In this Nishiki Market Food Guide, we’ll take you to this Kyoto local Market for its amazing array of food for what to eat here. One of the food places you must visit in Kyoto.
Nicknamed Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market (“錦市場” in Japanese) is one of the most famous and busiest markets in Kyoto. Originally opened as a fish market during the Edo period, this traditional market now has more than 400 years of history.
This Kyoto local market has been a popular place among locals for centuries. There are over 120 shops and stalls packed along the narrow street stretching about 390 meters long. Locals purchase their ingredients at Nishiki Market. You can find a wide variety of traditional ingredients used for Kyoto cuisines, local specialties, seafood, pickled vegetables, and much more. Foodies and tourists visit the Nishiki market for food. It’s home to some of the best and freshest seafood in Kyoto.
If you are planning your visit to this Kyoto food Market, check out my below Nishiki Market food guide post for more pictures and information.
Similiar to Osaka Kuromon Ichiban Market, many travelers love go to Nishiki Market for food. There are over a hundred vendors sell all types of Japanese food and Kyoto specialties in the market.
How to Get to Nishiki Market: The market is very close to the Shijo subway station in Kyoto. From JR Kyoto station, it is about a 5-minute subway ride and a 10-minute walk.
We advise visiting Nishiki Market around 10:00 to 11:00 morning as some of the shops are still closed before that. That would be a good time to walk around and sample many different types of seafood before settling down for a light lunch.
Most of the stalls will be closes start from 17:00 to 17:30. But some stalls might even close in the early evening. So give yourself at least half an hour to walk through the entire street.
Nishiki Market Guide: Avoid visiting the market on Wednesdays as most of the stalls will be closed.
What To Eat in Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is an amazing food market with over 100 stalls. You can find basically every Japanese food here. It’s the kind of place where you can just wander and see what you can eat in this Kyoto local Market. We didn’t even bother to look up recommended restaurants and just pick whatever you like. We’ve had sushi, sakura mochi, ichigo daifuku, just to name a few.
Here sharing some of the food where you can find and eat in Nishiki Market. So you will have an idea of what to eat when visiting here.
Grilled Seafood
Once you entered, there a rows rows of shops selling seafood in the market. Look for the stalls offering cooked or grilled seafood service. Just sit down and enjoy the fresh seafood meal with a cold beer.
The seafood is particularly interesting with freshly shucked oysters and scallops. We had a great time sampling different varieties of superbly fresh seafood at great prices.
We would recommend the fresh oyster and it was super fresh!
Street Food
There were also different street foods you could try in the market. Plenty of choices such as croquettes, wagyu skewers, Dango (Japanese sweet rice dumplings), rice crackers, soy milk doughnuts, and lots more.
Some vendors also offer free food samples to try.
We enjoyed sampling all sorts of snack food. Purchased some strawberry mochi, tempura shrimp on a stick, and green tea ice cream. Plenty to try. Most of the street food was less than ¥500 but it can be an expensive meal if you cannot control it by buying more. Too many good treats to choose from!
Nishiki Market Guide: Eat them inside or in front of the shop. It is considered rude to walk around while eating the food in the market.
Japanese Picked Vegetable
Apart from food options, there was also heaps of places to buy local tea, Japanese pickles, fruit and sourvenirs. You can buy souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.
There are also some restaurants in the market. But we all stuck with just walking around buying all the smaller bites and snacks so that we may have the opportunity to try as much as we can. Go there hungry as it is part of the fun of the food visit.
You can spend about 1 to 1.5 hours for food hunting in the market.
Nishiki Market Restaurants
Most of the food offerings in Nishiki Market are mostly street food. If you are looking for a sit-down restaurant in Nishiki Market, below are our recommendations:
Tempura Tensho offers a variety of delicious tempura rice bowls in Nishiki Market. Everything is freshly fried to order, making it the perfect place for a quick and tasty snack.
Fumiya Nishiki (富美家) is an popular udon restaurant in Nishiki Market that has been a local favorite for many years. It first opened in 1946 as a sweet shop and has since been serving udon for over 70 years. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes at reasonable prices. Their specialty menu item is “Fumiya Nabe”, a hotpot fried udon. The service was good, and the menu was available in English.
For oysters lover, one can’t miss Nishiki Daiyasu (錦市場大安). This small shop offers some of the freshest and most flavorful oysters in Kyoto. The oysters are sourced from different parts of Japan and are very fresh. Guests can enjoy them raw, steamed, roasted, or grilled. Other food options include sashimi, grilled seafood, and various other dishes.
Visit Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine Nearby
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine (錦天満宮) is located within the shopping streets. You can couple the trip to Nishiki market with Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and shopping street nearby. So it’s quite a fulfilling half-day trip.
Not a must-visit place, but worth stopping for less than 5 minutes by if you are nearby.
Overall: Food Trip to Nishiki Market
All in all, Nishiki Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the food and flavors of Kyoto’s culinary scene. With over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to traditional Japanese sweets, you can find something to eat here. Even though the covered market is busy most of the time it is still worth visiting.
