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Gamcheon Culture Village, Exploring Busan’s Colorful Village
Located in the South Korean city of Busan, is a rather unique place to visit known as Gamcheon Culture Village. This village is terraced alongside a mountain. Gamcheon Culture Village is known as the “Santorini of Korea” or Busan’s “Machu Picchu”. What started off as a refuge area for people escaping war and a former slum is now considered to be one of Busan’s most popular tourist attractions. With it’s colorfully vibrant homes, fun cafés, narrow alley ways, and unique art work, Gamcheon Culture Village is a must when visiting Busan. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of Gamcheon Culture Village The true history of Gamcheon Culture Village is up for debate. There is an information sign at the village stating that Gamcheon Village started off as a refuge for citizens that were affected during the Korean War. While doing online research, I read through several sources stating that Gamcheon Culture Village was the result of Taegeukdo, which is a religious community. After the Korean War, about 800 families moved to the hillside village. Many of the homes are multi level, but the good hearted people living in the community terraced the homes on purpose. That way, no ones views would be blocked by the home in front. Instead of letting Gamcheon Village crumble and turn to despair, it was decided to turn this town around and make it more appealing to tourists. In 2009, artists and students added their artistic touches to the village in order to brighten up the village and make it more welcoming to both locals and visitors. Many homes were painted vibrant colors, alleyways were decorated with art work, and cafés, restaurants, and shops, began to open. Gamcheon Culture Village was reborn as one of Busan’s most popular attractions thanks to the hard working and determined community. Getting to Busan’s Most Colorful Village Getting to Gamcheon Culture Village is relatively easy, especially if staying in Busan. Jagalchi Station of Toseong Station are the closest stations. If you are in South Korea as a visitor I recommend downloading the Naver Map App. Since Google Maps does not work in South Korea the Naver Map app worked well and it was easy to navigate the subway stations and directions around Busan From Busan Station head to Toseong Station. Exit 6 is the recommended exit to depart the station toward Gamcheon Culture Village. There are signs as well pointing you in the right direction. After exiting Toseong Station there are a few ways to reach Busan’s famous colorful village. I opted to walk to Gamcheon Culture Village. If planning on walking, be warned, you will walk a lot and it’s all up hill from the station. But you can find yourself going through fun alleyways and narrow residential areas before even getting to the village, it’s an adventure. There is a bus that goes directly to the entrance of Gamcheon Culture Village. There is a bus stop outside the station, make sure to take the 1-1, 2, or 2-2 mini bus. Another option is to take a taxi to Gamcheon Culture Village. The cabs in Busan are easy and inexpensive. Exploring Gamcheon Culture Village Most visitors will start their adventure of Gamcheon Culture Village at the same place. At the top of the hill, there is a main and fairly wide road lined with tourist shops and cute cafés. I highly recommend popping into some of the shops here, visit the small museum, and go to the tourist information center. If you are wondering what there is to do in Gamcheon Culture Village, here are my recommendations on how to explore this beautiful village. Do Some Souvenir Shopping Plain and simple, Gamcheon Culture Village is a touristy area. This part of Busan can be crowded, a bit tacky, but it’s supposed to be this way. Who doesn’t love a good souvenir shop? There are plenty here to browse. You have everything from places selling local art to cheap socks. I am a simple man, I like a good postcard. Traditional souvenirs can also be like postcards, key chains, and shirts can also be found here. Get Lost! Explore the Alley Ways and Residential Areas If you get to Gamcheon Culture Village and are wondering what to do? My recommendation is to wander around the neighborhood and explore. Take the narrow pathways in between structures, go up the steep trail for the views, and find unique art works that are a bit off the beaten path. Simply by getting off of the main path, you can find yourself at places like the Book Staircase and Stairs to See Stars. Another bonus of ditching the crowds and wandering on your own is that you can take pictures without anyone getting in the way! Grab a Drink, Sit on a Rooftop for the Best Views To get that iconic shot of Gamcheon Culture Village, you have to get somewhere high up with no obstructions. Many of the cafés ae two storied with an outside deck, perfect! I found the perfect café that offered refreshing drinks and amazing views. Wooin Cafe made delicious coffee and smoothies. On a hot day, it doesn’t get better then relaxing with a mango smoothy. Take in Some of the Unique Art Besides the splash of colorful houses surrounding the mountainside, I think the art work placed around Gamcheon Village is another popular feature. It’s basically an outdoor art museum as there is modern art scattered throughout the village. Walk Up or Down the Stairs to See Stars The Stairs to See Stars is a staircase in the middle of the village. There are a total of 148 stairs. The name derives from people walking up all 148 stairs, feeling dizzy and seeing stars once they got to the top! I’d lie if I didn’t say this staircase wasn’t steep. But the photos along the Stairs to See Stars are worth the stair climb. Conclusion Visiting Gamcheon Culture Village makes for a great half day to day trip from Busan’s city center. At Gamcheon Culture Village, every alleyway is exciting. Full of art, murals, fun shops, and laid back cafes. This colorful hillside community offers a blend of history, creativity, and culture. If you love art, photography, or just exploring, Gamcheon is the perfect place to visit. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇰🇷 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
My Pohang Travel Guide – Places to Eat and See
Pohang, is an industrial city located on South Korea’s eastern coast. Pohang is home to POSCO, a huge steel industrial factory that dominates the city and is most likely the reason Pohang has grown into the size it is today, it employees a lot of people! There is more to Pohang then its gigantic steel factory. Pohang has one of South Korea’s largest seafood markets, the fun yet terrifying Space Walk at Hwanho Park, the famous Homigot Sunrise Square and nice beaches. The nightlife in Pohang is hopping and the food is incredible. I created this Pohang travel guide to share what I learned while exploring Pohang along with some of my recommendations on getting around town, places to eat and drink, and unique things to do and see. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Pohang: Pohang is an underrated city in South Korea and deserves a day or two. Visit Pohang for its beautiful coastal scenery, seafood market, and amazing restaurants. Top Things to do in Pohang: Hwanho Park Space Walk. Pohang Jukdo Fish Market. Yeonlidae Beach. Where to Stay in Pohang: I stayed at the Hotel Pohang Galaxy and really enjoyed the rooms and customer service. Consider taking a Guided Tour of Pohang or a Customized Private Tour to expand your visit of Pohang and see its main attractions. Where is Pohang in South Korea? Pohang is on the east coast of South Korea in the North Gyeongsang Province. Pohang is located about 110km from the city of Busan and 360 km from Seoul, South Korea’s capital. 📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Traveling to Pohang – Getting Here Unless renting a car, the best way to get to Pohang is by KTX train from either Seoul Station or Busan Station or by bus. Pohang does have a domestic airport called Pohang Gyeongju Airport. This airport offers flights to Jeju Island and Gimpo International Airport. Pohang Station is just north of the city and is the most convenient and cheapest option. A train ride from Busan is about 1.5-2 hours while a train ride from Seoul is around 3 hours. For Train information, ticket fares and times, I recommend visiting the KORAIL website. Once arriving at Pohang Station, the best option to get to your destination is by a local taxi. The taxi’s in Pohang are fairly cheap and abundant. There is also a bus station in Pohang that serves bus routes to several towns and cities around South Korea. The Intercity Bus Terminal is in the heart of Pohang. There are buses that go between the city of Busan and Pohang. The bus is about 1.5 hours and costs about $10. You’ve been warned, like the taxi drivers in South Korea, the bus drivers are equally as aggressive when it comes to driving. POSCO I can’t write about Pohang without mentioning POSCO. POSCO makes and produces steel and is considered the sixth biggest steel factory in the world. POSCO began in the late 1960’s as the Korean government at the time nominated Pohang as the site for POSCO. In my opinion, POSCO is a big eye-sore during the day but at night with all the lights it looks like a huge city. POSCO does pump in a lot of money to the local economy and has funded other attractions in Pohang like the Space Walk. If interested, you can visit the POSCO website for more information. Where to Stay in Pohang There are a lot of great places to stay in Pohang. Based on price, location, and what was around, I stayed at the Hotel Pohang Galaxy. Hotel Pohang Galaxy was right on Yeongildae Beach. There was an abundance of restaurants within walking distance. The rooms were spacious, unique, and the staff was always pleasant. Things to Do and See in Pohang Although Pohang is not on many visitors radar, this city is not to be overlooked. I wouldn’t say it is a must see destination if visiting South Korea, but there is plenty to see and do around Pohang and the surrounding area. In this section of my Pohang travel guide, I have outlines some of the attractions around Pohang that I visited and recommend. Hwanho Park Space Walk Located within Hwanho Sunrise Park, sitting on top of the hill overlooking Yeongildae