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Blog

Exploring Top 3 Highlights of Kagawa and Ehime on Shikoku Island

9 February 2019

Top 5 Things I Learnt from a Peace Boat Voyage around the World

9 February 2019

10 Japanese Delights to Try at Food Japan 2018 Singapore

25 October 2018

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) – On Crossing Bridges and Islands

14 October 2018

The Wooden Arched Kintai Bridge – A Symbol of History and Tradition

10 August 2018

Exploring a Hidden Gem in Shikoku – Uchiko

10 August 2018

Hokkaido’s Asahiyama Zoo – A Wonderland in All Seasons

10 August 2018

Moss, Mystic and Mononoke at Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

10 August 2018

Deception and Mystery of Kanazawa’s Myoryuji Temple

10 August 2018

Celebration of Culture and Dance at Sanuki Takamatsu Festival

10 August 2018

Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge – Experience the Thrill of “Walking in the Sky”

10 August 2018

The 1,368 Step Pilgrimage Climb of Konpira-san

10 August 2018

A Whirlwind Trip to Naruto Whirlpools

9 August 2018

Previous

Know more, travel better

  • Travel Resources
  • Japan Guide
  • Taiwan Guide

whywendywrites

⁣ ‼️This is what a Michelin Green Star tastes lik ⁣
‼️This is what a Michelin Green Star tastes like in Taiwan 🌿✨⁣
⁣
Michelin Green Star ⭐️ isn’t just about great food.⁣
⁣
It’s awarded to restaurants that show extraordinary commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and mindful gastronomy.⁣
⁣
At Yang Ming Spring 陽明春天, Taiwan’s first Michelin Green Star restaurant⁣, under the vision of Founder Chen Chien-hung 陈健宏, vegan cuisine becomes an art form⁣.
⁣
Thanks to @ymspring @taiwan_tourism_sg @tungchenyuan, I experienced their 10-course plant-based fine dining gastronomy in Singapore. ⁣
⁣
Sustainability is the heart of every dish⁣. Made with fresh ingredients air-flown from Taiwan⁣ 🇹🇼
⁣
Every dish is like a painting and so delicious. Crisp textures, bold aromas and flavours so clean and balanced.⁣
⁣
😋 Food epiphany: Plant-based food can taste even better than meat⁣
⁣
I know this for sure: Yang Ming Spring will be my first stop on my next trip to Taiwan!
⁣
☀️ Bonus: Yang Ming Spring’s main restaurant is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Yangmingshan.⁣
⁣
📌 This is the kind of place you’ll want to bookmark for your next Taiwan trip!
⁣
📍 Yang Ming Spring⁣
No. 2, Lane 92, Zhongshan North Road, Section 6, Shilin District, Taipei City 111, Taiwan⁣ (Yangmingshan National Park area)⁣
⁣
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✈️ Start exploring! Know more and travel better. Follow whywendywrites for more travel inspiration ✨⁣⁣
⁣
⁣
#whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites #taiwantravel #taiwanfood #timefortaiwan ⁣#yangmingshan #陽明春天 #素食餐廳  #veganfood #vegetarianrestaurant
⁣ 📌 Save this Fukuoka’s best Yatai food spot!⁣ ⁣ ⁣
📌 Save this Fukuoka’s best Yatai food spot!⁣
⁣
‼️ Most people visit Nakasu and Tenjin to experience the local Yatai dining… locals go HERE 👀⁣
⁣
This Yatai in Nagahama is a local secret:
📍Nagahama no Hiroshi Yatai
⁣
🍴What’s a Yatai?⁣
A Yatai is an open-air food stall, where you can watch your food being cooked fresh, right in front of you.
Fukuoka is the only city in Japan where this beloved street food tradition still thrives. A must-experience for food lovers!⁣
⁣
👨‍🍳 Chef Hiroshi is a magician.⁣
Grilling. Frying. BBQ.⁣
All in a tiny open-air kitchen.⁣
⁣
✨Fresh ingredients + live cooking
One chef. One counter.⁣
Unlimited comfort food.⁣
⁣
🔥 Must-try:⁣
🥬 Pork-wrapped vegetable rolls⁣
🍢 Skewers (the chicken skin is must try)⁣
🥢 All the mentaiko specialties⁣
🍜 Fukuoka-style yaki ramen⁣
🍢 Motsu hot plate (Japanese offal)⁣
⁣
Nagahama no Hiroshi (長浜のひろし)⁣
📍3-14 Nagahama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka⁣
🕕 6pm–12am⁣
❌ Closed Sun, Mon, and rainy days⁣
⁣
🚶Nagahama Yatai Street is just a 10-min walk from Akasaka Station. Many other yatai stalls to try!⁣
⁣
**
Planning to visit Japan in 2026⁉️
I strongly recommend exploring the 4️⃣ big cities of Kyushu: Fukuoka. Kitakyushu, Kumamoto and Kagoshima⁣
⁣
➡️ Read @tripzillamag Kyushu guide + complete a short survey and stand a chance to win a round-trip air ticket to Fukuoka!⁣ Link in bio👆
✈️ Start exploring! Know more and travel better. Follow whywendywrites for more travel inspiration ✨⁣
⁣
⁣
#whywendywrites⁣ #whywendylovejapan #kyushu #九州 #fukuoka #福岡 #yatai #屋台料理 #屋台 #nagahama #長浜屋台 #japanfood #japanfoodie
⁣ ‼️ 1.7 MILLION views on my Osaka pillow video 🤯 ⁣
‼️ 1.7 MILLION views on my Osaka pillow video 🤯⁣
⁣⁣
That tells me one thing! People like me are searching for the perfect pillow for a truly good night’s sleep.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Because of the overwhelming response to the video and to welcome the New Year ㊗️ with better sleep!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
@hinomotoshingu and I are collaborating on a New Year special to say thank you 💛⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🎉 New Year Special Gift⁣⁣
A FREE pair of Japanese-made “Good Night Socks” (Oyasumi Socks) for my viewers⁣⁣ who purchase a pillow
⁣
🎁 How to get your free socks:
⁣
1️⃣ Watch the video “A pillow from Japan changed my life”⁣⁣
⁣⁣
2️⃣ Make a reservation on Hinomoto Shingu’s website and indicate “whywendywrites”⁣⁣
⁣⁣
3️⃣ During your appointment, write “whywendywrites” as your referral on the fitting survey sheet⁣⁣
⁣⁣
4️⃣ Receive a free pair of good night socks ✨⁣⁣
⁣
⁣Why these socks are special:⁣
🧦 Made in Japan by a long-established sock workshop in Nara Prefecture, one of Japan’s traditional sock-making regions⁣
🧦 Designed not to trap moisture while you sleep⁣
🧦 Gentle, non-tight fit that doesn’t squeeze your ankles and help with blood circulation⁣
🧦 Created specifically for comfortable, uninterrupted sleep⁣
⁣
🏯 ⁣Hinomoto Shingu is a 100-year-old bedding specialty store in Osaka, trusted across generations for its craftsmanship and dedication to better sleep.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
📍Conveniently located just steps from Hommachi Station, right in the heart of Osaka–easy to visit even on a busy travel day.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Why this made-to-order pillow works:⁣⁣
⭐ Custom-fitted to your neck, shoulders and sleeping posture⁣⁣
⭐️ Expertly adjusted for proper spine alignment⁣⁣
⭐️ Thoughtfully crafted with Japanese precision⁣⁣
⁣⁣
If you’re heading to Osaka and serious about better sleep, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss!
⁣⁣
✨ Once you try a pillow made for you, there’s no going back!⁣
⁣⁣
⁣⁣
#whywendywrites #whywendylovesjapan⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#Japan #japanquality #pillow #bestpillow #japaneseculture #日の本寝具⁣ #japanmade
⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁉️ Do you know Penghu has its own Santorini ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁉️ Do you know Penghu has its own Santorini? 🇹🇼✨⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
Waian Fishing Harbour 外垵漁港 on Xiyu Island, also known as Taiwan’s Little Santorini, is famed for its dramatic coastal scenery and cultural heritage.⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow island days sound like your kind of holiday, Penghu is a place you must visit. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Just a short flight from Taipei, Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of over 90 islands that feels a world away from city life. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Think towering basalt cliffs, coral-stone villages, turquoise beaches and sea turtles nesting along quiet shores. 🐢🌊⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
It’s a completely different side of Taiwan that most travellers never get to see. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
While many stick to Taipei, those who venture to Penghu are rewarded with stunning landscapes and a laid-back island rhythm that makes you want to stay longer than planned.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
I’m so excited to share my new Penghu travel guide that is filled with insider’s travel tips⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣:⁣
✈️ How to get to Penghu Islands⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🏝️ The best islands and beaches⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🐠 Must-see sights and local gems⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🤿 How to snorkel and dive in Penghu⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🌵What to buy in Penghu⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🗓️ The best time to go (including festival seasons)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⛴️ Transport tips for easy island hopping⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Ready to explore Taiwan beyond the usual route?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
📌 Visit Penghu, 2026’s must-visit new destination! Free Penghu travel guide - link in bio 👆⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣➡️ Follow @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel inspiration, and visit my website for free guides and itineraries!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣⁣⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 ⁣#islandtrip #beachvacation #littlesantorini⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