Highly recommended to visit for food and last-minute souvenir hunting.
This Shifen & Jiufen itinerary highlights the best things to do and what you need to know, including transport details for your trip there. An ideal day trip from Taipei.
My visit to Shifen and Jiufen was one of the highlights of my trip to Taiwan. These two scenic places are located an hour east of Taipei, making an ideal places to visit. Both places are perfect addition to a Taipei itinerary, especially considering how beautiful it is. We highly recommend visiting those places when you are visiting Taipei.
If you planning the Shifen and Jiufen itinerary, you must know it can be a bit confusing expecially for first timers. Due to the popularity, it is advice to plan and decide what to do, what to eat, and know your transport before your trip.
That’s why we have come out of this Shifen and Jiufen travel guide blog for you, so you don’t have to do a crazy amount of research! In this article we will be sharing about our travel experience, how to plan your itinerary, and what to look for on a tour that you can choose from!
Check out our Jiufen and Shifen travel guide blog for more information.
How To Get to Jiufen and Shifen from Taipei
A Day Transport Pass for the Pingxi Line
Getting from Taipei to Shifen or Jiufen is quite straightforward. You can either go by public transport, hire a taxi or a guided tour.
From Taipei to Shifen: It is the cheapest option. Take a local TRA train from Taipei Main Station (or Songshan if you’re staying east) to Ruifang Station. From there, you will need to transfer to the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. Train goes once hourly and you make stops along the way including Houtong Cat Village and Pinxi Village.
The train trip to Shinfen should cost you about NTD $40 per one way. Consider getting a day transport pass for the Pingxi Line at NTD $56. It is a great option if you plan to use the train to many stops.
From Shinfen to Jiufen: There’s no direct transportation from Shifen to Jiufen. If you follow our Shifen and Jiufen itinerary below, you’ll need to go back to Ruifang Station first. Once at Ruifang, walk a few minutes from the main road to the bus station (beside the police station). There are a few buses running for this route. You can catch the #827 or #788 buses on weekdays or an additional #825 bus at weekends to Jiufen. The ride from Ruifang to Jiufen takes about 20 minutes and costs NTD $15.
From Taipei to Jiufen: Some people will opt to get to Jiufen first before heading to Shifen, or only plan for Jiufen itinerary alone. If you are taking a day trip to Jiufen only, you can catch a direct bus from Taipei Zhongli train station to Jiufen.
It would be fun to visit Shifen and Jiufen from Taipei. Pick your stops and plan your itinerary carefully if you want to do the Shifen and Jiufen itinerary on the same day. With a proper itinerary, a day trip is doable.
Planning for Jiufen and Shifen Itinerary:
Take the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifeng Station.
Take the Pingxi train to Shifen
Stop by Houtong Cat Village (Optional, 1 hour)
Shifen Old Street, release a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street and have some snacks (1 – 2 hours)
Walk to Shifen Waterfalls (1 hour)
Take the train back to Ruifang Station then catch the bus to Jiufen (Estimate 1 hour)
Jiufen (3 to 4 hours)
Jiufen and Shifen Travel Tips: We have squeezed into Houtong Cat Village during our trip to Shifen and Jiufen, and we feel it would be too tight. We would rather spend more time in each attraction. So plan your itinerary based on your interest and time arrangement.
What to do in Jiufen and Shifen
Below, we are going to share with you what to do and see during your trip to Shinfen and Jiufen. The Shifen is in located Pingxi (平溪) District while Jiufen is in Ruifang (瑞芳) District. Although both places are located in different districts, they can be reachable by a little effort and transfer.
Most travelers will couple together with a day trip to maximize the travel experience. Besides, there are also some little gems such as Pingxi Village, Houtong, Sandiaoling along the Pingxi line that you include on your itinerary.
On the way to Shifen, you can stop at Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村).
This used to be a coal mining village and it is now overpopulated with cats. There were lots of cats around that you could feed and pet and most wanted the attention.
Pick a cafe, get an ice-cold coffee, and play with some adorable cats. Cat Village Houtong is a must-go place for cat lovers for your Shifen & Jiufen itinerary.
Shifen travel Tips: Trains run hourly so you can have a stroll around the cat village and catch the next one to the next destination.
Shifen Old Street
Nested in spectacular mountain ranges, Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is a albeit busy town with local charm. There are plenty of shops located along an actual rail track still in use. Trains come in every hour, and people will jump off the tracks to allow the train to rumble through this charming village.
Travelers coming to Shifen to draw their wishes and release sky lanterns. But it is also worth checking out the shops around for some souvenirs and to try out some food like the infamous wrap ice cream.
It is best to allocate about one to two hours in Shinfen Old Street to soak in the atmosphere.
Release Sky Lanterns
Shifen Old Street is one of the famous spots to experience the sky lantern activity. This is the also main reason why people flock to Shifen. The sky lanterns release activities takes place on the functional railway track that runs through the main street.
When a train approaches, the people would move away from the tracks.
