Taipei Solo Adventure: Day 1
In February 2024, I embarked on a solo 3 days trip to Taipei from Osaka.
It was my first time visiting the city, and I was incredibly excited to explore a place I had always heard wonderful things about.
The flight from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) took about 3.5 hours, followed by a MRT train ride from TPE to the city center, which took around 1 hour.
Everything went smoothly, and I was pleasantly surprised by how convenient it was to travel to Taipei from Japan.
After getting off the train from the airport (MRT), I arrived at Taipei Main Station.
This picture was taken in front of Taipei Main Station. Although it was mid-February, the temperature was around 15-20 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
I spotted the Japanese chain coffee shop Komeda’s Coffee in front of Taipei Main Station. I was surprised to see so many Japanese chain restaurants and department stores in the area.
I noticed many small restaurants like these while walking around, which added to the unique Taipei vibes.
After dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I started exploring the city.
Taipei 101 was even taller than I expected! It towers over the surrounding area, dominating the skyline.
Taipei 101
No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Next to Taipei 101, there was a huge shopping mall called Breeze Nan Shan. The area was incredibly modern and clean. You could find all kinds of stores here, from high-end brands to casual wear.
My favorite place to stroll was Dihua Street in Datong District.
The buildings were adorned with Chinese New Year lanterns, and the charming brick architecture added to the appeal.
Dihua Street in Datong District
Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
This place was recommended by a friend who lives in Taipei, and it was perfect for buying souvenirs.
I bought wooden baskets used for steaming dumplings as souvenirs for my mom.
永興農具工廠
103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Section 1, Dihua St, 288號1樓
Dinner at 稻舍食館 Rice & Shine 迪化店 was a truly unique experience. I ordered a pork dish, and it was incredibly tender.
The portion size was generous, and I left feeling thoroughly satisfied.
稻舍食館 Rice & Shine 迪化店
No. 329號, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
At Modern Mode & Modern Mode Café in Datong District, I tried their lemon coffee. It seems like lemon and coffee is a popular combination in Taipei.
The acidity of the lemon surprisingly balanced well with the richness of the espresso.
Modern Mode & Modern Mode Café
No. 278號, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
At night, I came to Raohe St. Night Market, located in Taipei's Songshan District, is one of the oldest and most iconic night markets in the city. Stretching over 600 meters, it offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere filled with a wide array of stalls, vendors, and street food.
Visitors to Raohe Street Night Market can explore a diverse range of Taiwanese snacks, traditional delicacies, and local specialties. From stinky tofu and oyster omelets to grilled squid and bubble tea, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Raohe St. Night Market
Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
One of the highlights of Raohe Street Night Market is the iconic entrance gate, known as the Ciyou Temple Gate. This ornate archway serves as the gateway to the market and is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful decorations.
To cap off the night, I visited a natural wine bar called Can Nature 肯自然葡萄酒 where I had the pleasure of trying a Taiwanese wine.
The red wine, called WE and made by WEIGHTSTONE, was light, easy to drink, and I particularly enjoyed its plum aroma.
WE by WEIGHTSTONE No.4:
This understated lyrical clairet breathes a soothing lucid flow of air that gently goes under your skin. Cuvée W°4 blends three local red grape varieties aged over two vintages. Its ruby red color and elegant red plum and mushroom aromatics sway an uplifting vibe. Then opens to a delicate, appetizing array of juicy red plums and cherries, savory acidity, minty herbal notes, finished with a mellow, yet textured impression that is clean, grounded, and mindful. According to The Red Blend
Can Nature 肯自然葡萄酒
No. 4號, Lane 53, Section 2, Da'an Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
It was an incredible first day. Stay tuned for the second day blog coming soon..!