⁣⁣ ‼️The most unexpected thing I did in Hualien! ⁣⁣
‼️The most unexpected thing I did in Hualien! ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Last Christmas, I found myself in Hualien 花蓮.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I greeted the sunrise on horseback, riding alongside the Pacific Ocean as waves rolled in and the sky slowly lit up 🐎🌅🌊⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
This quiet, powerful moment showed me a side of Taiwan that I’ll never forget.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
It was my first time riding a horse along the coast, and doing it here with Wild Life 花蓮野生活 made it even more special.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
@wildlife.hualien is an outdoor adventure company dedicated to immersive horse-riding experiences in nature.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Led by Founder Wang, 小野哥, I rode 焦糖Caramel, a beautiful chestnut horse, along a coastal trail where the sound of hooves, ocean wind, and early-morning light blended into something unforgettable.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Beyond sunrise rides, Wild Life also offers equestrian lessons, trail rides, and breathtaking wedding and outdoor photo experiences. Riding sessions start from NT$3,000.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
If you’re looking to experience Hualien in a way most travellers never get to, this belongs on your list.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
📌 Save this for later and book your horse-riding adventure in Hualien with Wild Life.⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
➡️ Follow @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel inspiration, and visit my website for free guides and itineraries (link in bio)☝️
⁣⁣⁣
🎄Wishing everyone and these amazing horses 🐴 a Merry Christmas 🤶 ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #hualien #花蓮  #花蓮旅遊  #taiwantrip #horsephotography #horseriding #horserider #taiwannature
⁣ Sunrise horse riding along the coastal ocean 🐎 🌅 ⁣
Sunrise horse riding along the coastal ocean 🐎 🌅 🌊  ⁣
 ⁣
This is Hualien 花蓮 at its most unforgettable. ⁣
 ⁣
It’s also my very first time riding a horse along the coast, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Hualien and with Wild Life 花蓮野生活.
 ⁣
@wildlife.hualien is an outdoor adventure company specialising in horse riding.  ⁣
 ⁣
Founder 小野哥 leads me astride Caramel, a chestnut steed, along a scenic trail towards the shore, where the rhythmic hoofbeats, Pacific breeze and shifting morning light cement the ride in my memory.  ⁣
 ⁣
From equestrian and trail riding classes to stunning wedding and outdoor photography sessions, Wild Life brings you closer to nature in the most unforgettable way. Riding classes start from NT$3,000. ⁣
 ⁣
👉 Swipe through the photo carousel to meet the special horses that make this experience so special–gentle, strong and so beautiful. ⁣
 ⁣
If you want to experience Hualien in a way most travellers never will, this is it!  ⁣
 ⁣
📌 Save this post and book your horse-riding experience in Hualien with Wild Life. ⁣
 ⁣
➡️ Follow me @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel tips and check out my website for free travel guides and itineraries! Link in bio ☝️ ⁣
 ⁣
 ⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #hualien #花蓮  #花蓮旅遊  #taiwantrip #horsephotography #horseriding #horserider #taiwannature
⁣  Sa’icelen⁣  ⁣  In the Amis language, it’s a cal ⁣ 
Sa’icelen⁣ 
⁣ 
In the Amis language, it’s a call to persevere and it reflects the enduring spirit of Hualien 🇹🇼.
⁣ 
When people ask me where they should visit in Taiwan, I always say Hualien 花蓮. 
⁣ 
Not just for its breathtaking nature, but for the warmth and kindness of its people.⁣ 
⁣ 
This was my fourth visit and returning in December 2024 felt very special. I enjoyed the precious time to slow down, connect and soak in the quiet wisdom of the land. ⁣ 
⁣ 
Thanks to the hospitality of my Hualien friends, I’m deeply grateful for the chance to experience Hualien again and even more excited to share its story.⁣ 
⁣ 
Here, I rode a horse 🐎 along the shore at sunrise, fished 🐟 in a creek using a traditional bamboo trap and pressed rice grains 🌾 into art.⁣ 
⁣ 
Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county, spans over 4,600 sq km – about six times the size of Singapore.  
 