There are many sellers offering release sky lanterns activity. The lanterns come in a variety of colors and each color has its own symbol and description. Once you have selected and paid for which color you want, you can decorate the lantern, writing down your wishes or messages on it. The seller will assist you in releasing it into the sky.
Watching the sky lanterns floating away was magical!
Shifen Travel Tips: All the shops selling the sky lantern for about the same prices, so save your time and just pick one of the sellers. But you can get a further discount if you are buying in large quantities.
Shifen Waterfall
From Shifen Old Street walk to Shifen Waterfall
Continue down the Shifen Old Street and take a 15-minute walk to Shifen Waterfall. The walk is serene and you have to walk over the suspension bridge before reaching the falls.
Shifen waterfall is a 20-meter-tall cascading waterfall. It isn’t the biggest waterfall but it’s scenic, with plenty of viewing platforms set up all around. Shifen Waterfall has also earned it the nickname the “Little Niagara of Taiwan”.
There are eateries in the area, so if you’re hungry, you can grab something to eat.
Time to Spend: 30 mins to 1 hour.
Pingxi Village
If you travel from Taipei to Shifen and plan to spend a whole day in the area, you could take the Pinxi line further to Pingxi Village (平溪). It is another old street where you can experience the local Taiwanese vibe and atmosphere.
Pingxi Village is the final stop of the Pingxi train line.
From Shifen To Jiufen
Going to Jiufen by public transport is quite easy. If you are following this Shifen and Jiufen itinerary, you will need to take a bus from Ruifang train station. The ride from Ruifang to Jiufen takes about 20 minutes and costs NTD $15.
You can also come directly from downtown Taipei, Zhongli train station. It takes an hour from downtown Taipei to get there.
Jiufen Old Street
Visit Jiufen (九份), an iconic hillside town village overlooking mountains and ocean. It is an old mining settlement dating back to the Japanese rule. The village is now transformed into one of the popular attractions to visit with an easy day trip from Taipei.
Locals and travelers visit Jiufen for scenery and food. The quaint mountain Jiufen village with narrow winding up and down walking. Plenty of shops, authentic historical tea houses, restaurants, and souvenir shops lined along the narrow street.
Beware that Jiufen is crowded and packed with tourists. Wandering round the main Street is fun but exploring above the crowds and going off the main street to see the scenery along the coast. It’s an amazing place that should be on everyone’s itinerary in Taipei.
Food Feast at Jiufen Market
Grandma Lai’s Taro Balls
Jiufen is known for its street food and this is another reason we keep going back. There are tons of delicious street food snacks along the market street. From glutinous rice cakes to peanut ice cream rolls, you will never come out with an empty stomach.
Ah-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll
Below are some of the must-eat foods with popular shops in Jiufen that are worth trying during your visit:
Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meatball Dumpling (金枝紅槽肉圓)
Grandma Lai’s Taro Balls (賴阿婆芋圓)
Ah-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (阿珠雪在燒花生捲冰淇淋)
Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake
Fishball or meatball
Steam buns
Beef Noodles
Taiwanese Pork Sausages
Stinky tofu
Deep-fried battered seafood
and many more!
Jiufen Food Trip: Our advice is do not stuff yourself in one single eatery and try to sample the local delicacies as much as you can!
Drink Tea at a Traditional Tea House
Drinking tea is one of the cultures inherited from past times. so you can experience this Chinese culture in Jiufen.
There are many authentic tea houses in Jiufen, perhap the most popular spot in Jiufen is the A-Mei Tea House. It is the most iconic building in Jiufen and is often featured in Jiufen advertisements. The tea house is said to inspire the animation movie ‘Spirited Away’.
Sitting in the tea house, sipping oolong tea on the terrace, and looking out the panoramic view of the bay area.
Jiufen at Night
Jiufen at night is truly magical.
When the sun goes down, locals start turning on the red lanterns in Jiufen. Everything simply becomes wonderful. It is such a fantastic view when lanterns light up along the narrow winding streets.
If possible, it is worth staying at Jiufen until the nighttime visit or spending an overnight in one of the hostel or guesthouses.
Visiting Jiufen and Shifen in One Day
As per the above Shinfen and Jiufen travel blog post, Jiufen and Shinfen in One Day is absolutely doable. You can visit both places on a day trip, either on your own or on a guided tour.
Doing this day trip on your own will mean lots of time spent on buses and trains to get to all the destinations. From Taipei to Jiufen, the train ride takes you about 1.5 hours. You will need to look for the public transport arrangement from Shifen to Jiufen which usually take you about 1.5 hour. This does not count the 1.5-hour bus journey from Jiufen back to Taipei.
As it is a long traveling day start your itinerary as early as possible. Besides, try to avoid weekends and public holidays to avoid the extreme crowds.