Beach is unique attraction of Hwanho Park Space Walk. This was one of my favorite and most entertaining attractions in Pohang. Space Walk is both a work of art, means of exercise, and fun attraction. This attraction was designed by German artists, Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth and was built, funded, and installed by POSCO. This work of art resembles a roller coaster and is free to the public. Pohang’s Space Walk has a total of 717 steps and is around 25 meters at its highest point. I would not recommend walking to the highest point on this attractions if you are afraid of heights. Between the height and the stairs rocking back and forth when windy, it can be a bit unsettling. For those that are curious, no, the upside down portion is off limits and is gated. Visitors have two options here, once entering you can head right or left and end at the gate before returning. I do recommended walking both sides of the Space Walk. Space Walk is a great place to visit especially when nearing sunset as you get amazing views of Pohang and the ocean. If you are looking for free things to do in Pohang, I highly recommend visiting Hwanho Park Space Walk. Pohang-class Corvette Another great free attraction in Pohang is the Pohang-class Corvette. The Combat Corvette is a class of small warships that were designed by the Republic of Korea as a means to patrol the seas around the Republic of Korea. One of the 24 Pohang-class Corvettes (ROKS Pohang PCC-756) is docked in the city of Pohang for visitors to enjoy. This 1,200 ton warship defended the waters around Korea for more then 30 years and was retired in 2009. There were a total of 110 crewmembers on board to include 10 officers and 100 privates. The PCC-756 is open daily from 9:00 until 18:00. Visitors can walk the deck, check out the kitchen area, bunks, and explore various rooms and hallways. 📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Pohang Jukdo Fish Market If you are like me and love exploring local markets, then the Pohang Jukdo Market is not to be missed. This market is recommended in any Pohang travel guide or things to do list. But there is a reason why. It’s one of the largest markets in all of Korea bringing in fresh seafood daily. The Jukdo Fish Market is made up of over 200 shops and vendors selling their catch. Many of the restaurants allow visitors to select from a wide variety of seafood outside the restaurant, where the chef will cook up the fresh food of your choosing. Most vendors had similar marine life such as crabs, several fish species, clams, sea slugs, oysters, lobsters, octopus, squid, and even cuttlefish. The octopus being sold by some of the vendors are huge. I’ve never seen octopus as big as the ones sold at Jukdo Fish Market. Every time, I see the poor octopus in the tiny pools of water, most of the time trapped in nets, I can’t help but feel sorry for them. Especially given how intelligent they can be. But who am I to judge what other cultures eat around the world. Songdo City Park South Korea can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. I certainly felt overwhelmed here and there and felt a need to find a peaceful park to escape the crowds and noise. Just a short walk from the Pohang-class Corvette is the Songdo City Park. This city park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You almost forget, that just outside the park is one of the largest steel producers in the world. What I loved so much about walking around Songdo City Park was the mix of walking trails through pine trees and relaxing activities. There were multiple trails throughout the park, exercise equipment, small streams and pools of water, and reflexology paths. Walk to the Ulleungdo Passenger Ship Lighthouse Just south of Yeonlidae Beach is a trail to the Ulleungdo Passenger Ship Lighthouse. This is by no means a hiking trail but it’s a long paved path from the ferry terminal to the light house. Parts of the trail has a reflexology path while other parts have a cushioned floor. Once you reach the end, there is a small red and white light house that is worth a photo or two. From the walkway, you get nice views of POSCO, Yeonlidae Beach, and the ocean. Yeonlidae Beach Yeonlidae Beach in Pohang is a happening place! At all times during the day and night, there will be people here. Whether they are walking the beach, shooting off fireworks, or zipping around on jet skis, Yeonlidae Beach is definitely a must visit place in Pohang. You can walk for hours on this beach and it’s kept clean. Every morning, I saw groups of people clean the beach. One of my favorite attractions on Yeonlidae Beach was the sand sculptures. The sculptures aren’t really made from sand, but are made to look like it. Regardless if they are made of sand or not, it’s a great addition to the beach. Yeongildae Maritime Pavilion Another free attraction in Pohang and one of my favorites was the Yeongildae Maritime Pavilion otherwise known as the “Floating Pavilion.” The Yeongildae Maritime Pavilion is an observation deck that sits out in the ocean, connected by a pedestrian bridge. From here, you get great views of POSCO, Yeonlidae Beach, the ocean, and surrounding hills. I absolutely loved coming here at night and practicing my slow shutter photos with the calm water and vibrant lights. Places to Eat in Pohang What’s a Pohang travel guide without food and restaurant recommendations? I spent two weeks in Pohang eating out every meal and tried a variety of Korean dishes. From trying famous Korean dishes like bibimbap and kimchi to exploring seafood markets and sampling local food caught fresh from the sea. I even tried bizarre foods like sea snails and beondegi which is a silk worm. I really enjoyed the food scene in Pohang and feel it’s an underrated destination when it comes to food in Korea. Here are some of my favorite restaurants and food experiences in Pohang. Korean Fried Chicken 대구통닭영일대점 (Daegu Tongdak) Daegu Tongdak was one of my favorite restaurants in Pohang. Korean fried chicken is on another level and Daegu Tongdak knocks it out the park! First, the chicken here is inexpensive, you pay around 20,000 Korean Won or about $15 for two plates of chicken, each plate with 10 pieces. You can go all in and get one flavor or mix and match. The texture of the fried chicken was spectacular. It was crunchy and airy, the flavor was just as good, not dry and super flavorful. 청춘통닭 (196 Whole Chicken) 청춘통닭 (196 Whole Chicken) was the second place I went to for fried chicken while staying in Pohang. I liked this place, but the chicken wasn’t as good as Daegu Tongdak. The style was much different. It seemed like they took out pieces of chicken and hacked it up, so you got random bones in the chicken. The chicken was still really good but I liked the atmosphere more. They had great outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a nice cold beer
5 Small Towns in Japan’s Chugoku Region Worth Visiting
The Chugoku region is the western most region on Japan’s Honshu island. Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi, make up the 5 prefectures of the Chugoku region. A few major cities like Hiroshima and Okayama call this region home. A major draw to this part of Japan is the vast wooded areas, mountains, and cozy small towns. I loved exploring everything this region of Japan has to offer, especially the off the beaten villages tucked away in the mountains or along the coastline. This post is about my favorite small towns in the Chugoku region of Japan. 🇯🇵 ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Japan’s Chugoku Region There are a total of 47 prefectures in Japan. Breaking Japan down further, there are a total of 8 geographical regions: Chubu, Chugoku, Hokkaido, Kansai, Kanto, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku. Japan’s Chugoku region makes up 5 prefectures on the western side of Honshu. These 5 prefectures include: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. Jill and I have traveled around Japan’s Chugoku region extensively and have visited great cities like Hiroshima. Honestly, some of the small towns in the Chugoku region were amongst our favorites! Below is a list of our 5 favorite small towns in the Chugoku region of Japan. Iwami Ginzan and the town of Omori In Shimane prefecture lies the small town and ancient silver mining community of Iwami Ginza. Belonging to Oda City, Iwami Ginzan is one of Japan’s best kept hidden secrets. Iwami Ginzan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance and preservation. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is the main attraction in the area. If visiting the mine, be prepared to walk. There is a main parking lot and a road that passes by local areas, but the mine is tucked back deep in the forest. Since Iwami Ginzan is a World Heritage Site, there is a fee of ¥410. The price is worth the adventure as visitors get a chance to walk a few hundred meters through one of the ancient mines. You enter in one side and exit the mine at a different location, but the path is well marked and you end up on the same path. After exploring the mines, I highly recommend heading to the small town of Omori. This might be my favorite small town in Japan’s Chugoku region. Omori doesn’t take but 15-20 minutes to walk through, but the old homes lining the ancient cobble stone streets and moss covered shrines makes this town so enjoyable. There is also a yummy German bakery in town called Hidaka and some decent restaurants. Before leaving Omori, check out the Caves of the 500 Arhats. Takehara Takehara is a well preserved historical town located in Hiroshima prefecture. Takehara began as a merchant town famous for both salt and sake. Today, visitors can walk the cobblestone streets of Takehara, see the old merchant shops, and visit the beautiful shrines. One shrine that is highly recommended to visit is the Saihoji Temple. This Buddhist temple is built on the hillside and offers gorgeous views of the small town and surrounding mountains. Tomonoura Tomonoura, a quaint fishing village in Hiroshima prefecture is a port town just outside of the city of Fukuyama. Tomonoura is your typical small fishing village in Japan. It has narrow alley ways lined with historical buildings with easy access to the Seto Inland Sea. Apparently back in the day, ships would dock here during