By MOOK Scenic Spots Shun Jun, compiled and reported
Taiwan has many well-preserved Japanese-style buildings, including old houses, shrines, and train stations left over from the Japanese colonial period. Each site tells a story of history, and the rich, authentic Japanese elements have also enriched Taiwanese culture. Below is a list of ten architectural spots across Taiwan that are full of Oriental charm, including restaurants, train stations, hot springs, and more. These hidden corners imbued with the Japanese spirit are recommended for travelers to explore and discover.
Taiwan has many well-preserved Japanese-style buildings, including old houses, shrines, and train stations left over from the Japanese colonial period. Each site tells a story of history, and the rich, authentic Japanese elements have also enriched Taiwanese culture (Image source / Qingtian 76)
1. Qingtian 76
【Info】
Address: No. 6, Lane 7, Qingtian Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Known as the most beautiful street in Taipei, Qingtian Street is home to many clusters of buildings from the Japanese colonial period. Qingtian 76, designed in 1931, is a fusion of Western and Japanese styles and is a designated municipal heritage site in Taipei City (Image source / Qingtian 76)
2. Aotu Café
【Info】
Address: No. 12, Lane 9, Yunzhong Street, Douliu City, Yunlin County
Yunlin’s Aotu Café was transformed from an 80s-era Japanese-style old house into a cozy urban café beloved by literati, nestled close to nature (Image source / Aotu Café)
3. Checheng Train Station
【Info】
Address: No. 2, Minquan Lane, Checheng Village, Shueili Township, Nantou County
Known as the most beautiful wooden train station, Checheng is located in Checheng Village, Nantou County. Built during the Japanese colonial era and completed in 1922, it is now part of the Jiji Railway branch line (Image source / Wikipedia)
4. Hinoki Forest Village
【Info】
Address: No. 1, Lin Sen East Road, East District, Chiayi City
Hinoki Forest Village preserves traditional Japanese-style architecture. The park revitalizes early dormitories and official residences of Japanese staff using traditional Japanese construction techniques, transforming them into a new hub for forestry culture, art, tourism, and entertainment (Image source / Hinoki Forest Village)
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