While the tour option is less flexible, but you can visit more places within a day’s tour. Most tours will be coupled together with Yehliu Geopark which is another interesting place to visit nearby. Check on below tour options below if you are interested in it
Staying in Jiufen
We would absolutely recommend staying a night in Jiufen. This place is best appreciated at night when the lanterns are lit up. Jiufen is also less crowded when all the day-trippers leave. I think you’ll appreciate it more if you stay the night. But accommodation in Jiufen is limited, so it is best to reserve early.
Recommended places to stay overnight in Jiufen include:
Chiu Chunt Dint B&B is located on Jiufen Old Street with 3-minute walk from the market and bus stop. The guesthouse boasted with stunning view. The scenery is perfect with the balcony and large windows.
Dosun B&B is a charming guesthouse boasting beautiful ocean views from the terrace. The host is very friendly and the rooms are spacious and clean. It takes about 5 5-minute walk from the Jiufen Old Street.
H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory is gaining popularity when looking for where to stay in Jiufen. This charming guesthouse is located at the top of the stairs in Jiufen. It is away from the bustling but just a step away from the food stalls on Old Street. The room is compact, tidy, and clean. The communal space is decent with a nice view. Stay here for relaxing and a great unwind experience.
Overall: A Trip to Shifen and Jiufen
All in all, there are many things you can put into your Shifen and Jiufen itinerary. It is a good day trip to soak in the atmosphere, taste the local Taiwanese food, and experience the uniqueness of the location. Worth a visit especially for first-timers to Taiwan.
However, Jiufen is packed with tourists and even locals. It would be a great idea if you could split Jiufen and Shifen into two separate day trips or stay overnight. But if you’re tight on time, it’s easily possible to see them in one day. Just best to avoid weekends and public holidays. Thanks for stopping by and have a great time in Shinfen and Jiufen. Enjoy your trip!
Traveling to Taiwan and looking for travel inspiration? Here is our itinerary to some of the interesting places:
If you’re planning a trip to Taipei and are wondering what to do there, check out this massive Taipei itinerary with many useful travel tips!
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan is one of my favorite travel destinations in Asia. The city is lively and home to the iconic 101 Tower. At the same time, the city’s history is rich and diverse. The people are nice, welcoming, and open-minded. Taipei is also a haven for foodies. You can enjoy delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant night markets.
With so many things to see, to do, and to experience in Taipei, it is not easy to write a perfect Taipei itinerary. We want to show you how amazing this city and make it to be one of the most memorable trips as much as possible. So let’s plan your trip.
If it’s your first time visiting Taipei, then I hope this Taipei travel guide blog helps you make the most of your time in the city. Here’s the perfect Taipei itinerary to help you plan for your trip!
Connectivity: It is important to keep connected. With an internet connection, you can easily find directions, and research on the go to help you plan your Taipei trip. Preorder your 4G SIM card or Wifi and pick it up from Taiyuan airport.
Transportation: Get an EasyCard if you plan to use public transport for traveling in Taipei. Together with the Wifi SIM card, both can be collected from the Ezfly service counter at Terminal 1 or 2 at Taoyuan International Airport.
Intercity Transport: For fuss-free traveling through different cities in Taiwan, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket Pass is essential. The pass included with unlimited use of the THSR on any 2/3/5 days in a week. It is not required if your trip is focused on Taipei and its surroundings. But you can be considered if you are traveling to different cities in Taiwan.
Traveling To Taipei
Most travelers arrive in Taiwan by air and its main international gateway is Taoyuan Airport. From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City is pretty easy. There are several ways to get to your hotel from the airport.
Taking the MRT: From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City using MRT is superbly easy. From Terminal 1 or 2, once you’ve exited the immigration area, just take the MRT and the train will take you to Taipei Main Station. From there, you can resume your journey via the Taipei Metro train to the closest station to your destination.
Private / Shared Transfer: This is the most convenient way of getting to your hotel from Taoyuan Airport but it’s also one of the most expensive. Klook (Private / Shared Airport Transfer) offers airport transfers from Taoyuan to your hotel in Taipei.
Yellow Taxi is also available and ready to pick up travelers from the airport to Taipei. It’ll cost you NT$1,200 to get to your hotel in the downtown area.
Getting Around in Taipei
Taipei Station
Getting around Taipei is easy; public transport is inexpensive and reliable.
Taipei Travel Guide Tips: If you plan on using public transport a lot, then an EasyCard is very useful for you. This card will not only save you from the hassle of having to buy single journey tickets every time. And the best is, that you’ll get a discount with every ride on the Taipei MRT and Kaohsiung MRT. EasyCard can be used for most public buses as well. Plus, EasyCard works throughout the country, so it is super convenient.
You can purchase and top up an EasyCard from any MRT station. For less hassle, get the EasyCard from Klook and redeem it at the airport.
Best Time To Visit Taipei
The best time to visit Taipei depends on what you want to do and each season have its own beauty. But no matter when you visit, Taipei is sure to impress.
I would recommend visiting Taipei between March to April. The temperatures are relatively mild and perfect for outdoor activities. You can also seeing beautiful blooming flowers when visiting Taipei during this period. Try to avoid the rainiest months from May to September and tyhoon season at August.
