Taiwan Trip: Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan & Kaohsiung
I recently traveled around some of Taiwan’s most popular destinations, including Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
During the trip, I enjoyed many of Taiwan’s unique attractions, such as historical buildings, beautiful night views, and charming local streets.
What impressed me most was how many buildings constructed during the Japanese colonial era have been carefully preserved and are still being used today as tourist attractions and commercial facilities.
I hope this travel report will be helpful for anyone planning a trip to Taiwan.
Basic Information
- Taiwan is generally considered safe, but our local guide advised us to wear our bags in front of us to prevent pickpocketing.
- Tipping is generally not required.
- Many smaller shops do not accept credit cards, although convenience stores and larger retailers usually do.
- Taxis also tend to require cash payment.
- Exchange rates are generally better when exchanging money in Taiwan rather than at Japanese airports.
- English is not always widely spoken, and in some situations Japanese was understood more easily.
- The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$).
Major Tourist Destinations in Taiwan
Taiwan offers a variety of attractions, ranging from vibrant cities to beautiful natural landscapes.
- Taipei: Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Night Markets
- Jiufen: Famous lantern-lit streets
- Taichung: Miyahara, Gaomei Wetlands
- Tainan: Historical architecture and Taiwanese cuisine
- Kaohsiung: Formosa Boulevard Station and harbor night views
- Hualien: Taroko Gorge
Itinerary
This was an independent trip.
2 nights in Tainan, 2 nights in Taipei
Tokyo (Haneda) → Taipei → Tainan (overnight) → Kaohsiung → Tainan (overnight) → Taipei → Shifen → Jiufen → Taipei (2 nights) → Tokyo (Narita)
<Taipei>
Taipei Main Station
The starting point of my Taiwan trip and one of the largest transportation hubs in Taiwan.
Taipei 101
Taiwan’s iconic landmark. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Taipei and is especially popular for its night scenery.
Presidential Office Building
A historic building that still reflects the architectural legacy of the Japanese colonial era.
National Palace Museum
One of the world’s most renowned museums, housing priceless treasures from various Chinese dynasties.
Jadeite Cabbage
A famous jade carving. Unfortunately, it was on loan to another exhibition during my visit.
Meat-Shaped Stone
A popular exhibit made of agate that remarkably resembles braised pork belly.
Mao Gong Ding
A bronze vessel dating back approximately 3,000 years, offering a tangible connection to ancient history.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Famous for its changing of the guard ceremony, which was both impressive and captivating.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
Built using Japanese Shinkansen technology, providing comfortable and efficient transportation.
<Jiufen & Shifen>
Shifen
A unique town where shops line the railway tracks, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
Sky Lantern Experience
One of Taiwan’s most popular activities, where visitors write their wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky.
Shifen Waterfall
Often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Taiwan” because of its impressive scale and beauty.
Jiufen
A magical town illuminated by traditional lanterns, creating a scene that feels straight out of a movie.
Jiufen becomes extremely crowded from late afternoon into the evening. The stairways and narrow pathways can become packed with visitors, and at times the flow of people nearly comes to a standstill.
For safety and comfort, I would recommend visiting outside the busiest hours whenever possible.
<Tainan>
Often referred to as Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan can be compared to Kyoto in Japan, while Taipei is often likened to Tokyo.
Sicao Green Tunnel
A popular attraction often called the “Amazon of Taiwan.”
Banyan Trees
The enormous roots spreading over and around old buildings create a truly unique and memorable landscape.
Hayashi Department Store
A historic department store built during the Japanese colonial era and beautifully restored for modern use.
<Kaohsiung>
Kaohsiung has a more modern atmosphere, offering a different experience from Taipei and Tainan.
Formosa Boulevard Station
Famous for its spectacular stained-glass installation, often regarded as one of the largest and most beautiful in the world.
Harbor Night View
From sunset onward, the harbor area becomes illuminated, creating stunning scenery and a wonderful nighttime atmosphere.
Airline Used: EVA Air (BR) – Economy Class
- Haneda → Taipei (Songshan): approximately 3.5 hours (one in-flight meal)
- Taipei (Taoyuan) → Narita: approximately 3.5 hours (one in-flight meal)
The flight paths were almost identical in both directions.
Outbound Flight Meal
Return Flight Meal
EVA Air Lounge at Taipei Taoyuan Airport (Using SFC Benefits)
The lounge offered a spacious and relaxing environment.
Beer, whisky, and wine were available, although sparkling wine was not provided.
Conclusion
Visiting Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung allowed me to experience many different sides of Taiwan, making for a highly rewarding journey.
What stood out most was seeing how buildings from the Japanese colonial era have been carefully restored and continue to serve practical purposes today, particularly in Tainan and Taipei.
In contrast, Kaohsiung felt much more modern, with contemporary architecture and a distinctly different atmosphere from Taipei and Tainan.
＼ Get the latest news ／