unfavorable oceanic conditions, because of the boat traffic, Tomonoura began to thrive. It is recommended to visit the old town center and simply walk around and explore. View the Seto Inland Sea from the many view points, visit the Irohamaru Museum, pay a visit to the ancient shrines, pop in and out of the local shops, and find a good place to eat. Tomonoura is one of Japan’s small towns but you can easily spend a half day to full day here. Afterwards, it is recommended to pay a visit to the city of Fukuyama to see Fukuyama Castle and Kusadoinari Shrine. Tsuwano Tsuwano is a small samurai town located in the mountains of Shimane prefecture. Tsuwano is known mainly for the Tsuwano Castle Ruins and Inari Shrine, both attractions are located just outside of town. Tsuwano Castle Ruins sit high on top of a hill overlooking the town of Tsuwano. The castle here was built in 1325 but was unfortunately dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Today, the stone foundation of the castle still remains. No matter what, a visit to the top of the castle is a must when visiting Tsuwano, for the views alone. There is a convenient but old chair lift that runs from the bottom of the hill to the castle ruins. The lift is an adventure in itself. But there are also hiking trails that reach the castle ruins. After the castle ruins, the Inari Shrine is a must visit. The shrine is bright red and has a beautiful Torii Gate walking path that leads to and from the shrine. Walking through the Torii Gates was definitely a highlight for us. After visiting Tsuwano Castle Ruins and the Inari Shrine, then make your way to town. Tsuwano’s downtown area is relatively flat, so it is very walkable and most attractions and sites are all located on the central road. You can view the samurai homes, western style church, sample sake, visit museums, and grab a snack or sit down at one of the local restaurants. Lining the main road, there is a beautiful little stream full of large Koi fish. Yanai Yanai is one of my favorite small towns in Japan’s Chugoku region and probably the one I visited the most. Yanai is located in Yamaguchi prefecture about 30 km south of Iwakuni. The streets of Yanai are lined with homes that date back to the Edo period. But you don’t really come to Yanai to look at the buildings. In fact, Yanai is famous for their Gold Fish Lanterns. You can see these red and white gold fish shape lanterns decorated throughout town, on each street and every shop. In fact, visitors can get the chance to make their own gold fish lantern. Head over to Yanai-nishigura to purchase or try your own at making the famous gold fish lantern. The people working here are always so friendly and helpful. While you are at it, cross the street and visit the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory. Purchase some locally made soy sauce and check out the factory! Conclusion Visiting the small towns of Japan’s Chugoku region offers visitors a chance to venture off the beaten path and experience authentic Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty. Some of my favorite places in Japan has to be the small villages in the countryside. These towns showcase traditional crafts, have great restaurant options, and offer warm hospitality that sometimes is overlooked in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Whether you are buying Gold Fish lanterns in Yanai or simply walking around he quaint town of Tsuwano, these hidden gems in Japan’s Chugoku region are a must visit and offer a different side of Japan travel. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂 🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
10 Best Day Trips from Hiroshima
Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most well known cities, for obvious reasons. Hiroshima does have a dark past but this city rose from the ashes to become a beautiful, lively, and well respected city. Hiroshima City is an easy city to explore with most of the attractions being within walking distance from the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Hiroshima deserves minimum one day of exploring if not two. After successfully visiting what Hiroshima has to offer there are so many day trips from Hiroshima that are worthwhile. Just a couple of hours or less, you can see towns and attractions like the Floating Torri Gate at Miyajima or take a ferry to Okunoshima and pet hundreds of wild rabbits. In this post, I’ve outlined 10 of my favorite day trips from Hiroshima. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 10 Day Trips from Hiroshima I used to live in Iwakuni and have frequented Hiroshima many times. Since living in Okinawa, I’ve traveled to Hiroshima a few times and have explored Hiroshima and the surrounding prefectures extensively. The 10 day trips from Hiroshima listed below are my most recommended trips from the city of Hiroshima. The list includes everything from nature to larger cities. The day trips listed below are in order from closest to farthest away from Hiroshima. 1. Miyajima About 21 Km or 25 minutes south of Hiroshima is Itsukushima, otherwise known as Miyajima. Miyajima can be accessed from Hiroshima by car or street car. Once at the ferry port, it is a quick 10 minute ferry ride to the island of Miyajima. Miyajima is considered to be one of Japan’s 3 most scenic sites and is home to Itsukushima Jinja Otorii (Grand Floating Torii Gate). The Floating Torii Gate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is built in the water. Depending on the tides but at high tide the Torii Gate appears to be floating in the ocean. Miyajima deserves a day in itself. For a small island, there is so much to do and see here. For people that love hiking, you can hike to the top of Mt. Misen and get amazing panoramic views of the area to include Hiroshima City off in the distance. One of my all time favorite temples in Japan, Daisho-in is at Miyajima and the beautiful Toyokuni Shrine and 5-storied Pagoda is not to be missed. You might notice to that there are a lot of wild deer at Miyajima. The deer are cute and small and many tend to hang out near the ferry port and town area. Be cautious as they tend to sneak food from people not paying attention. Like all wild animals you may encounter in nature. Don’t feed them and enjoy them from a distance, although easier said then done! 2. Kure 24 Km or 30 minutes from Hiroshima is the port city of Kure. Kure is an easy drive from Hiroshima, but visitors can also take the Kure Line from Hiroshima Station. There is also a ferry that goes back and forth between Hiroshima Port and Kure. If you love maritime museums then Kure is right down your alley! Kure is home to the JMSDF Kure Museum and Kure Maritime Museum. It’s worth it to walk around the port area, you might catch a glimpse of some of the ships and submarines docked. 3. Iwakuni Iwakuni, my second home is one of the most recommended places to visit if staying in Hiroshima. Iwakuni is very accessible from Hiroshima by either car or train. Iwakuni deserves a day to explore. There are many famous sites around the Iwakuni area to include the Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, and Kikko Park. Don’t forget to try an unusual ice cream flavor at one of the ice cream shops near the Kintai Bridge. For more information on Iwakuni, whether it be sites to see, restaurants to try, stunning hikes, or just general tips and recommendations, I have a post series, Guide to Iwakuni. 4. Takehara About 1 hour away from Hiroshima is the quaint and quiet town of Takehara. Takehara is one of the towns Jill and I stopped in for a quick breather while on our bike trip after cycling the Shimanami Kaido. Takehara has a historical district with traditional buildings dating back to the Edo period. Saihoji Temple was a highlight of our brief stop in Takehara. Saihoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple built on the hillside. 5. Rabbit Island Okunoshima, better known as “Rabbit Island”, is a popular tourist destination especially for families with younger children. Just over an hours drive from Hiroshima is Tadanoumi Port. From here, visitors can take a quick 12 minute ferry ride to Okunoshima. Once on the island, the rabbits that call Okunoshima home are the stars of the show. There are approximately 900 wild rabbits here and they are all adorable! In fact, you can purchase rabbit food at Tadanoumi Port to feed the little bunnies. The rabbits are scattered throughout the island, there is a nice trail that circulates the island, so make sure to keep food for some of the rabbits that are farther from port. The rabbits are quite friendly, they have no problem with ganging up on us humans to beg for food and pets. There are also WWII sites around the island, a hotel, museum, and a café/restaurant. 6. Onomichi Onomichi is a popular destination, mainly due to the fact that it is the beginning or ending location for the Shimanami Kaido. Onomichi does make for a great day trip from Hiroshima as there is plenty to do and see here. Driving distance is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hiroshima. There is also a train that connects the cities. Onomichi lies on the Seto Inland Sea but is surrounded by hills and mountains. The town is somewhat built on the hillside, so be prepared to walk! When in Onomichi, it is recommended to visit the temples and Cat Alley. Cat Alley is a part of town that has become popular amongst cat enthusiasts due to the many stray but well cared for cats and the many cat themed cafes and decorations here. 7. Fukuyama Not far from Onomichi and one of my favorite day trips from Hiroshima is a visit to the Castle town of Fukuyama. Fukuyama is accessible by train, shinkansen, and driving. I love Fukuyama, because it is the perfect day trip destination. There is just enough to do here for an entire day but I feel two days is a bit much unless planning on visiting outside attractions My main recommendation for Fukuyama is to visit Fukuyama Castle. The castle here is not original but still impressive and the ground surrounding the castle are gorgeous. I also recommend a visit to Kusadoinari Shrine. Kusadoinari Shrine is unique because of the architecture and color. 