How Many Days for Taipei City
Taipei is such a big city with much to see and do in Taipei so you should easily spend days or even weeks exploring. For first-timers, I’d recommend planning 5 days for your Taipei itinerary.
Spend about 2 to 3 days focusing on the major attractions in the city area. With Taipei as a base, do a side trip to such as Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu Geological Park, Keelung, Beitou, or more to see some nature attractions.
Where To Stay
The public transport of Taipei is so convenient with well connected by great public transport. This makes choosing where to stay in Taipei is much simpler. However, we still highly suggest you choose the accommodation nearby the station which will greatly help you to save a lot of travelling time.
If you follow my sample Taipei itinerary below, it would be best to stay near the Ximending area. This area is one of the best and most convenient areas to stay in Taipei. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes can be found in the area.
Green World Hotel (Zhonghua) – A popular choice among travelers. The hotel is located at Ximending, with 5-minute walk from Taipei Railway Station.
Just Sleep Ximending – Conveniently located with a short 2-minute walk from MRT Ximen Station and Ximending Shopping Area.
Planning on visiting Taipei for the first time? There are so many things to do in Taipei that it is hard to decide where to begin. There’s a ton to do here whether it’s admiring temples, playing through hiking trails, or stuffing yourself at night markets.
Here is our suggestion of what to do on your Taipei itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Taipei 101 and Observatory Deck
Bangka Longshan Temple and nearby historical temples
Bopiliao Ancient Street
Strong at Ximending in the late afternoon or nighttime
Shinlin Night Market
Raohe Night Market
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Tamsui Old Street and Fisherman’s Wharf
Day trips from Taipei (Beitou, YangMinshan, Yehliu Geological Park, Shifen, Jiufen, and more)
The above suggestion of places to visit can easily fill up your 3 to 5 days of Taipei itinerary. Throughout this Taipei itinerary, you’ll also get handy tips to help you experience the best of Taipei. Feel free to adjust based on your interest.
Taipei 101
For first-time visitors, don’t forget to visit the city’s most iconic attraction – Taipei 101 on your Taipei itinerary.
Taipei 101, as the name suggests, is a magnificent building that stands on 101 floors. Built in 2004, the building resembles a giant bamboo stalk. It was once the world’s tallest building until Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the throne five years later.
Still, Taipei 101 is the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan. It’s hard to miss and can be seen from anywhere in Taipei.
The lower levels of Taipei 101 have a variety of retail stores, including high-end designer outlets. It has mostly everything from luxury to street brands. A few restaurants, cafes, and a busy food court are also available if you want to grab some food here.
You can also go up to take a picture-perfect view of the Taipei skyline. It has a high-speed elevator going to the observation deck. But if you want to go to the observation deck, there is a fee. It is worth buying the ticket online from Klook in advance and booking the fast lane because the crowd is usually very large. Tickets normally cost NTD 600 but you can get the discounted ticket from Klook.
Taipei 101 and Observatory Deck Admission: NTD 600 for adults to access the Taipei 101 Observatory Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs
Bangka Longshan Temple
Bangka Longshan Temple（艋舺龍山寺) is one of the famous temples in Taipei. It was established in 1738 and dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy (Kuan-in). With years of development and rebuilding, Longshan Temple now worships gods of three Chinese religions: Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianism. The variety of deities shows the tolerant mentality of the Chinese people in their religious life.
The temple is pretty busy and filled with many worshipers, flower arrangements, and offerings. Many locals come here for worshipers praying, seeking guidance, and blessing. Religious services are also being conducted by monks.
The design and intricate details of the temple were stunning. There are multiple Buddhist statues that you can walk around and appreciate. Worth stopping by if you are in the area.
Longshan Temple is located right next to Longshan MRT station and not too far from Taipei’s main station. Entrance is free for Longshan Temple. But please remember to dress appropriately and be cautious not to disturb locals who worship inside.
Bopiliao Ancient Street
While you’re in Longshan, you can also walk to the Bopiliao Ancient Street nearby.
Bopiliao Ancient Street (剝皮寮老街) is a preserved area with beautifully restored buildings from the Qing dynasty that survived the Japanese occupation. Many of the buildings date from the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), so visitors can appreciate this artifact of Taiwan’s history.
Bopiliao is also reserved as an art and cultural place to visit now. It’s worthwhile spending some time exploring the Bopiliao Old Block.
Bangka Qingshan Temple
The Bangka area of Taipei is rich in temples and Bangka Qingshan Temple is one of the interesting sites. It is located near to the famous Lungshan Temple but it is not as well known. The temple is small but it has many interesting features.
Local people passing along the street, stop and bow and make a quick prayer at Bangka Qingshan Temple. Worth a visit if you are in the area.
Tianhou Temple
Tucked away on the busy streets of Ximending, Tianhou Temple is a beautiful spot to slip into your Taipei itinerary. The temple was built in 1746 and is a temple dedicated to the Sea Goddess, Mazu. The Tian Hou is also known as Ximending Mazu Temple.
