Recreating Tokyo’s Literary Style: A Stroll Through Taipei’s Zhongshan District
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The Zhongshan shopping area, near Zhongshan MRT Station, located at the intersection of Zhongshan North Road and Nanjing West Road, is a beloved shopping destination for many urban elites and young students. Zhongshan North Road held an important position during the Japanese colonial period, which also contributed to the distinct...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The Zhongshan shopping area, near Zhongshan MRT Station, located at the intersection of Zhongshan North Road and Nanjing West Road, is a beloved shopping destination for many urban elites and young students. Zhongshan North Road held an important position during the Japanese colonial period, which also contributed to the unique Japanese-style charm of Zhongshan District. Strolling here brings a particularly relaxed and pleasant mood. When you visit this area, in addition to exploring distinctive cafes, there are also many stylish shops hidden in the alleys—step into any one of them, and you enter a different life and mood.
Wandering through Taipei’s Zhongshan District, you’ll discover a strong Japanese-style charm. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Rose Heritage – Tsai Jui-Fen Dance Research Institute
A Japanese-style building constructed in 1920, the Tsai Jui-Fen Dance Research Institute was rebuilt after a fire and reopened under the name “Rose Heritage.” In addition to regularly offering various dance classes and cultural performances, those who wish to learn more about the former brilliance of Tsai Jui-Fen will find the richest and most detailed introductions here. Through heritage tours, historical lectures, screenings of documentary films, and seminars, you can step into the undying vitality of the legendary dancer Tsai Jui-Fen.
[Info]
Address: No. 10, Lane 48, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: Rose Heritage Building 02-2523-7547, Dancing Café 02-2523-364
The “Dancing Café” within the garden is also a great place to relax. Its recommended dessert is the “Signature Okamaru,” made from skipjack tuna surimi—the “Okamaru” is a personal favorite of Teacher Tsai. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Hatsumi – A Century-Old Japanese Restaurant
Located in Nishikamata, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Hatsumi received a two-star rating in the 2009 edition of the Michelin Guide before opening its first overseas branch in Taipei. Invited by Hatsumi, Chef Mitsuo Miyake came from Japan to Taiwan to take up a long-term residency. With over nearly half a century of refined craftsmanship, Taiwanese diners can now experience it up close without traveling to Japan.
[Info]
Address: 10F, No. 16, Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2522-1213 (11:30–14:30)
Hours: 17:00–22:00
Hatsumi’s sushi traces back to 1872, boasting a history of over a century. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Galerie Bistro – French Cuisine in a Japanese-Style Old House
A Baroque-style old building from Showa 6 (1931) has been transformed and perfectly blended with a pure, dreamy French style. The two sides of the house have been converted into a restaurant serving French cuisine and coffee with afternoon tea, while the middle section has been turned into an exhibition space. The second floor offers private dining rooms, allowing guests to enjoy gourmet food while also appreciating the beauty of the architecture. Galerie Bistro is like the aristocrat among restaurants—its spacious dining area and elegant atmosphere make guests feel like cherished princes and princesses.
[Info]
Address: No. 2, Lane 25, Nanjing West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-0096
Hours: 11:30–22:30
Unlike ordinary crepes, Galerie Bistro’s crêpes have a soft texture, filled with tender bananas and complemented by the intoxicating aroma of lime—each bite is an ultimate delight. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Nijo-dori Green Island Serenade – Japanese Charm in the Alleys
The “Nijo-dori – Green Island Serenade” café is renovated from an over 80-year-old Japanese wooden house. In addition to exuding the nostalgic feel of traditional Japanese row houses, it also carries a fresh, green ambiance. The café also exhibits photography works, invited Xiao Qingyang to design its CIS and MENU, and regularly hosts performances by local singers, including performances by Panai and Hu Defu.
Address: No. 1, Lane 33, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2531-4594
Business hours: 11:30–21:00
The architect owner, Chung Yung-nan, who has worked on numerous historical building restoration projects, successfully transformed this originally dilapidated old house into the nostalgic Kyoto-style longhouse café it is today. (Photo provided by MK Editorial Department)
- 1
- 2
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-39252
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines