Stay one night for just over NT$600 (approx. US$20)! 4 nostalgic Japanese-style old house backpacker inns

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive report

Taiwan, having gone through the Japanese colonial era, has many old buildings from that period scattered across the island. These structures retain their original architectural frameworks and have been revitalized through restoration. Elements such as mosaics, cross-shaped window grilles, wooden cupboards, and farming tools have been incorporated to showcase Japanese and Southern Fujian styles. These timeworn yet priceless treasures enrich travelers' journeys.

1. Alleyway Little Old House
This Japanese-style old house, over 70 years old, is located in a small alley in downtown Hualien and has existed since the Japanese occupation period. There are three guest rooms in total, two of which still preserve traditional Japanese-style large built-in closets—one of which has been converted into a Totoro bunk bed (Totoro sleeps in the closet!). Throughout the house, you’ll find designs handcrafted or repurposed by the owner, Ah Nan, such asmosaic tiles, broken ceramic pieces turned into window grilles, rotten old wooden utility poles, and seashells from the seasidemade into lamps, as well as locally sourced driftwood from Hualien, Ah Nan’s signature decorative brickwork and cement sculptures, and hand-dyed fabrics loved by the owner’s wife, Ivy.

▲ Alleyway Little Old House (Photo / Reposted from Alleyway Little Old House’s official Facebook page)

▲ Alleyway Little Old House (Photo / Reposted from Alleyway Little Old House’s official Facebook page)

2. Our Old House
Our Old House is over 80 years old and located near the Hualien Yuli Bus Terminal. It was once a filming location for the movie “Eternal Summer.” The inn retains its original building structure and color scheme and mainly operates as a café, using traditional Japanese-style shared sleeping rooms while offering two rooms for backpackers. The central courtyard has a bar that serves coffee, tea, cocktails, and soft drinks (for an additional fee), and the open-air courtyard is perfect for stargazing at night.

▲ Our Old House (Photo / Reposted from Our Old House’s official Facebook page)

▲ Our Old House (Photo / Reposted from Our Old House’s official Facebook page)

3. Old Town House
A backpacker inn located on Taiping Old Street in Douliu, Yunlin, this nearly 60-year-old building is based on traditional Japanese architecture. The innkeeper says, “Old Town House was built in 1958.” The owner, Guan Youren, has preserved many old items, such as the original owner’s cypress wood wardrobe and cabinets. A local carpenter transformed parts of the space into a bar, along witha mirrored wooden wardrobe, wooden desk, vintage vanity, and a red sleeping bed,all exuding a strong nostalgic vibe that feels like stepping back into grandma’s era. The inn offers a four-person Japanese-style tatami mat shared room and a double room, and also provides bicycles for guests to explore and connect more closely with local culture.

▲ Old Town House: left image shows the entrance; right image features retro home decorations. (Photo / Reposted from Old Town House’s official Facebook page)

4. Yushan Hostel
A 60-year-old wooden hostel quietly standing in front of the North Gate Station of Chiayi’s Alishan Forest Railway. It was renovated by the Chiayi City Hongya Cultural Association, giving the 60-year-old lodging a fresh look while retaining its original charm.

The entire building is made of wood. The first floor houses a café, and the second floor features shared dormitory-style accommodations for backpackers. The building’s beams and pillars have been preserved, as have theold-fashioned terrazzo floors, grandma-era mosaic tile bathtubs, and wooden staircases.The second floor has tatami mat flooring. Yushan Hostel offers guests unforgettable memories of old building architecture and Japanese-style ambiance.

▲ “Yushan Hostel,” a new attraction—60-year-old wooden building renovated and refreshed. (Photo / Reposted from Eastern News)

▲ Chiayi’s Yushan Hostel offers accommodation for just NT$300 per night, with classic vintage decor. (Photo / By reporter You Ru)

Alleyway Little Old House
Address: No. 7, Lane 61, Xingang Street, Hualien City
Phone: 0953759000
Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/whatinn
Price: NT$600 per person
Note: Also offers entire traditional cypress wood house for rent.

Our Old House
Address: No. 62, Heping Road, Yuli Town, Hualien County
Phone: 0919-289-979
Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourhousecaffee
Room Type: Dormitory bed (at our-cafe shop) (For other rooms, please check the fan page/official website)
Price: NT$400 per person (NT$500 per person during Chinese New Year holiday)

Old House Lane
Address: No. 146-1, Chengding Street, Douliu City, Yunlin County
Phone: (05) 5321775; 0921054759
Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/Lao.Wu.Ding
Price: NT$500 per person
Note: To support environmental protection, please bring your own toiletries.

Yushan Hostel
Address: No. 410, Gonghe Road, Chiayi City (Yushan Hostel is not in Yushan but next to the old North Gate Train Station)
Phone: 05-276-3269 (available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
Fan Page:Yushan Hostel
Price:
Weekdays: Dormitory bed NT$300/person, Room NT$400/person
Holidays (Friday and Saturday nights): Dormitory bed NT$350/person, Room NT$500/person
Note: Please bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel. No breakfast provided. During Chinese New Year, dormitory and room fees are doubled per person.