Facing the Pacific Ocean and resting against the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is Taiwan’s green lung, containing about a fifth of the island’s forests.⁣ 
 
Shaped by powerful natural forces, its dramatic gorges and wild coastlines make Hualien one of Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring places.⁣ 
 
Visit Hualien! Your visit now provides meaningful support to welcoming communities eager to share their home, ensuring these extraordinary landscapes thrive for generations.⁣ 
⁣ 
Read the full article @straits_times 🩷Link in my bio☝️⁣ 
⁣ 
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #hualien #花蓮 #hualientour #timefortaiwan #taiwantravel #travelwriter
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ‼️ I never thought a pillow could change my ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
‼️ I never thought a pillow could change my life!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Until I visited Hinomoto Shingu, a 100-year-old bedding specialty store in Osaka and discovered the secret to the art of sleep 🛏️✨⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
A pillow made for me—not just any pillow! ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Mr. Takatani, the sleep expert, personally assessed my needs, measured every angle of my neck, shoulders and back and adjusted the pillow with precision and care.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
The result?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
😴 My very own pillow that is custom-made to my body, my posture, and the way I sleep. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
💤 No more stiff neck⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
💤 No more tossing around⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
💤 No more waking up feeling tired⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Their Japanese 🇯🇵 quality service is friendly, attentive, and truly listens to your sleep concerns. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
The shop is easy to access—just steps from Hommachi Station in the heart of Osaka. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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If you’re heading to Osaka, don’t miss the chance to visit Hinomoto Shingu for a one-of-a-kind sleep experience.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Your dream sleep is waiting! Because once you try a pillow that truly knows you! There’s no going back! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Ready to transform your sleep?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
📌 Make a reservation via @hinomotoshingu website or Instagram and show this video and mention “whywendywrites” to enjoy a gift and exceptional service!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovesjapan⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#Japan #japanquality #pillow #bestpillow #japaneseculture #日の本寝具
⁣⁣
🌊 If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow 🌊 If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow island days sound like your kind of holiday, Penghu is the place you must visit!⁣
⁣
Just a short flight from Taipei, Penghu (澎湖) is a chain of over 90 islands that feels worlds away from the city. ⁣
⁣
Towering basalt cliffs, coral-stone villages, turquoise beaches, and sea turtles nesting along quiet shores. ⁣
⁣
It’s a completely different side of Taiwan that most travellers never get to see.⁣
⁣
While many people stay around Taipei, those who make it to Penghu discover landscapes that look straight out of a documentary and a pace of life that makes you want to stay longer than planned.⁣In this guide, you’ll find:⁣
How to get to Penghu⁣
🏝️The best islands and beaches to visit⁣
🐠 Must-see sights + local gems⁣
🎇 When to go (including festival seasons!)⁣
🛥️ Transport tips and easy ways to get around⁣
⁣
If you’re ready to discover another side of Taiwan, this Penghu travel guide will help you plan your dream island escapade!
⁣
📌 Read the full guide! Link in bio⁣ ☝️#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊
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