Travel
Dancing under the boundless starry sky — filming locations from La La Land
The romantic film La La Land, which has received widespread acclaim from the Venice Film Festival to the Toronto International Film Festival, was even highly praised by Tom Hanks, who said he absolutely loved the movie. The film was primarily shot in central Los Angeles, USA. Director Damien Chazelle mentioned that he found the city incredibly artistic and poetic — a place built by dreamers, making it perfectly suited to the film’s themes and storyline.
The healing power of pure innocence: The capybara family makes its Taiwan debut
This Christmas is extra lively as the beloved Japanese capybaras and their family members are set to meet everyone just before the holiday. “Capybara’s Fantastic Fairy Tale” kicks off at Huashan 1914 Creative Park on December 23...
Super-popular hay bales are a must for IG feeds – 6 photographer angles to try
After autumn harvest, huge hay bales are rolled up and stacked into small mountains, resembling the most natural public artworks. Whether kids are climbing around playing or adults are taking photos here, it’s unexpectedly become an alternative, wildly popular limited-time attraction...
Universal Studios Japan – The Magical Christmas Party Challenge
Text & photo by Yvonne Kuo, courtesy of Universal Studios Japan & J&T CONTENTS Co., Ltd. Step into Universal Studios Japan to celebrate its 15th...
The most nostalgic dormitory from the Japanese colonial period – Shanjiao Elementary School revives a bygone era
Due to having been ruled by the Dutch and the Japanese, Taiwan is filled with historical relics that give it an exotic charm. In Yuanli Township, Miaoli, there is an elementary school built during the Japanese colonial period in 1898. Having stood for over a hundred...
A wide array of vintage toys and goods | Tokyo's largest and oldest market
Tokyo is an ever-changing metropolis where you can experience everything from urban vibrancy to nostalgic retro vibes. Especially as winter arrives, the end of each year is always filled with unique festivals and events. Located...
Instagram-worthy spot loved by creatives – a free, minimalist charm in Taichung
The creative culture trend has truly become part of our lives, leaving its mark on everything from photography and art to music. In Taichung, there's a popular photography hotspot—a little urban oasis of minimalist charm—offering a free, laid-back escape. Designed by Lihe...
Unlimited slots Thailand visa applications within the designated time period are all free of charge
The Thai government, in an effort to boost tourism, recently announced that from December 1 until February 28, 2017, travelers visiting Thailand could enjoy a waiver of the 1,200 baht visa fee. However, there was a daily limit of 2,000 slots, caus...
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — an underground river with a history of millions of years
After the results of the global vote organized by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2011 were announced, the selected sites undoubtedly became some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Travelers from around the globe began scrambling to plan their pilgrimages, among which the new...
A highly atmospheric photo spot: Gukeng Lover’s Bridge unexpectedly becomes a hot attraction
There are many couples across Taiwan, and every scenic spot is a sacred place for dating and sightseeing. However, this time, Spot Guide introduces the most thrilling lover’s bridge. Located in Gukeng, Yunlin, Lover’s Bridge is extremely narrow—only...
10-month low reached as yen dips below 0.27
Since the U.S. presidential election, the Japanese yen has continued to weaken due to the strengthening of the international dollar. Today, according to the latest exchange rate published by Taiwan Bank, the cash yen-to-Taiwan dollar rate fell below 0.28 shortly after the market opened and has continued to decline...
True warmth touches the heart — the movie sequel to Midnight Diner
Midnight Diner is adapted from Yaro Abe’s best-selling manga, which has sold over 5.5 million copies worldwide. The TV drama adaptation received widespread acclaim and ran for four seasons. Last year, it made its big-screen debut, achieving box office success across Asia. Kouichi Satou, who plays the diner owner, commented on the series’ enduring popularity: “I’ve been playing the diner owner for seven years now. I never thought the series would continue for so long. I’m glad the second movie is complete. This can be considered an upgraded version of Midnight Diner, one that better showcases the essence of the stories. This diner and its food are the real stars.”
A new highlight for check-ins in Pingtung: A creatively renovated old dormitory complex makes for amazing photos!
Pingtung is gaining more and more new attractions. In 2018, the Pingtung County Government transformed three old state-owned dormitory buildings adjacent to the Global Mall commercial area, creating a brand-new youth entrepreneurship base called "Shokunin Machi" (Artisans' Town), which not only injects youthful energy into Pingtung...
A masterpiece of nature: The Moses Parting the Sea at Kuibi Mountain
Nature’s wonders never cease, and Taiwan in particular is home to many stunning landscapes. The Bible recounts how the prophet Moses parted the Red Sea, hailed as one of the most magnificent miracles. Yet, you can witness a similar spectacle in Taiwan...
Japan’s Gold Award-winning Pork Cutlet Ranking Store: Kobe Kitchihei Opens Its First Overseas Branch in Taiwan
The renowned pork cutlet rice shop Kitchihei from Kobe, Japan, officially opened on December 10th at the bustling NEO19 in Taipei’s Xinyi District. The exclusive sauce developed by founder Mr. Shigeru Kamitaira, combined with a special batter ratio...
A Millennium-Old Ancient Blessing Ceremony – Thousands of Lanterns Lit on the Bean-Throwing Festival
Japan has numerous blessing festivals and events, each with its own cultural history and local characteristics. HowToTrip would like to specially introduce Kasuga Taisha in Nara. One of its grand ceremonies — the Setsubun Mantoro Festival — will...
Tiny heroes make a big impact – Despicable Me movie scenes brought to life
The globally adored Minions and Despicable Me’s Gru are ready to show off their skills and cause chaos at the Taipei Expo Park. The “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Evil Studio” exhibition is making its Taiwan debut, kicking off at Taipei’s Yuanshan Expo Flower Expo Pavilion on December 15…
The Prince Hotel launches a snow experience – winter vacation packages are now on hot sale
One of Taiwan's five-star hotels – The Prince Hotel, affiliated with the Seibu Group, is one of Japan's leading large hotel conglomerates. In 2015, Taiwanese visitors accounted for a quarter of the foreign guests staying in Japan. The...
The Miaoli Mount Fuji towers into the clouds, its twin peaks overlooking pastoral scenery
Located in Tongluo Township, Miaoli, there is a scenic spot known as Twin Peaks Mountain, one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Miaoli. With its prominent landform, it was revered during the Japanese colonial period as the "Miaoli Mount Fuji." As a result, the Tongluo Elementary School at the foot of the mountain was then called Fuji Elementary School...
Pink and purple ice cream that’s bursting with kawaii charm – sample nostalgic treats along Kawagoe’s old streets
Located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, this area features well-preserved traditional buildings that showcase the Edo-period aesthetics, culture, and social atmosphere. The most elegant merchant houses from the mid-Edo period still stand here...