The temple is a small simple building but compact. It’s very atmospheric and peaceful. You can also climb upstair to have a great view of the area. A quick visit to the Temple is recommended to understand the culture and beliefs.
Stroll around Ximending
Located in the Eastern part of Taipei, Ximending (西門町) is a popular and lively destination that showcases the vibrant atmosphere of Taiwanese street culture. The area is filled with trendy shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a haven for food lovers, shoppers, and entertainment enthusiasts. It is regarded as a center for youth fashion and culture in the city.
Ximending is always buzzing with activity day and night. But it starts warming up in the afternoon so we recommended coming to Ximending in late evening to see the market in full swing.
The market also showcases local talent with street performers, artists, and musicians adding to the vibrant ambiance. It’s fun to visit so that you can people-watch or see the street performers.
The Red House Taipei (西門紅樓) is a Ximending landmark. It is a historical brick building built by a Japanese architect in 1908. The building now houses a coffee shop, and creative handicrafts in an extended building. There is a theatre on the upper levels for performances.
Come visit Ximeding for an unforgettable night and immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture.
Ximending is full of delicious food and you can try many Taiwanese local dishes here.
One definitely has to go to when you come to Taipei is Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle, better known as Ah Zong Mian Xian (阿宗面线). It is the most popular and must-eat street food in Ximending. A bowl of intestines mee sua, topped with a spoonful of spicy chili sauce. Cheap and delicious.
There are many local food you can only find in Ximending. Check out our Taipei Food Guide.
Getting there: Ximending is easily accessible by the Taipei MRT. Take the blue or green metro line to Ximen station, and take Exit 1 or 6 to the center of area.
Eat at Taipei Night Market
It’s probably no exaggeration that one of the main draws of visiting Taipei is the vibrant night market scene. Taipei is a great place to experience it and make sure to allocate some time for the night market to your Taiwan itinerary. You can’t go to Taiwan without eating your way through at least one.
There are a wide variety of local Taiwanese delicacies that you can try out at very affordable prices. Some popular foods to try out on your Taiwan food trip include Taiwanese giant fried chicken, oyster omelets, stinky tofu, pepper buns, pork sausages, torched beef cubes, bubble tea, and a whole lot more. Be ready for the sounds, smells, and crowds, and also a full load of food!
There are several night markets you can visit in Taipei. Listed down some of the popular night markets in Taipei and travel information to help you plan on your Taipei itinerary.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is apparently the biggest and most famous night market in Taipei. The market is huge and you can get lost there easily. Shilin Night Market sells all sorts of things, from trinkets to fashionable clothing at bargain prices. There is also a great variety of street food from authenticity to fusion and tradition to modern. A paradise for shoppers and foodies.
Nearest MRT Station: JianTan Station (Red Line)
Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) is an authentic Taipei night market and is best known for its traditional food. It is less crowded and frequented mostly by locals. The street is smaller compared to Shilin but still has great selections to suit every person’s taste.
There are a variety of food to feast your eyes on. The black pepper pork buns are famous and a must-try when you are visiting Roahe Street Market.
Nearest MRT Station: Songshan Metro Station (Green Line).
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is another must-visit for first-timers to Taipei. It is a landmark of Taiwan erected in memory of former ROC president, Chiang Kai-shek. The monument, surrounded by a park, stands at the east end of Memorial Hall Square.
See the enormous statue of Chang Kai Shek in the main hall. An inspires awe!
From the memorial hall, there are two buildings, one is the National Theater and the other one is the National Concert Hall. Spend some walk around the grounds and the museum. You can see the guard changing ceremony on the hour from 10:00 until 16:00.
Admission is free.
Suggested Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Getting there: Take Metro red metro line (Tamsui-Xynyi Line) and get off at Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.
Tamsui Old Street
Tamsui, also often spelled Danshui is a seaside district in New Taipei City. It is one of my favorite places to visit in my Taipei itinerary. Take the MRT’s Red Line all the way to the last station to Tamsui Station. It’s about 30 minutes ride on the MTR from downtown Taipei and you get to enjoy some sceneries along the way.
The Tamsui old street offers a glimpse into how locals love every day. Take a walk in the nostalgic street with local shops stretched along the road.
There are many food stalls with delicious local food that this place has to offer. You will definitely be able to find some authentic and delicious Taiwanese food. Don’t forget to try out the famous local unique dishes like ah-gei and ironed eggs.
There are also many souvenir stores where you can bag home some lovely keychains or postcards.
Once done with the street walk, continue walking toward the riverside and enjoy the cool breeze and sunset.
In short, we highly recommend paying a visit to Tamsui. I personally spend about half a day strolling the Tamsui old street and river shore.
Estimated Time: At least half a day
Tamshui Fisherman’s Wharf
Tamsui is close to Fisherman’s Wharf where you can couple your trip together. From Tamsui Old Street, you can take the ferry or bus to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a beautiful area for scenic views, especially during sunset. There’s nothing much to do in Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. But what I loved here was the relaxation, the view of the sunset, and the people watching.