8. Bihoku Hillside Park About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hiroshima is Bihoku Hillside Park. This is a nice day trip from Hiroshima as it’s something completely different then cities and towns like the other trips on the list. Bihoku Hillside Park has a great mix of flower fields, open air museums, nature walks, plenty of playgrounds and activities for kids. For an up to date list of attractions and events, it is recommended to visit the National Bihoku Hillside Park Website. 9. Kurashiki One of the more underrated destinations in Japan and an easy day trip from Hiroshima is the historic canal town of Kurashiki. Kurashiki is an ancient merchant town that is built up around canals. Kurashiki is very walkable as most the attractions are centered around the canal district. My main recommendation for Kurashiki is to simply walk around the historic down center, walk the small alley ways, hike up to the shrines on the hillside, and maybe take a canal tour if that is your thing! There are many souvenir shops within the historic center and great restaurants! 10. Okayama Just over a 2 hour drive from Hiroshima is the city of Okayama. Okayama is a large city that deserves a minimum of a day to explore if not a couple, but you can easily see the highlights in a single day trip from Hiroshima. The main highlights of Okayama include Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden. Okayama Castle is known as the Crow Castle because its black color. I consider this to be one of the most beautiful castles in Japan but the inside is a bit of a let down. The inside of the castle is modern and as no real castle vibe to it, I’d recommend just enjoying it from the outside. Korakuen Garden is considered to be one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Conclusion Whether you are interested in seeing the Floating Torii Gate at Miyajima or petting cute rabbits at Rabbit Island, there are many day trips from Hiroshima that allow visitors to explore the surrounding region. If you are in to nature, WWII history, or simply want to see more of Japan, these day trips from Hiroshima are highly recommended. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂 🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
Sakura Season in Japan
Sakura season 🌸 in Japan is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit, but it is also one of the most touristy times as well. Sakura season or cherry blossom season begins in the southern Ryukyu island of Okinawa around mid January to early February. The season begins to unfold on mainland Japan around the end of March to early April. The further north you go the later the cherry blossoms bloom, so Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season starts around the end of April and lasts until early May. During Sakura season, visitors can expect to see cherry blossoms in full bloom dotting the landscape with beautiful shades of pink and white blossoms. Whether you are in Okinawa during Sakura season or mainland Japan, this post will act as a guide to Sakura season in Japan. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Trees So, what exactly are Sakura Trees? Sakura is the Japanese term for cherry blossom 🌸. The cherry blossom is the flower that blooms from a specific species of tree. Although cherry is in the name, the cherry blossom tree does not produce fruit. A couple weeks out of the year during early spring the cherry blossoms bloom into beautiful pinkish and white flowers. Otherwise, the trees grow leaves once the cherry blossom flowers fall to the ground. Sakura Season in Japan Sakura season is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Japan. Around this time of year, usually early spring the cherry blossom flowers begin to bloom. Travelers and locals alike flock to famous destinations like Himeji and Iwakuni to picnic under the Sakura trees, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful blossoms. Although stunningly beautiful, cherry blossom season is also one of Japan’s busiest seasons. Crowds upon crowds will flood famous Sakura destinations, hundreds if not thousands of people will be out enjoying the blossoms. Food companies are quick to make profit and sell anything and everything Sakura flavored from Sakura Frappuccino’s to Sakura flavored donuts. Sakura season in Japan lasts only a few weeks and times vary depending on location. Generally the islands in Okinawa will see Sakura trees begin to bloom first around late January to early February. About a month or two later come late March to early April, the Sakura trees will begin to bloom on mainland Japan. Generally, the cherry blossoms will bloom earlier the more south you are. Cherry Blossom season in Hokkaido doesn’t even begin until late April into May. The environment in Japan is so drastically different, so Sakura trees near the coast might bloom earlier or later then ones in mountainous area. So when following the yearly progression of the Sakura trees, keep all these factors in mind. There are many sites that have a somewhat accurate forecast of when the Sakura trees are in bloom. Here is an example of one for 2023, Japan Weather Co., Ltd. When is Sakura Season in Japan? Sakura Season in Japan starts in Okinawa around the end of January. Mainland Japan starts to see the cherry blossoms around the end of March to early April while Hokkaido gets to experience Sakura season later, around the end of April to early May. How Long is Sakura Season in Japan? Geographically speaking, Sakura season can be 4 months if you were to see them bloom in Okinawa and follow the blooms to Hokkaido. But in general, Sakura season is short and lasts about a week or two once the trees are in full bloom. Is it worth visiting Japan for the Cherry Blossoms? 100%! There is a reason why so many people travel to Japan during this beautiful time of year. The Sakura trees in full bloom are absolutely beautiful. Visitors get to experience fun festivals and try exciting Sakura flavored treats. If you don’t like crowds, there are always secluded places and small villages that have Cherry Blossom trees. Sakura Season in Okinawa Late March to early April, visitors flock to mainland Japan for Sakura Season, but many people are unaware of the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Sakura season in Okinawa begins much earlier then mainland Japan. Sakura season in Okinawa can be enjoyed starting late January and ending in early February. Not only does Sakura season begin earlier in Okinawa, but even the cherry blossoms are different then those from mainland. The Sakura trees here tend to have a bright pink flower that points downward, compared to the white cherry blossoms on mainland. For photography, the pink flowers are easier to photograph since they point downward and are more dominant compared to the background. If you live in Okinawa or are visiting this beautiful island for Sakura season, here are a few places I recommend going to in Okinawa for Sakura season. Mt. Yaedake Mt. Yaedake is probably my favorite place in Okinawa for Cherry Blossom viewing, especially at Yaedake Sakuranomori Park. Sakuranomori Park has a childrens playground, meaning it is a great place for families. There are also trails that branch off of the parking lots and going down toward the valley and back up. There are two trails, each is usually never crowded with pockets of beautiful Sakura trees. It is at these trails that I photographed the Warbling White-Eye birds. For some reason, these birds love flying around and feeding off of the cherry blossom trees. Nago Cherry Blossom Festival and Nago Castle Park In 2023, now that Covid-19 is somewhat a thing of the past, the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing. Surprisingly this festival was a blast. Tons of food vendors, live entertainment, and lots of happy people! The festival takes place around the city of Nago. After enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment, walk past the festival to enjoy the mountainside full of cherry blossom trees. Nago Castle Park has around 20,000 Sakura trees. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂 🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
Kobe, Japan – More than Just Kobe Beef
Kobe, Japan pronounced Ko-Beh and not Ko-Bee, is a city in Japan on the outskirts of Osaka. When you think of Kobe, most people will think of the beautifully marbled Wagyu beef that comes from this region of Japan. Trust me, the Kobe beef was absolutely delicious but there are so many other things to do in Kobe that will keep any tourist occupied for days. Obviously, when in Kobe, try the world-renowned beef but also spend time at Ikuta Shrine, walk to the port and see the Earthquake Memorial and Be Kobe sign, stroll through Chinatown, check out the 19th century western homes, sample local brews, and make sure to walk down Motomachi Shopping Arcade Street. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Kobe and How to get Here? Kobe is located in the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. Kobe is situated between the cities of Himeji and Osaka. Kobe does have its own airport, Kobe Airport. The airport serves domestic flights all around Japan from Okinawa to Sapporo. International tourists who want to visit Kobe will most likely fly into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport✈️. For vacationers in Japan traveling to Kobe via Shinkansen, there is Shin-Kobe located just north of the city. To access the city from Shin-Kobe, there is a subway line. Visitors arriving to Kobe via the JR rails can go to Kobe-Sannomiya. Kobe-Sannomiya is the main station in Kobe and is accessible to most of the things to do in Kobe. Kobe-Sannomiya is accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama, and many other towns and cities. Top Things to do in Kobe Kobe Beef is world-renowned and for good reason, it is probably some of the best beef in the world. But there is so much more to Kobe then just beef. If you are looking for things to do in Kobe, below I have outlined our itinerary of Kobe along with the attractions, sites, and restaurants that are recommended by us. Kobe Beef – Expensive but Well Worth the Experience Kobe Beef is world-renowned as being some of the best beef in the world 🐃. Kobe Beef has beautiful marbling, which is the fat that gives it a lot of its flavor Trying authentic and true Kobe Beef is high on many foodies to do list, including mine. I’ve lived in Japan going on 4 years