depart from Singapore as its homeport starting November 16 this year, launching brand-new routes and travel experiences. To give guests a deeper exploration of Singapore, the cruise line has created a Sea & Land Double Stars package, allowing passengers to not only enjoy the lavish onboard facilities but also spend an extra two days exploring the wonders of Singapore on land.
The former site of ‘Little Gathering食堂’ in Hsinchu has now been transformed into a new mulberry Korean食堂, featuring a retro Korean-style colorful industrial interior. Everyone knows I have a “Korean stomach” — whenever I get smitten by the oppas in K-dramas, I crave Korean food to fill that emotional void. Hmm!? Fellow K-food fans in Hsinchu, I highly recommend this spot. Aside from being super Instagrammable, the dishes here are creative and generous in portion.
If you’re tired of trendy ice treats, why not revisit the classic taste of old-fashioned mung bean congee? Tucked away in a lane on Yitong Street in Taipei, a shop famous for selling mung bean congee called “Mung Bean Congee What’s Up” is always packed with diners. Even more eye-catching is that you can add “cat paw dumplings” to any dessert for an extra charge — a round, pink cat paw added to your icy treat, which is simply adorable just to look at!
Bon Voyage!We simply love the French Azure Coast, along with its seamless sky, sea, and land~If your trip to France has only taken you to Paris, doesn’t it feel like something’s missing?! HowToTrip’s “17-Day Grand Tour of Spain & Southern France (Including Monaco & Monte Carlo)” is perfect for travelers who’ve only been to Paris but not Southern France, and also ideal for those who haven’t yet explored the vibrant country of Spain!Set off during this year’s National Day holiday!
The world of the Southern Hemisphere starts with a trip to New Zealand!With its 100% natural purity, New Zealand’s majestic landscapes have served as filming locations for many famous movies and are also a globally renowned romantic honeymoon destination. The popular show "Where Are We Going, Dad?" also featured celebrity families enjoying New Zealand, making it a playground loved by both adults and children!
Summer is made for beer – what else would you do? And if you’re drinking beer, you’ve got to go to Germany. The annual Munich Oktoberfest, the world’s ultimate summer celebration, will grandly take place from Sept 16 to Oct 3 this year. Across a vast area of over 30 hectares, you’ll find massive outdoor amusement parks, colorful rides, more than ten beer tents, food stalls, traditional performances, and a joyful parade!
Not in the mood to go far during the holidays? What other little joys do Taipei locals have besides browsing bookstores, watching a movie, or visiting an exhibition? A picnic is actually a great option. When it comes to urban picnics in Taipei, most people first think of Huashan Grassland, but Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is also perfect for a summer picnic party. A hotel has launched a luxurious picnic combo limited to just three sets per day, making it easy for even the laziest among us to enjoy a picnic.
Located in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost part of Japan’s main island, this region is surrounded by the Tsugaru Strait, the Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean, making it possible to enjoy freshly caught seafood all year round. The waters where cold and warm currents meet are rich in diverse marine life, and Aomori is also Japan’s top producer of scallops. If you want to start your day with a hearty bowl of luxurious seafood rice, don’t miss out on the “All-You-Can-Eat Seafood N<” at Tsugaru Kawaguchi Market. With just one meal ticket, you can pick whatever you like and stack your own seafood skyscraper in your bowl!
In addition to classic Swiss attractions such as the five iconic peaks, the Aletsch Glacier (the first glacier), and the classical city of Bern, there’s now another healing destination: the “Home of the St. Bernard.” Visitors can get up close with over 30 St. Bernards here, and even go hiking with them, watching these adorable dogs run energetically through the Alps.
Miaoli boasts abundant natural landscapes and vast mountain forests. Popular sights such as hydrangeas, tung blossoms, and fireflies can all be seen here. ETNEWS has specially selected 5 unique homestays in Miaoli, offering everything from dreamy lake views and glass house rooms to five-star accommodations. Why not take a short vacation trip to Miaoli during your holiday?
Gontran Cherrier from France always gets creative on Bastille Day, celebrated annually on July 14. This year, on July 14, all Gontran Cherrier classic croissants will be transformed into the red, white, and blue colors of the French flag to celebrate the national holiday. The price remains the same at 45 NT dollars, and they will be baked at the same times as the original classic croissants—available for just one day only!
Summer is made for water fun! Many Japanese hotels feature swimming pools as their highlight to attract travelers during the hot season. Recently, Rakuten Travel announced the “Top 10 Pool Hotels in Japan,” with the top spot going to “Kisarazu Onsen Ryugu-jo SPA ‘Hotel Mikazuki Ryugu-tei.’” Not only does it offer a family-friendly waterslide, but its pool, just a stone’s throw away from the sunset sea view, also lets guests immerse themselves in the stunning scenery.
Before December 2016, the landmark of Zhuhai City on the Chinese mainland was the statue of the Fisher Girl on Lovers' Road. But starting from December 31, 2016, the Zhuhai Grand Theater, with its appearance resembling two large shells, became the city's new landmark. During the day, the theater has a white exterior like a shell, but at night, the giant twin shells become the main stage for a light show, changing into various colors, making it one of the most beautiful night scenes in Zhuhai.
What street snacks in Kenting are worth trying? Let local fans recommend them to you!When it comes to Kenting cuisine in Kaohsiung, locals are eager to shout — we’re not just about lamb!!! Of course, Kenting’s lamb is indeed amazing!But besides lamb, let’s take a look at some other affordable delicacies that are also worth a try!
Is going out on a rainy day a buzzkill? But the aftermath might bring unexpected surprises. The expansive beauty of Sun Moon Lake’s shimmering waters and surrounding mountains has long been a popular destination for travelers from home and abroad. Cycling under the sunny sky on a clear day lifts the spirits, and recently Nantou has often seen afternoon showers. Then, on the evening of the 12th, a huge semi-circular rainbow appeared over Sun Moon Lake, delighting and astonishing visitors.