The Lover’s Bridge is a must-visit and highly popular with young visitors and tourists. The night lights from the bridge make this a really stunning place to capture vacation memories in photographs.
Day Trip from Taipei
There is also some of the one-day trip nearby Taipei waiting for you to explore. You can plan for quick day trips or short 2-day trips from Taipei City. We recommend visiting Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu Geopark if this is your first time in Taiwan.
Taiwan has a robust public bus and train system, so getting from one attraction to another is relatively easy. It’s the most budget-friendly and best for solo travelers. For group travelers, you can opt for the Day tour to Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu instead of riding public transport. Less hassle and saves time lining up for trains and buses!
Shifen
Located just outside of Taipei City, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day trips from Taipei. Many visitors come to visit Jiufen and Shifen for its extremely scenic views and great food.
Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is a quaint old town with a scenic view.
When visiting Shifen, you can release Sky Lanterns with well wishes on the old railway track. The railway track with two rows of shops is still in service, making it an interesting sight when the trains approach.
How to get there: Take a rail train from Taipei Main Station (台北車站) to Ruifang Station (瑞芳站). From there, transfer to the Pingxi Small Railway (平溪支線) to Shifen Station (十分站).
Jiufen
Jiufen (九份) is a laid-back mountainous town and well-known for its scenery. This formal gold-mining town is said inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki’s award-winning movie Spirited Away. Besides, Jiufen is also a food paradise filled with endless local dishes. Many locals and visitors alike come to Jiufen to feast on Taiwanese snacks and food.
How to get there: Back to Ruifang Station from Shifen, and then transfer to bus #788, #827, or #1062 to Jiufen Old Street.
Taipei Travel Tips: It can take a while to get there with public transport. Alternatively, take a private city transfer or day tour to Jiufen instead if you are looking for convenience.
Yehliu Geological Park
Yehliu Geological Park is a protected area that’s home to these unusual, alien-like rock formations called hoodoo stones. Walk through the national park and be impressed by all the quirky and unique rock formations scattered all over the place. Everything is formed by mother nature!
Final Taipei Travel Tips
We have been visiting Taipei many times throughout the years. Here are some tips that would make your Taipei itinerary easier and able to save some money:
Plan in Advanced – The accommodations in Taipei can be expensive. But you can save some if you are able to reserve it in advance for a cheaper option.
Plan your Taipei itinerary transport: Taipei city is easily navigated and you can use public transport to get around. The outskirt area also can be reached with a combination of buses and trains. But it can be tiring and take up a lot of transit time. Consider looking for an alternate option with a private transfer and tour option.
Buy an EasyCard – EasyCard is a great transport card used across Taiwan. It works on the local trains as well as buses. You’ll definitely want to get the card so that you can use public transport easily while you’re in Taiwan. You can get your EasyCard from Klook and pick it up when you are at the airport.
Lastly, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be doing a ton of walking in Taipei.
Overall: A Trip to Taipei
That’s it! It was a great visit to Taipei and its surroundings. We’ve fallen in love with Taiwan and keep coming back to visit. With the friendly people, beautiful and charming attractions, culinary delights of Taipei’s night markets, and great side trip, you’ll never go wrong with spending time in Taipei. Let’s plan your visit to Taipei!
While this Taipei itinerary is more focused on city attractions, feel free to read through our Taiwan Travel Guide for more travel information!
Traveling to Taiwan and looking for travel inspiration? Here is our itinerary to some of the interesting places:
Planning your trip and looking for where to stay in Okayama? Here are the best places to stay in Okayama, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels!
Okayama is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. This charming city is well-known among locals for its breathtaking scenery, well-preserved history, and delicious local cuisine. Some popular attractions in Okayama are Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and many more.
While you can visit Okayama as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, we recommend that you stay for a full day or more than two days. The city is also a great stopover to visit Hiroshima if you are coming from Osaka.
Below we’ll list some of the best hotels and accommodations to stay in Okayama.
If you’re planning a trip to Okayama, here are some recommended areas for where to stay in Okayama:
Okayama Station – The most convenient area to stay for first-time visitors to Okayama City. A great range of accommodations are available with different price ranges and budget options.
Stay nearby Okayama Castle – A Fantastic location to stay and within easy walking distance of the main tourist attractions.
Kurashiki Station – Close to the train station and within walking distance of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Kurashiki Historical Area – Great place to stay for the most laid-back and relaxing destination.
Okayama Station
Okayama Station is the most convenient area to stay for first-time visitors to the city. It is the main transportation hub and well-connected to all the other parts of the city using trams (streetcars).
Once you arrive in Okayama via Shinkansen, you can just drop in the luggage, and then start exploring the city. The Okayama Castle and one of Japan’s top 3 gardens are located within walking distance from the station. Plenty of restaurants and eateries can be easily found near Okayama Station.
Popular Hotels nearby Okayama Station
Best Hotel in Okayama – Mitsui Garden Hotel with Public Bath
High-Range: Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama is a well-priced hotel conveniently located near Okayama Station with a 3-minute walk. Rooms are modern and large by Japanese standards. Guests can also enjoy the public bath looking out on a Japanese garden.
