Colorful villages and flower walls make the list: Top 10 Instagrammable spots in Taiwan that Japanese netizens most want to visit

By reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Taiwan was ranked as the second most popular overseas travel destination for Japanese travelers this year. Recently, the well-known Japanese travel agency H.I.S. asked Japanese netizens to vote on the “Top 10 most wanted photo spots in Taiwan,” where commonly listed destinations like Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung did not make the cut. Instead, vibrant painted villages, floral walls, and food-themed spots took center stage, becoming the new trend for Japanese visitors traveling in Taiwan.

▲ The 8-color xiaolongbao at Royal Dynasty. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)

1. Taipei – Royal Dynasty Xiaolongbao
Eating xiaolongbao is a must-do activity for Japanese travelers visiting Taiwan. The 8-color xiaolongbao at Royal Dynasty are brightly colored and come in a variety of flavors, making them irresistible for those wanting to try different tastes. The restaurant also provides a Japanese-language menu, so Japanese visitors don’t have to worry about ordering.

▲ The suitcase wall at 1969 Blue Sky Hotel. (Photo / Provided by user _04___21_; please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Taichung – 1969 Blue Sky Hotel
The 1969 Blue Sky Hotel is the only hotel on the list. Its lobby features an eye-catching “suitcase wall” made entirely of stacked suitcases, and the hotel creatively repurposes items from old hotels—such as transforming an old water boiler into the reception desk. This nostalgic atmosphere has won the hearts of many Japanese travelers.

▲ Rainbow Village. (Photo / From Rainbow Village – Grandpa Huang Yongfu’s Facebook fan page)

3. Taichung – Rainbow Village
Located in Nantun District, Taichung, Rainbow Village is world-renowned for its vibrantly painted murals. Started by a local elderly resident, the cute and colorful style has attracted an increasing number of visitors. Originally slated for demolition under an urban redevelopment plan, it was ultimately preserved thanks to the charm of the grandfather’s artwork.

Address: No. 56, Lane 56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District, Taichung City

▲ The Dome of Light, even praised by international media. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

4. Kaohsiung – The Dome of Light
Located inside the Formosa Boulevard Station of the Kaohsiung MRT, the Dome of Light is made up of 4,500 pieces of stained glass. It also features a light show three times a day. This unforgettable design has turned Formosa Boulevard Station into a new landmark of Kaohsiung and has been selected by many foreign media outlets as one of the “most beautiful stations in the world.”

▲ Emack & Bolio's ice cream from the U.S. (Photo / FromEmack & Bolio's Facebook page)

5. Taipei – Emack & Bolio's
The American ice cream shop “Emack & Bolio's,” which has a 40-year history, is famous for its elaborate and adorable decorations on the outside of its ice cream servings. With bright, colorful exteriors and delicious flavors, it has become a top choice for photos and social media posts.

▲ The luxurious and colorful milkshakes at Meat Up. (Photo / A Man’s Daily Life)

6. Taipei – Meat Up
Since opening in 2016, Meat Up has become a popular pilgrimage spot in Ximending. This retro-style juice and burger shop offers colorful and elaborate milkshakes and juices in a lush, plant-filled space. For example, the “Red Heart Queen,” both inside and out, is made with freshly blended blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, topped with vanilla ice cream and milk—and that’s not all. The drink is further garnished with toasted marshmallows and strawberry sticks, while the cup is decorated with colorful sprinkles, making it extremely photogenic from the shop to the drinks.

▲ Tai Cheng Fruit Shop has an 82-year history. (Photo / FromTai Cheng Fruit Shop Facebook page)

7. Tainan – Tai Cheng Fruit Shop
Tai Cheng Fruit Shop is an 82-year-old fruit store in Tainan that uses seasonal fruits to create various fruit desserts. For example, when summer arrives, the shop offers options like cantaloupe halves adorned with strawberry tarts. Their super-luxurious presentation has made it a favorite among Japanese visitors.

▲The gradient drinks at Dream Drinks are highly popular. (Photo / FromDream Drinks' Facebook page)

8. Taipei　Dream Drinks
Another must-try gradient drink spot in Ximending. The shop offers about 18 varieties of gradient beverages, showcasing dreamy colors in long transparent bottles — holding one is sure to turn heads!

▲The nostalgic charm of Sisini South Village. (Photo / Reproduced from Taipei Travel Net)

9. Taipei　Sisini South Village
Full of nostalgic charm, Sisini South Village was transformed from a former military dependents' village and is now a cultural and creative area home to cafes and specialty shops. With its old-time atmosphere, it instantly transports visitors from the bustling city into a simpler past, despite being located in central Taipei, attracting many Japanese tourists.

▲The florist’s wall of dried flowers is incredibly dreamy. (Photo / FromThe Florist’s Facebook page)

10. Taichung　The Florist
Located in Taichung, The Florist mainly serves healthy fruit juices and smoothies, but what catches the eye of Japanese visitors is the vibrant flower wall inside. Whether you prefer a lavish or cute style, this floral wonderland has it all.