Travel
【Travelers' Notes】Tokyo's Human-Touched Shitamachi: Four Must-Visit Strolling Spots
Tokyo’s Edo-era commoner district "Shitamachi" exudes a more approachable charm compared to the city’s modern metropolis image. Hidden down its alleys are traditional folk houses whose traces of time bring people closer to the city. Exploring Shitamachi means strolling through the new artistic Left Bank of "Kiyosumi-Shirakawa," visiting aged folk houses weathered by time, listening to nostalgic stories, feeling the warmth of human connection, and discovering Tokyo’s most beautiful Shitamachi scenery.
Spring Outings, Lantern Festivals & Flower Fields: A Handy Guide to Events Across Taiwan
The new year has just begun, and exciting events are being held all over Taiwan, kicking off the year in the most beautiful way for travelers. Whether it’s the lantern festivals prepared for the Lantern Festival or the stunning flower fields, they all give us a...
Head to Tainan for a spring outing – Seven great itineraries featuring lantern festivals and flower appreciation to welcome the New Year
The Lunar New Year is approaching. Have you decided where to go for a spring outing to welcome the new year during the 9-day holiday? Below is a compiled “Tainan Holiday Travel Guide” for the New Year period. We invite everyone to take a spring trip to Tainan during the Year of the Monkey...
Don't miss Japan's cherry blossom season — Starbucks' cherry blossom series is now on sale
As Japan's annual cherry blossom season arrives, Starbucks in Japan releases a series of themed products every year, which become highly sought-after souvenirs among tourists. The information for Starbucks' 2016 cherry blossom collection has also...
Response to the Kaohsiung Earthquake – High-Speed Rail Spring Festival Transport Adjustment Information
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) has updated train operation status again in the evening of February 6. Details are as follows: Taichung Station – Zuoying Station Operational Schedule Adjustments Kaohsiung Earthquake – Operational Schedule Adjustments Tomorrow (7), will...
Taipei 101 lights up in support of Tainan after the earthquake, sending blessings to Taiwan
Whenever something major happens in Taiwan, Taipei 101 always uses its light displays to convey messages of encouragement, comfort, and prayer. After the major earthquake in Kaohsiung on February 6, which caused serious damage in Tainan, Taipei 101 also specially lit up its top section on the evening of February 6 with...
Emirates Airlines 2016: A Good Omen – Retains Title as the Most Valuable Airline Brand
Emirates Airlines, named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax, has once again been awarded the title of the world’s most valuable airline brand in 2016. According to the Global Brand Value Report published by UK-based brand consultancy Brand Finance...
Taipei Spring Festival Walk & Prayer Trip – Auspicious Itineraries for a Blessed New Year
As the annual Lunar New Year, a time for family reunions, approaches, Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism has specially curated a prayer-themed itinerary titled “Taipei Monkey-Cheek Lucky New Year Tour” to make the most of the 9-day holiday. Visitors to Taipei can follow this...
Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima Erupts; Alert Level Raised to 3
At 6:56 PM Japan time on February 5, the Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima, Japan, erupted, spewing large amounts of rocks and magma. ...
Impact of Kaohsiung Earthquake on Little New Year’s Eve: THSR Suspends Service South of Taichung
Due to the major earthquake in Kaohsiung at 3:57 AM on February 6, THSR has suspended service south of Taichung. A large number of passengers have crowded Taichung THSR Station, and connecting transfer services have reached their limit. THSR urges passengers heading to areas south of Taichung not to continue rushing to the station...
This is the perfect drink for Valentine's Day: Marriott's specially crafted aphrodisiac male and female soups
Taipei Marriott Hotel has just opened and is launching its "Mi Sugar Romantic Valentine's. Marriott's Touching Lovers' Night" for the first time, calling on couples everywhere to compose a sweet love story. From 2/12 to 2/14, the highlight is the NT$8,800...
No need to go abroad!
Become a mermaid and go diving in Taiwan
Realism and Vision: The "Hong Kong Trilogy" Speaks for Hong Kong
The [Hong Kong Trilogy] originated from a short film project at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The festival organizers invited Christopher Doyle to direct a short film as part of the "Beautiful 2014" short film series. This half-hour piece was originally titled...
Make a Wealth Wish at Zinan Palace – A Must-Visit Spot on Your Nantou Fortune-Seeking Day Trip
Every Lunar New Year, Nantou’s Zinan Palace attracts throngs of worshippers coming to pray for fortune money, hoping for a continuous stream of good luck in the year ahead. This Spring Festival, Zinan Palace has specially commissioned the design of uniquely shaped “money mothers” and golden chickens...
Pink Hues Everywhere – Tokyo Skytree’s Special Illumination Begins
To welcome cherry blossom season, Tokyo’s most iconic tourist attraction, Skytree, has implemented a special illumination from March 1 to April 10. Bathed in soft pink, cherry blossom-colored lights, it adds a...
A Light-Hearted Getaway to Recharge – Explore Six Hidden Gems in New Taipei
The nine-day Spring Festival holiday has come to an end, and many people have returned to work to prepare for the new year. But there may also be many who, although physically back at their desks, still have their minds wandering elsewhere. If you haven’t quite gotten back into the groove, why not take advantage of the weekend...
The North Gate Reclaims Its Splendor as Nearby Historic Sites Become Popular Attractions
After the removal of the approach ramp of the Zhongxiao Bridge, the full view of the first-class historic site, the North Gate (Cheng'en Gate), has been unveiled, drawing the attention of both tourists and Taipei residents. Many have flocked to the North Gate to take photos, and it’s common to hear visitors sharing their impressions of the gate and memories of life in the area—people of all ages show keen interest in this site that feels both familiar and surprisingly fresh. Additionally, the Taipei Post Office, located just across the street, has also become a focal point for visitors, making the two sites popular destinations as the Lunar New Year holiday draws to a close.
Adorably charming Ghibli fairy-tale town — meet the Kiki's Delivery Service bakery at Kiki’s Bread Shop
There’s a highly talked-about European-style village in Kyushu, Japan, where the adorable, fairy-tale-like streets attract many visitors every year. And if you're a fan of Hayao Miyazaki, this is a place you simply can’t miss, because...
Thousands of cherry blossoms in bloom – A dreamy lakeside view at Washington
As cherry blossom season arrives, besides Japan and South Korea, the faraway U.S. capital, Washington D.C., is also a renowned spot for cherry blossom viewing. Around March and April each year, along the Tidal Basin southwest of the Washington Monument, thousands of cherry trees stretch along the lakeshore...
Not Just Kansai: Japan’s Seven Major Cities Are More Fun Than You Think
Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan, with popular first-tier cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo being perennial favorites on the list of most beloved destinations in recent years. But if you’ve grown tired of these major urban spots, Japan actually has seven other cities...