High-Range: Hotel Granvia Okayama is really convenient being directly connected with the JR Okayama Station. It is a great place to stay within walking distance of Korakuen gardens and hop on the train to explore Kurashiki or the nearby area. The rooms are spacious with a great view of the city.
High-Range: ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama is conveniently located opposite the station with a 2-minute walk from West Exit. The rooms are spacious, and wide, and come with extra-long beds. Staff are excellent and helpful with foreign language support.
Where To Stay in Okayama – Hotel Abest Grande Okayama
Mid-Range: Hotel Abest Grande Okayama offers 3-star accommodation in Okayama and features a fitness center, a shared lounge, and a bar. The property is close to Okayama Station and has the latest facilities including a large public bath. Besides, the hotel offers cabins (small rooms) at a cheap price which is great for solo travelers. An excellent value stay!
Budget: Kamp Houkan-cho Backpackers Inn is conveniently located within a 10 10-minute walk from the Okayama Station, which makes it convenient for sightseeing. The hostel is decorated with a mix of surfer lodge and industrial cafe/record store atmosphere. Simple practical rooms and a bunk bed for a budget stay in Okayama.
Stay nearby Okayama Castle
Another great place to stay in Okayama would be to stay near Okayama Castle.
The neighborhood is very central. It’s a fantastic location to stay and within easy walking distance of the main tourist attractions. The excellent tram system is well-connected in the neighborhood and very easy to navigate and affordable. A great place for first-time visitors and families.
Popular Hotels nearby Okayama Castle
Best Budget Hotel in Okayama – The OneFive Okayama
Mid-Range: Hotel Excel Okayama offers contemporary, air-conditioned rooms for guests who looking for a great stay in Okayama. The location is excellent and proximity to Okayama Castle and easy walking to the beautiful Korakuen garden. Guests can enjoy the beautiful view when staying here.
Mid-Budget: The OneFive Okayama is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel located near the Okayama Castle area. The hotel offers spacious rooms with a simple modern style. Good value for money.
Kurashiki
Kurashiki is also another popular option when looking for where to stay on your trip to Okayama. Most Kurashiki accommodations are close to the historical area and near the train station.
Here are a few Kurashiki accommodation recommendations.
Popular Hotels to Stay in Kurashiki Station
Where To Stay in Kurashiki – Royal Park Hotel
Mid-Range: Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki is a well-maintained hotel with good facilities. It offers modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms for guests who visit Kurasahiki. The location is perfect, close to the Kurashiki Station and the historical quarter.
Mid-Range: APA Hotel Kurashiki Ekimae is a popular choice when travelers looking for where to stay. The location is superb, right next to the station and many food options nearby. Rooms are affordable and staff are friendly.
Popular Hotels to Stay in Kurashiki Historical Area
Luxurious Stay – Kurashiki Ivy Square
For the most laid-back and relaxing destination, staying at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is highly recommended. There are some unique houses along the canal. It is best to stay overnight in the historical quarter and you can enjoy the scenery in the daytime and also during the sunset.
Top-Rate: Kurashiki Ivy Square is a historical building that was originally built as a red-brick cotton mill in 1889. This family-friendly hotel is located at the edge of the Bikan Historical Quarter. The rooms are spacious and guests can enjoy the onsite public bath which is a great plus. Kurashiki Ivy Square is one of the top-rated luxurious places to stay in Okayama.
High-Range: Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata – If you are looking for a hotel with the feel of a traditional Japanese inn, Tsurugata Ryokan is an alternative. Located on the edge of the Kurashiki River, the ryokan is housed in a building that dates back to the Edo period. Enjoy your stay in tatami matting, futon bedding, and soaking into the hot spring for relaxing.
Budget Hostel Cuore Kurashiki
High-Range: Dormy Inn Kurashiki is a popular Japanese chain hotel with onsen facilities. Guests can soak in the beautiful Japanese-style onsen on the top floor and even outdoor bath when staying in the Dormy Inn Kurashiki. The rooms aren’t large but they are clean and well-maintained.
Budget: Hostel Cuore Kurashiki is located in a historic Bikan district in Kurashiki. The property is decorated in a retro-trendy style and each guest room features a unique design and stylish interior. Guests can choose to stay in a private room or in a dormitory room with bunk beds. A popular pick for travelers who looking for budget and solo stay in Kurashiki.
Overall: Best Stay in Okayama
All in all, we hope you are able to find your best stay in Okayama. The choice of where to stay in Okayama largely depends on your preferences and the purpose of your visit. Each area offers a unique experience.
Staying in Okayama Station or Kurashiki Station if you are looking for convenience to base yourself when visiting the area. We highly recommend Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama and Hotel Granvia Okayama for spending your comfortable nights.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history then Kurashiki Historical area is a top choice. Check out the Kurashiki Ivy Square, one of the top-rated luxurious places to stay in Okayama.