now, up until our trip to Kobe, I’ve never had Kobe Beef and was very much looking forward to trying this wonderful type of beef 🐂. So what is Kobe Beef? How is it raised? and Why is Kobe Beef so expensive? Kobe Beef is a type of Wagyu. Wagyu refers to specific breeds of cattle in Japan that are raised for their beef. Basically, all Kobe Beef is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe Beef! Kobe Beef is produced from Tajima cattle which is a strain of cattle raised in the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. I believe there are some common misconceptions and myths regarding Kobe Beef and how this strain of Tajima cattle are raised. I grew up thinking, the Tajima cattle drank beer, got daily massages, and lived better lives then I do. This is not entirely true. Yes, the Tajima cattle are incredibly well cared for and consume higher quality food then most other cattle breeds. The farmers do their best to provide a stress-free environment for the cattle and do not pump them with hormones and other artificial crap. The farmers intent is to keep the breeding and life cycle process as natural as possible. To learn more about Wagyu and Kobe Beef, I found a good article from article from finewagyu. Typically, Kobe Beef is the most expensive beef. So why is Kobe Beef so expensive? Several factors play into this, such as the care of the cattle, the food they receive, the natural environment and pace in which they grow up, and the quality of the meat that is produced. The Hotel Monterey Kobe, where we stayed provided us with a few restaurant recommendations in Kobe that served an authentic Kobe Beef dining experience. We opted to go with a famous restaurant not far from the hotel called Mouriya. Prior to coming, I was well aware of the price of Kobe Beef and was willing to spend some serious money on this potential once in a lifetime experience. Mouriya was certainly a fine dining experience. The restaurant was small and each group got a personal chef that cooked the beef teppanyaki style on an iron stove top right in front of us. For dinner, Mouriya had a A and B set meal. The customer can select a cut of meat, the size, and specific course. I planned on going all out and ordered the 120g Premium A5 Sirloin Steak. Jill ordered the A5 Rib Road Steak 150g, and my dad had the 200g Premium A5 Sirloin Steak. We each got the A set, which included an appetizer and grilled vegetables. The appetizer was a dish of roast beef which was fabulous. The vegetables started off with very finely cut garlic where the chef flipped each one over very carefully for several minutes to the point where they became like garlic chips. The vegetables was an assortment of mushrooms bean sprouts, and sweet potato, all which were phenomenal. Finally, the chef started preparing the steaks, he carefully trimmed the steak and cooked it to perfection before placing it on the plates in front of us. Finally, the three of us got to sink our teeth into the world’s best beef. Like Hida Beef we had in Takayama, the Kobe Beef literally melts in your mouth like butter. The texture and flavor of Kobe Beef was unlike anything I’ve had, it was just perfect. Jill and my dad were equally as satisfied with their steaks. The Kobe Beef paired with the vegetables has got to be one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The set meal at Mouriya was well worth the price. I would gladly come back to Kobe and spend the money on Kobe Beef. Sorakuen Garden – A Peaceful Place to Escape and Relax For a nice escape from the modern city, it is recommended to visit Sorakuen Garden🎍. Sorakuen Garden is a Japanese-style garden with a central pond, streams, a waterfall, and a few western-style historical buildings, the Hassam House and Kodera Stable. One of my favorite sites at Sorakuen Garden was the barge house boat or Kawagozabune. This was a barge that is from the late 1600’s used by feudal lords from Himeji. Sorakuen Garden Hours and Admission Hours9:00 – 17:00 Closed on Thursdays and December 29th – January 3 AdmissionAdults – ¥300Children – ¥150 Chinatown – Sample the Street Food Kobe’s Chinatown (Nankinmachi) is just a block south of the Gai Shopping Arcade Street and stretches for several blocks. Chinatown is packed full with street food, restaurants, and shops. Kobe’s Chinatown is the result of Kobe Port being open to foreign trade in the 1868. Kobe’s Chinatown is not as old or large as Yokohama’s Chinatown, but well worth exploring and sampling the delicious food that lines both sides of the street. We visited April (2023), and there were lines at the famous steamed bun shops, so we opted to eat street food and the street food at Kobe’s Chinatown did not disappoint. The pork buns were incredible. Kobe Port and the Be Kobe Sign – Perfect Area to Practice Night Photography One of my favorite places in Kobe has to be Kobe Port. There is so much to do here, especially in the late evening. At the Kobe Port area, there is the famous Be Kobe sign, Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, Kobe Port Tower (currently under renovations), Mosaic, which is a huge shopping mall, and so many more restaurants, museums, and other fun activities. The Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial is a memorial n place here to commemorate the damage and lives lost during the great Earthquake that devasted the city in 1995. There is a small section here that the city decided to keep showing the damage done to the infrastructure. There are a few displays and information boards in the area for visitors to learn more about the devastating earthquake. For night photography, this was a really cool place to practice slow shutter methods of the lights and water surrounding the port. I got some pretty cool photos of the Oriental Hotel in Kobe, the Ferris Wheel at Mosaic, and of the Maritime Museum. Kobe Ijinkan – Explore Kobe’s Western-style Homes One of Kobe’s most popular attractions is the Kobe Ijinkan or Western Homes. In the Kitano area of Kobe there are quite a few western style homes sitting on the hillside. These homes are primarily from foreign traders that settled in the area in the 1800’s. It is kind of a climb to get to the area as the homes are located on the hillside on the outskirts of the city. But it is manageable to walk here from Sannomiya Station. There is a sightseeing bus that does make a stop here at Kobe Ijinkan. For more information on the bus, route, and fare, here is a link to the Shinki Bus website. Once at Kobe Ijinkan, it is recommended to walk around the neighborhood and maybe stop at one of the homes that has been turned into a café. A few of the homes have been turned into museums and prices range anywhere from ¥300 – ¥700, there is even a ¥1,300 pass that grants access to 3 homes. Out of all the homes, I enjoyed the Weathercock House the most. Motomachi Shopping Street – One of Japan’s Best Arcade Streets Arcade streets in Japan are always fun to walk. Motomachi Shopping Street in Kobe is one of the best I’ve been to. This arcade street seemed to go on for miles. Motomachi Shopping Street was full of interesting shops, delicious looking restaurants, and modern cafes. For an arcade street of its size, Motomachi Shopping Street was very clean and safe. While walking the arcade street, we found a German pastry shop called Juchheim’s. My mom being from Germany and Jill needing a break from walking all day, we all decided to pop in for a quick coffee/tea and slice of cake. The café did have a shop on the 1st floor and dining space on the second floor. If dining in, guests can order drinks, slices of cakes, or set courses. I got a slice of chocolate cake and a coffee. Although pricey the cake was delicious! If visiting Kobe on a rainy day, Motomachi is a perfect way to spend an unpleasant weather day. After all, the shopping street is covered and there are hundreds of shops to pop in to. Sample Local Beers – Open Air Brewery The craft beer scene in Kobe was surprisingly good and one of my favorite breweries in Kobe, Open Air, served all the traditional beers I like not to mention the food was great! The Hop Viking and Open Air IPA were my favorite beers they had on tap that day. Honestly, I got a flight and all the beers were decent. Open Air Brewery had two floors, the first floor was more of a bar area while the second floor had tables for guests. I can’t wait to go back to Kobe and try some other breweries and craft beer. Recommended Places to Stay in Kobe Kobe is a large modern Japanese city, with that comes a lot of hotel options. You can find everything from Hostels to Resorts. If you are looking for just a no thrills Japanese hotel with a great breakfast you can
Visiting Himeji – Japan’s Grandest Castle and Ancient Temples
Located between the Japanese cities of Okayama and Kobe lies the city of Himeji. Not known to many foreigners, Himeji is one of Japan’s best kept secrets. Himeji is home to Japan’s most beautiful and grandest castle, Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle dates back to 1609 and is still intact. Himeji Castle has escaped being damaged by civil wars, WWII, and natural disasters. When visiting Himeji, the castle is a must but there are many attractions that are worthwhile, especially if taking a day trip to Himeji. Across from the castle lies the beautiful Koko-en Gardens, there is a fantastic arcade street with dining and shopping options, and don’t forget to visit Mt. Shosha and Engyo-ji, an ancient temple complex found on a hillside, made famous as being the setting for several scenes in Tom Cruise’s movie, The Last Samurai. Where is Himeji? How to Travel to Himeji What to Do and See in Himeji Himeji Castle Koko en Gardens Miyukidori Mt. Shosha and Engyo-ji
Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan
If planning on staying in Taipei for a few days, then I’d recommend an easy day trip to Jiufen. Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular destinations and for good reason. Jiufen’s Old Street is a narrow pedestrian food path winding through the city lined with fun shops, teahouses, amazing food vendors, and so much more! For those that love anime, I hear Jiufen was the inspiration behind the animated fantasy film, Spirited Away. So whether you are into anime or just want to experience and see a cute and traditional Taiwanese village, then I highly recommend a day trip to Jiufen. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Jiufen? Jiufen is a village in New Taipei City located in Ruifang District. Jiufen is not far from the coast and is in a pretty mountainous area. Some nearby towns in the vicinity of Jiufen include Ruifang, Houtong Village, and Keelung City. Getting to Jiufen from Taipei Getting to Jiufen is relatively stress free and easy, especially if just doing a day trip from Taipei. If visitors are not renting a car, it is recommended to take a train to Ruifang Station then either a bus or taxi to Jiufen. From Taipei Main Station take the northbound local train to Ruifang Station. It’s a pretty common route, so trains run to Ruifang regularly. The train ride to Ruifang Station from Taipei Main Station is roughly an hour. There is an Express Train that takes about 40-50 minutes, we got lucky and hopped on this one. The express train was a tad more pricey but the comfort and quickness of the train was well worth it. Once at Ruifang Station, there are buses that go directly to Jiufen. The journey from Ruifang to Jiufen is roughly 15 minutes. We got lost for some reason in Ruifang and could not fid the bus station. I believe we exited Ruifang Station on the wrong side, so we decided to take a taxi. The Taxi ride was cheap, just a couple bucks! Be warned, the taxi drivers are crazy. I nearly had a heart attack sitting in the back seat as the driver cut off other drivers, sped around tight curves, and honked at other drivers. Day Trips to Jiufen from Taipei I love day trips and have nothing but great experiences with day trips booking through Viator or Get Your Guide. Although I did Jiufen on my own this time, I highly recommend booking a day trip to Jiufen from Taipei. Especially if you don’t want to figure out the bus schedules or transferring from one mode of transportation to the next. Here are a few of the recommended Day Trips to Jiufen. Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei From Taipei: Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour Taipei: Jiufen Night View and Shifen Day Tour Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup How we Spent a Day in Jiufen We spent 3 days in Taipei and took a day trip to Jiufen from Taipei. We chose to visit Jiufen based on interests, proximity to Taipei, and we simply just wanted to see more of Taiwan outside of the big city. We combined a visit to Jiufen with a trip to Houtong Cat Village which was only about 10 minutes away by train. I saw pictures of the famous Amei Tea House in Jiufen at night and knew I wanted to arrive to Jiufen in the afternoon and hang around until it got dark. We got to Jiufen around lunch time and spent a solid half day here walking the Old Street, sampling food, drinking tea at the famous tea houses, and just explored the narrow alley ways. We really loved our day trip to Jiufen and want to share our experience. If you are wondering what to do in Jiufen? Or looking for things to do in Jiufen, outlined below are what we did and our recommendations on how to spend a day in Jiufen. Discovered the Cave to Taro Potato Teahouse When going up or down Shugi Road, right next to Amei Tea House, there was a cave like passageway. Curious, Jill and I both walked through the tunnel and ended up at the Taro Potato Teahouse. The tunnel was longer then expected and fun to take photos of. On the other side of the tunnel was the teahouse. We didn’t actually go inside or eat anything at the teahouse. For the most part we just wanted to walk through the tunnel leading to the teahouse. Walking the tunnel is certainly not a must do when visiting Jiufen, still it was a fun experience. Drank Tea at a Tea House Overlooking the Ocean I am not a huge tea drinker but Jill is. So while on our day trip to Jiufen, we couldn’t leave without at least sitting down and drinking tea at one of the teahouses. We knew the famous Amei Teahouse would be impossible to enter without reservations. Without any particular teahouse in mind, we strolled around Jiufen Old Street looking for a teahouse and stumbled upon one. Although I can’t recall the name it was right by Ocean See Hotel. This tea house was multiple storied and we got lucky enough to be seated outside on the balcony. The view were amazing, again looking out toward the coast. Jill and I both ordered different teas. They came out in their own glass kettle. Each one was filled with loose leaf tea. Both teas were from Taiwan and delicious, although I preferred the one I ordered. Explored the Narrow Alley Ways of Jiufen Old Street When visiting Jiufen, the Old Street also known as the historic district is a must. Jiufen Old Street is a series of small alleys with restaurants, shops, teahouses, bars, and hotels, lined on both sides of the alley ways. We spent the majority of our time in Jiufen here walking the Old Street and eating food sold by local vendors. I’ll be honest, this area was jam packed with tourists, I mean shoulder to shoulder. Even though it was crowded, I didn’t feel overwhelmed and still got to eat what I wanted and sit down at bars and tea houses. It’s one long alley way with several smaller alley ways that branch off the main one. I recommend starting at one end and walking through Jiufen Old Street. Gain a sense of what you want to eat or what shops you want to visit, then go back through and eat and shop. Afterwards, explore some of the side alley ways, you never know what you will come across! Photographed Temples Although Jiufen is a pretty small village there are several stunning temples in and around Jiufen. Our taxi driver dropped us off behind Shinghuang Temple. This had to be one of the most photogenic temples I’ve seen in Taiwan. I took a photo of one of the statues on the roof of the temple. The statue is of a man on a Lion/Dragon overlooking the ocean and the land reaching into the sea. This is the main photo above for this post. This has to be one of my favorite views in all of Taiwan. Another impressive temple that is not to be missed while visiting Jiufen is the Shen Ming Gong Temple. This temple is located just a few steep steps above Jiufen Old Street. It’s a massive complex and the vibrant colors and complex architecture are truly impressive. While sitting in the back of the taxi to Jiufen from Ruifang, I noticed a massive temple off in the distance. According to Google Maps, I believe this is the Jinshan Temple. Unfortunately, I was only able to enjoy this temple from a distance. I’ll have to travel back to Jiufen to pay this temple a visit. Sampled Food Around Jiufen’s Old Street The highlight of our day trip to Jiufen was walking the Old Street in Jiufen and sampling all the delicious food offered from the various vendors and small dining restaurants. Food options on Jiufen’s Old Street are endless. You can find everything here from fine dining to snacks on the go. We tried several small dishes throughout Jiufen’s Old Street. Two things that stood out to us was the Vegetarian Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs (pictured above) and the ice cream burritos with cilantro and peanut butter. The ice cream burritos consisted of dan bing as the wrap rolled with ice cream and cilantro. Either the ice cream was peanut butter or there were peanut shavings on the ice cream. Either way, I would have never guessed, but a concoction of ice cream, peanut butter, and cilantro makes for a great refreshing treat! Sat Down and Tried Local Taiwanese Beers Surprisingly, Taiwan has a great craft brew scene. While walking the Old Street in Jiufen, we decided to take a breather and try some local brews at Golden Bar. Golden Bar had an extensive craft beer menu. If I recall, the craft beer was all Taiwanese. While here, I tried the Oolong Tea Pilsner by Jim & Dad’s Brewing Company and a Winter Melon Ale from Taiwan Head Brewers. The Winter Melon Ale was very good. As always, it was so nice to sit down, rest, and enjoy craft beer! Stood in a Crowd and Took a Photo of Amei Teahouse By far the most popular and photographed site in Jiufen is the Amei Teahouse. According to the Amei Teahouse website, his teahouse has been in Jiufen for over a hundred years and started off as a black smith shop before being converted into a beautiful teahouse. Honestly, I never went inside the teahouse. Like many others, I just saw the Amei Teahouse from across the alleyway and snapped a few photos. It was painful as there were hundreds of people doing the same thing, taking a quick picture then moving on. It’s rumored that the Amei Teahouse is the inspiration behind the animated movie Spirited Away. Walked down Shugi Road at Night to View the Lanterns Toward late evening, Shugi Road in Jiufen is lit with lanterns lining both sides of the road from the top to the bottom and is a spectacular site to see. Shugi Road basically connects Ruijin Road wit Jiufen Old Street. It is a series of steps leading from one road to the other. For many, Shugi Road could be your starting point to exploring Jiufen, or this road could be your exit out of Jiufen. Either way, it is recommended to walk Shugi Road especially at night to view the lanterns. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂 🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei
When visiting Taipei don’t even bother with traditional sit-in restaurants for dinner. Don’t get me wrong, restaurants in Taipei are great and I’ve been to several, but Night Markets are a unique experience serving up some of the best and cheapest food in Taiwan. Night Markets in Taipei can be found in pockets throughout the city. Usually from evening until early morning. Food vendors set up along the streets and serve up some of the best food Taiwan has to offer from Stinky Tofu and fried salad sandwiches to huge grilled chicken skewers and grilled rib tips. This post is our personal guide to Night Markets in Taipei as we outline some of our favorite night markets and favorite dishes! Don’t forget to bring cash and come hungry! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Information on Night Markets in Taipei Many streets around Taipei look like your ordinary city street during the day. But come dinner time, many streets around Taipei turn into night markets with food vendors and hungry customers as far as the eye can see. Vendors begin to set up their food stalls in the early evening and are serving delicious and cheap food throughout the night, sometimes past midnight. Time wise, most night markets start around 17:00 and end sometime between 22:00 and 24:00 but these times will vary on days and the specific market. Night markets are popular among both foreigners and locals. You generally see a good mix of people here from foreigners and children to businessmen and people that know the markets and come on a near daily basis. The vendors at the night markets are known to serve bite sized portions of delicious food. In general, expect the food to be quite cheap in price, that doesn’t mean the quality of the food is poor. It’s quite the opposite, for the most part, the food sold at the markets are fresh and local. Sometimes, when walking around Taipei especially the night markets, you might get a whiff of a bad city smell. Chances are it’s not a sewer smell but a food famous in Taiwan known as Stinky Tofu. It’s fermented tofu with a rather pungent smell. I was reluctant to try it, (I don’t do well with smells) but set a goal for myself to try it on my last trip to Taipei (February 2023). I tried it on my last day from a local vendor at Guangzhou Street Night Market. Surprisingly, I found the stinky tofu to be rather delicious. Thankfully it didn’t taste like it smelt. Night markets can be chaotic, noisy, and messy but it’s all a part of the atmosphere and experience. If visiting night markets in Taipei, try not to overthink and over plan your visit to the markets. If you are wondering which night market in Taipei to go to, simply pick a selected few in the area and do a quick walkthrough to see what food options are available. Once you explore the market, start ordering food directly from the vendors. be adventurous and remember to try anything and everything. Taipei Night Market Tours I always find food tours in cities I am unfamiliar with to be a great introduction to the food scene. Food tours offer great benefits. The guides are knowledgeable, you learn a lot about the city itself, and get to learn about and sample a wide variety of delicious food items. Night markets in Taipei are always a highlight when visiting. For first timers visiting Taipei, a night market can seem overwhelming. I recommend local food tours as an introduction to Taipei night markets. Here are some of the recommended night market tours in Taipei. Shilin Night Market Walking Tour with Private Tour Guide Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour with a Local 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour Famous Night Markets in Taipei We’ve Visited I am by no means an expert when it comes to night markets in Taipei. I don’t really have the expertise to say which ones are the best and go here and not there. I’ve been to probably 6 – 10 different markets through Taipei and love all of them. Each market is unique in it’s own way. You can find a lot of similar food items throughout all the markets but many will have a variety of vendors only found at that particular market. When visiting Taipei, it’s best to go to several markets and try various food items at each market. I’m a foodie and love trying new food, it’s one of my favorite reasons to travel to new destinations around the world. Here are some of the Night Markets in Taipei that we’ve visited and highly recommend checking them out when you visit Taipei. Gongguan Night Market The Gongguan Night Market is a night market that is popular amongst students as it’s near National Taiwan University. Honestly, I loved Gongguan Night Market it didn’t feel touristy and there were no long lines at vendors. Gongguan Night Market is accessible by taking the Taipei Metro Green Line to Gongguan Station. At this night market, I had an amazing Gua Bao and Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang which is basically a sweet sausage with sticky rice as the bun. Guangzhou Street Night Market Guangzhou Street Night Market is close to Lungshan Temple in Taipei’s Wanhua District. Guangzhou Street Night Market is a smaller one but has some of the best local Taiwanese food. At this market I tried some of the best street food in Taiwan and I had my first bite of Stinky Tofu here. By far one of the best meals I got from a vendor in Taipei was here. The vendor was selling fried rib tips and they were so good, I went back for seconds! The Guangzhou Street Market is open daily from 16:00 until 24:00. Huaxi Street Night Market Huaxi Street Night Market is a popular market just up the street from Guangzhou Street and Lungshan Temple. The Huaxi Street Market has covered pedestrian paths in parts and has a variety of shops, food vendors, and massage parlors. Huaxi Street Night Market is also known as Taipei’s “Snake Alley”🐍 . Snake Alley got its name because back in the day, many restaurants here used to serve snake dishes. Today, there are still a few restaurants here that do serve Snake Soup and Stir Fried Snake or “Sanke Soup” and “Stir Fred Snake” if “Engrish” is your preferred language. I do love trying new foods, but I just couldn’t get myself to eat the snake here because the boas outside the restaurants are so beautiful. This area used to be a rough part of town but has since cleaned up and is quite safe and fun to explore. There are more outside sit down dining restaurants here. My first time in Taipei we tried one of these restaurants and it was great although a tad intimidating. This time around, I just had meat skewers. Huaxi Street Night Market is open daily from 16:00 until 24:00. Linjiang Street Night Market Linjiang Street Night Market is located in the Da’an District of Taipei. The Linjiang Night Market is near Taipei 101 so it makes for a great stop if visiting this famous landmark. Lijiang Night Market is made up of around 200 vendors selling a wide variety of food items. Here I ate some incredible steak bites and a Döner Kebab like sandwich. Linjiang Street Night Market is open daily from 18:00 to 24:00 and is located on Linjiang Street in the Da’an District of Taipei. Ningxia Night Market One of my favorite night markets in Taipei is the Ningxia Night Market. This night market was somewhat chaotic as hundreds of vendors were lined up on both sides of the narrow road. When we visited Ningxia Night Market, it was busy and almost every vendor had a line. Surprisingly, the lines went quick. Here we had a delicious fried salad sandwich, taro balls, and some of the best chicken on a skewer I’ve ever had! The chunks of chicken strung out on the skewer were huge and delicious. Simply grab your food, find a nice place to stand, and enjoy! Ningxia Night Market is located in the Datong District of Taipei and typically open from 17:00 until 1:00. Raohe Street Night Market Perhaps one of Taipei’s most popular and best night markets is Raohe Street Night Market. The Raohe Street Night Market is about 600m long with food vendors on both sides of the street. This market is old, being founded in 1753. There are all sorts of goodies at this night market. I remember having Schwein Haxe, not as good as in Germany but still satisfying. I also had a dessert that was doughy and full of peanut butter. I can’t recall where it was or what it was, all I know is that is was tasty and satisfied my sweet tooth. Raohe Street Night Market is in the Songshan District of Taipei and is open from 17:00 until 23:00 daily. This area is worth exploring as there is the Songshan Ciyou Temple, Rainbow Bridge, and more attractions worth seeing. Shilin Night Market Located in the Shilin District of Taipei is the Shilin Night Market. If you are looking for one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, then the Shilin Night Market is where you want to start. About a 10 minute walk from Shilin Station, visitors will find themselves at Shilin Night Market. This night market is huge and spans several blocks. Shilin Night Market isn’t just about food, there are many shops here and a covered area full of fun games and activities for kids. Let’s be honest, I came here for the food and the Shilin Night Market did not disappoint. I tried takoyaki balls with shrimp, steak cubes, pork buns, Chinese hamburgers, fried rib tips, pancakes with filling, and a vegetable of some sort wrapped in bacon, all of which were delicious. If you are looking for a night market in Taipei and having trouble deciding where to start, I recommend Shilin Night Market. Ximen Night Market Ximen Night Market seems more like a shopping district then food market. But if you walk around here long enough, you’ll find incredible eats! Jill loves Bubble Tea and there are a few vendors and chains here that sell Bubble Tea at a very reasonable price. There are many restaurants and small sit in dining places at Ximen Night Market, we found ourselves inside a dumpling shop. We also went to J & G Fried Chicken, ordered the chicken bites and calamari. Portions were huge, very flavorful, and fairly cheap! Conclusion Taipei’s night markets are vibrant with a wide array of delicious food. Visiting the night markets in Taipei are one of the reasons I just keep coming back to this amazing country. Taipei night markets like Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia are a must visit and should be included into any Taipei itinerary. I recommend visiting the touristy night markets but also check out some of the smaller non-touristy ones for perhaps an even better experience. If you are planning to visit Taipei, exploring the night markets are the perfect way to experience Taipei’s food scene. Enjoy! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a
Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus
