Hidden Urban Oasis for Unwinding: Stay in a Japanese-Style Wooden House in Hualien and Experience the Slow Beauty of Eastern Taiwan

Upholding the core philosophy of Slow Travel Culture, the brand aims to deliver a slow-living experience through various activities while showcasing local cultural charm. During check-in, the concierge presents a poetry collection featuring approximately ten renowned poets who were either born in Hualien or found their inspiration here. Guests select their favorite poem, and the title of that poem becomes the name of their room—both elegant and engaging, while also helping travelers gain insight into Hualien’s cultural background.

▲The “poem selection” process not only lets guests name their own rooms but also helps them learn about Hualien’s local cultural background. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

▲After “selecting a poem,” guests receive a room key named after that poem. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

▲Guests can also use lead type molds from the Rixin Type Foundry to print lines from the poem onto bookmarks as souvenirs. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

But don’t think the poem experience ends there. Each poem includes one line printed in bold, highlighting the wealth of cultural assets Taiwan still holds—many of which remain undiscovered and underappreciated. “Slow Hualien Cultural and Creative” has partnered with Taiwan’s last remaining type foundry, Rixin Type Foundry, to provide blank bookmarks based on group size. Travelers can use the lead type molds to print their favorite poem lines as keepsakes. This hands-on experience with letterpress printing also supports the continuation of Taiwan’s traditional printing heritage.

▲Each room comes with a vinyl record player, allowing guests to enjoy the charm of bygone times. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

In both shared spaces and each Japanese-style wooden house, Slow collaborates with “Xianjing Vinyl Library” to provide vintage record players and a selection of vinyl records. As the needle drops and music fills the air, guests can enjoy their stay amid the most authentic and simple remnants of the past, accompanied by softly playing tunes.

▲A writing desk facing the garden allows guests to quietly write while enjoying the ever-changing scenery outside the window. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

The concierge of “Slow Hualien Cultural and Creative” explained that the design of the Japanese-style wooden houses has been preserved from their original state, with televisions removed and replaced by vinyl records and a writing desk. Based on the poem selected during check-in, the desk is adorned with works by the poet, along with a fountain pen and writing paper, so guests can freely express themselves and immerse in the slow passage of time within the wooden retreat.

▲A view inside a Japanese-style wooden house room. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

▲The living area of the Japanese-style wooden house. (Photo / by Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

These small changes have completely transformed the atmosphere of the Japanese wooden house complex. The concierge also mentioned that today’s guests no longer see this place merely as accommodation, but rather as a space to unwind, slow down, and savor the leisurely pace of a vacation—embracing the sentiment from a well-known telecom ad: “The faster the world, the slower the heart.”

Slow Hualien Cultural and Creative
Address: No. 144, Zhonghua Road, Hualien City
Website:http://www.theadagio.com.tw/zh-tw/space