The Japanese Traveler’s Guide to Taipei & Jiufen: Tea Houses, Lanterns & Souvenirs
Why Japanese travelers adore Taiwan: Historic tea traditions, Jiufen alleyways, and curated gourmet gifts.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
Why Japanese travelers adore Taiwan: Historic tea traditions, Jiufen alleyways, and curated gourmet gifts.
Step Into a Spirited Away Dreamscape: Cultural Highlights in Taiwan
Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the most beloved overseas destinations for travelers from Japan and around the world. Between the unmatched safety, warm hospitality, and historic Showa-era nostalgic vibes, nothing captures the spirit of Taiwan quite like historic oolong tea traditions in Dadaocheng and the red-lantern mountain alleyways of Jiufen.
Here is our insider itinerary, secret photo vantage points, and hand-picked gourmet souvenir list.
🍵 1. Dadaocheng Historic Tea Walking Tour (Dihua Street)
Taipei's tea trading legacy blossomed in Dadaocheng during the 19th century. Foreign consulates and traditional charcoal-roasting tea merchant houses sent exquisite Oriental Beauty and High-Mountain Oolong teas across the globe.
Top Recommended Heritage Tea Shops:
- Wang Tea (有記名茶): Founded in 1890, this living museum retains traditional brick roasting ovens. Smell the deep caramel aroma of charcoal-fired leaves and learn authentic Kung Fu tea brewing.
- Wang Jinzhen Tea Store (王錦珍茶莊): Centuries of artisanal roasting with minimalist, elegant gift packaging. A revered secret among tea masters.
- Dihua Street Architecture: Explore century-old shophouses, Xiahai City God Temple, and craft boutique shops along the river district.
🏮 2. Jiufen Old Street & A-Mei Tea House
At 5:30 PM, strings of glowing crimson lanterns illuminate the hillside paths overlooking the Pacific Ocean, creating a dreamlike landscape reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's classic animation.
Getting to Jiufen: Transport Comparison Table
| Transit Option | Travel Time | One-Way Fare (TWD) | Advantages | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Bus 965 | ~60 - 70 mins | $90 | Direct from Ximending & Taipei Main Station (EasyCard accepted) | Top Pick for Independent Travelers |
| Keelung Bus 1062 | ~80 - 90 mins | $105 | Departs from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT | Shoppers staying in the Eastern District |
| TRA Train + Bus 788 | ~80 mins | ~$80 | Scenic rail option with stops at Ruifang & Houtong Cat Village | Rail enthusiasts |
| Private Charter / Taxi | ~45 - 50 mins | $1,000 - $1,300 | Door-to-door, no waiting in lines | Families & travelers with heavy luggage |
💡 Local Insider Tips:
- Best Photo Vantage Point: Avoid the cramped stairs right in front of A-Mei Tea House. Instead, walk into Hai Yue Lou Tea House right across the path, head up to the 3rd-floor terrace, and capture the iconic postcard-perfect facade with no crowds in your frame.
- Avoiding Return Bus Lines: Bus stops get packed between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM on weekends. Walk 10 minutes uphill to the "Jiufen Police Station" stop to board first and guarantee a seat.
- Luggage Storage Hack: Jiufen is steep with narrow stone stairs. If you take the train, leave your large bags at the Ruifang Railway Station Baggage Room (only ~NT$30-50 per bag per day) and travel light up the mountain.
🎁 3. Top Taiwanese Gourmet Souvenirs
| Brand | Signature Item | What Makes It Special | Shelf Life | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunnyHills (微熱山丘) | Native Pineapple Tart | Real Taiwanese indigenous pineapple filling with a sweet-tangy chew | ~20 days | Minsheng Park Store / Taipei 101 |
| Sugar & Spice (糖村) | French Nougat | Rich milk aroma with crunchy California almonds; won Belgian taste awards | ~30 days | Major Department Stores |
| ChiaTe (佳德) | Pineapple / Cranberry Pastry | Traditional golden flaky pastry; iconic local bakery | ~15-40 days | Nanjing East Road / 7-Eleven Pre-order |
| Saint Peter (聖比德) | Coffee Nougat Cracker | Savory scallion crackers stuffed with smooth coffee nougat | ~30 days | Ximending & Dongmen Stores |
🗺️ 4. Recommended 1-Day Itinerary
- 09:30 - 11:30｜Dadaocheng Tea Walk: Dihua historic street, tea tasting at Wang Tea, Yongle textile market.
- 12:00 - 13:00｜Lunch: Braised pork rice and starfruit ice in Ximending.
- 13:15｜Board Express Bus 965: From Ximen MRT Exit 2 straight to Jiufen.
- 14:30 - 16:30｜Explore Jiufen Alleys: Savor Ah Gan Yi Taro Balls on Jishan Street, visit Shengping Theater.
- 17:00 - 18:30｜Sunset & Lantern Lighting: Sip High Mountain Oolong tea at Hai Yue Lou or A-Mei Tea House.
- 19:00 - 20:30｜Return to Taipei and finish the evening with Michelin Bib Gourmand pepper buns at Raohe Night Market.