An easy day trip from Taipei is the fascinating and beautiful Yehliu Geopark. What makes this geopark so special is the rugged coastline, spectacular rock formations, and ancient fossils protruding from the sandstone. Yehliu Geopark’s most popular rock formations include the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, and the Candle Rocks. With so many activities in the Yehliu area, visitors can spend an entire day exploring the geopark, visiting the aquarium, browsing the markets, sampling local seafood, seeing the vibrant temples, or just simply enjoying the beaches and views. Visiting Yehliu Geopark should be included on everyone’s Taiwan itinerary, especially if staying in Taipei. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Yehliu Geopark: Yehliu Geopark is an easy day trip from Taipei. The geology here is unique and the views of Taiwan’s coastline are stunning. It’s a nice nature escape from the Taipei. Best Ways to Visit Yehliu Geopark: Take the Local Bus from Taipei. Join a Day Tour from Taipei. If looking for day tours to Yehliu Geopark, I recommend a Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip or a Small Group Tour. Getting to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus If you are a budget traveler, enjoy buses, or just looking for a cheap and easy option to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei, then I’d recommend taking the local bus. If taking public transit in a foreign city seems complicated and nerve wracking, I can assure you that finding the bus station in Taipei and finding the right bus to Yehliu Geopark is stress free and easy! We stayed near Taipei Main Station and walked to the station the day of our visit to Yehliu Geopark. Buses to Yehliu Geopark depart from Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal. Once in Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal, you want to take Bus#1815 that heads toward Dharma Drum Mountain. At the station, this was at line 5. Thankfully, we knew we were in the right section, there was a sign that displayed 1815 (Jinshan > Yehliu > Dharma Drum Mountain). There is a arrival and departure sheet as well, so you can view when Bus #1815 comes and goes. The bus ride was about 1 hour and 15 minutes give or take. It made several stops between Taipei and Yehliu. Surprisingly, the bus was very comfortable and I enjoyed seeing more of Taipei and the beautiful country side. The bus even had USB ports to charge electronics. Once the bus arrived at the Yehliu bus stop, it was about a 10 minute walk to Yehliu Geopark. To get back to Taipei from Yehliu Geopark by bus, simply go to Yehliu bus stop on the opposite side of the road and wait for Bus #1815 heading back to Taipei. The bus will make it’s way back to Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal. Condensed version of getting to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by bus. From Taipei Main Station go to Kuo-Kuan Bus Taipei Terminal Take the Bus #1815 headed toward Dharma Drum Mountain Get off at Yehliu Bus Station 10-minute walk from the bus station puts you at Yehliu Geopark Tours and Day Trips to Yehliu Geopark Not into taking the bus or trying to figure out times and bus routes? There are day tours to Yehliu Geopark that might be better suited for your travel style. Many tours offered by reputable companies like Viator or Get Your Guide, offer day trips to Yehliu Geopark. Most day tours include Jiufen, Yehliu, and perhaps another destination on the day tour. Here are some of the recommended day tours to Yehliu. I’d plan a full day for day trips to Yehliu from Taipei. Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Tour from Taipei Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup History of Yehliu Geopark and the Rock Formations Yehliu Geopark is as old as Taiwan itself. Yehliu Geopark as some of the most unique rock formations on Earth. So how did the coastline and rock formations here at Yehliu come about? The Datun Mountains in the area were pushed up by geologic forces and the harsh environment near the coast began to erode the rocks. The salt water, harsh winds, and powerful waves shaped the rocks at the park to what they are today. Because of the erosion, this park is constantly changing. So it’s best to visit Yehliu Geopark sooner then later! Like Mushroom Rock State Park and Rock City in Kansas, many of the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark are considered hoodoo formations. In short, the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark are a result of the geological forces and erosion. The environment here constantly changes and some of the famous formations like Queen’s Head may not exist in the near future. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Visiting Yehliu Geopark Yehliu Geopark is relatively small but there is a lot of ground to cover. The cape here is 1.7 km long but many visitors tend to hang out near the park entrance where the rock formations exist. If you want to see more of the cape, there is a trail that ends at an observation deck looking out to the East China Sea. The trail was paved and the views were well worth the extra exercise. But the majority of the attractions and sites are just beyond the entrance. Here you can take photos with some of the more famous rock formations and watch the powerful waves crash against the rocks. Below you can find more information on the park to include the admission and hours and some of the attractions and site we recommend seeing while visiting Yehliu Geopark. Admission and Hours Admission Adults – NTD 120Children – NTD 60 Hours Yehliu Geopark is open daily from 8:00 until 17:00 For more information, you can view the Yehliu Geopark website. Must See Attractions and Sites at Yehliu Geopark Yehliu Geopark as a whole is a natural attraction worth visiting. But within the geopark there are certain geological formations that cannot be missed, Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, and Candle Rocks to name a few. As someone who loves nature and interested in geology, here are my most recommend things to do and sites to see within Yehliu Geopark. Hike to the Observation Deck Just past all the stunning rock formations, there is a trail that meanders through forests, towers above cliffs, and eventually ends at an observation deck overlooking the East China Sea. Don’t worry, the trail is relatively short and is paved. The whole roundtrip of this trail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Although there are no geologic formations along the trail, you are rewarded with stunning views and a break from the crowds. Fossils One of the most noticeable features I saw at Yehliu Geopark was the exposed fossils found throughout the park, especially the oversized sand dollars. The fossils appeared to be everywhere, the more I looked, I couldn’t help but notice fossils extruding from the sandstone waiting to be photographed by me. Candle Shaped Rocks Some of the most unique rock formations at Yehliu Geopark is the Candle Shaped Rocks. The waves crashing against these rocks was dramatic, I tried shooting the waves using a slow shutter, even then my pictures did not do this scene justice. The name of this rock is called “Candle Shaped Rock” because the conical rocks standing upright have nearly perfect circular rocks on top of them giving a candle like appearance. The way these rocks form is far to complex for me to explain. I’d recommend reading more on these rock formations through the Yehliu Geopark website. Fairy’s Shoe Not far from Queen’s Head is the Fairy’s Shoe. This rock formation took a bit of hunting. I asked a security guard in the area where the Fairy’s Shoe was located. It’s just over the ledge and easy to spot once you know the location, you can’t miss it. Sure enough, the rock looks like a shoe. Legend has it that this was actually left here by a fairy that made a brief stop at this location to control an elf that was up to no good! Queen’s Head By far the most popular rock in Yehliu Geopark is Queen’s Head. It’s so popular that there is a boardwalk in front of it with a location to stand for photos. Quite honestly, I found this to be cringy and sad that people wait in line to take a photo by the rock. I wouldn’t be so angry about this but all I wanted was a quick photo of the rock. But there were tour groups in line with tons of people who took group and individual photos! Move along! With that rant aside, Queen’s Head is an interesting formation. It’s a mushroom rock that was created by erosion. The neck holding up the head of the rock is eroding away. Eventually, the neck will get so thin and no longer be able to support the head. So go see Queen’s Head while it’s still there. The name “Queen’s Head” comes from the resemblance the face of the rock has to Queen Elizabeth of England. Outside the Geopark A visit to Yehliu doesn’t have to end at the geopark. In fact, there is much more to do and see in Yehliu. Honestly, one can spend an entire day here, but we were here for a solid half day. Just enough time to visit some temples, see Yehliu Geopark, and grab lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants. When first entering Yehliu, we couldn’t help but notice the large fishing boats at port. They were quite unique compared to fishing boats I am used to seeing in the United States and even Japan. In town, there are a few beautiful temples that are worth a brief stop. Yehliu Baoan Temple and Noyanagi Ninna no Miya Sukura General Army Temples come to mind. Both temples are your traditional temples found in Taiwan with their beautiful vibrant colors and highly decorative figurines on the roof. There is the Yehliu Ocean World right next to Yehliu Geopark. It’s an aquarium with a dolphin show. It has good reviews, but I’m not a fan of using animals as entertainment, so I passed on this attraction. When it comes to food, there are a lot of local restaurants surrounding the giant parking lot. It didn’t take us very long to find a restaurant as we popped in the first one we found. The restaurant we ate at was called, in English Fisherman Dishes. We ordered a plate of calamari, clams, and fried rice, all which were very good! For fresh seafood, the price was very reasonable. Yehliu Geopark – An Ideal Day Trip from Taipei If you are looking to escape the noise, pollution, and crowds, that come with a huge city like Taipei, then a day trip to Yehliu Geopark is definitely worth the effort. We found getting to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei to be easy and affordable and a great escape. This park is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions so unfortunately, you won’t escape the crowds. We ended up staying in Yehliu Geopark for several hours and loved every minute of it. It was nice to hike to the observation deck for the views then walk amongst the unique rock formations that make up Yehliu Geopark. So if you are looking for day trips from Taipei, might I suggest a trip to Yehliu Geopark. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda