Taiwan's Tale of Two Cities
Taiwan has always held a special place in Japanese hearts. The historical connections, the warm hospitality, and the incredible food make it feel like a home away from home. But most Japanese visitors stick to Taipei, missing out on Tainan, the island's cultural soul and original capital. Let me make the case for exploring both.
Taipei is convenient, cosmopolitan, and endlessly entertaining. Tainan is slower, deeper, and will feed you until you beg for mercy. A day trip between them on the HSR takes just 90 minutes, making it entirely feasible to experience both in a single visit.
Taipei Day Trip Highlights
A perfect Taipei day starts at Longshan Temple for morning prayers, moves to the National Palace Museum for priceless Chinese artifacts, and ends at one of the legendary night markets. Shilin Night Market is the most famous, but Raohe Street Night Market offers a more manageable, equally delicious experience.
For Japanese visitors, Taipei 101 remains a must-see. The observation deck offers views across the entire basin, and the basement food court has some of the city's best din tai fung-style soup dumplings. The surrounding Xinyi district feels remarkably like Roppongi, which can be comforting or disappointing depending on your perspective.
Tainan: Taiwan's Culinary and Cultural Capital
Tainan is where Taiwan's identity was forged. As the island's capital for over 200 years, it has more temples per square kilometer than anywhere else in Taiwan, and a food culture that Taiwanese people themselves consider the country's best. For Japanese visitors interested in history, the Dutch-era Fort Zeelandia and Japanese colonial-era buildings add fascinating layers.
The food in Tainan deserves its own trip. Danzai noodles were invented here, beef soup is a morning ritual (served from 5 AM at specialty shops), and the shaved ice desserts are works of art. Everything costs 30-50% less than Taipei, and portions are generous.
How to Do Both
The Taiwan HSR connects Taipei Main Station to Tainan Station in 90 minutes. Early bird tickets or non-reserved cars offer discounts. Leave Taipei by 8 AM, spend the day exploring Tainan's Anping District and temple-hopping in the old city, then return for Taipei's night markets. It's a full day but absolutely worth it.
Q: Is Tainan easy to navigate without Chinese language skills?
A: Tainan is less English-friendly than Taipei, but Google Maps works perfectly, and most restaurants have picture menus. The HSR station has English signage throughout. Basic Japanese is actually understood by some older Tainan residents.
Q: Which city has better Japanese-era historical sites?
A: Tainan edges ahead with the former Japanese magistrate's office, Hayashi Department Store (beautifully restored), and numerous Shinto shrine remnants. Taipei's Beitou hot spring area has strong Japanese heritage too.
Q: How much should I budget for a Tainan day trip from Taipei?
A: HSR round trip costs about NT$2,980 (around 13,000 yen) at full price, but early bird discounts bring it to NT$2,084. Food in Tainan is incredibly cheap, so budget NT$500-800 for meals throughout the day.
Q: Can I use my JCB card in Taiwan?
A: JCB is widely accepted at major retailers, department stores, and hotels in both cities. Convenience stores and night market stalls are cash only. Taiwan ATMs dispense NT$ and accept most Japanese bank cards.
Q: What is the best season to visit Taiwan from Japan?
A: October to December offers the best weather: warm but not sweltering, low rainfall, and comfortable humidity. Spring (March-April) is also pleasant. Avoid July-September typhoon season if possible.
Recommended Taiwan Tours and Experiences
Taiwan is a treasure chest of night markets, mountain trails, hot springs, and cultural gems. From Taipei's modern landmarks to charming old streets, these experiences capture the best of the island.
What things cost in Taiwan
Live HolidaySG prices for the experiences in this guide, so you can sanity-check a budget before you commit.
| Experience | Where | From price |
|---|---|---|
| West Lake Resortopia | Taipei | From S$18.00 |
| Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass | Taipei | From S$43.70 |
| Essential for Traveling in Taiwan | For non-Taiwanese national... | Taipei | From S$24.11 |
| Penghu Sailing | Penghu Whale Cave Sailing Half Day Experience... | Taipei | From S$31.87 |
| Boat ticket to Green Island, Taiwan | Fugang Fishing Harbor, T... | Taipei | From S$10.00 |
| Maokong Gondola | Taipei | From S$10.00 |
| Must-buy for Taiwan Self-guided Tour| Taipei MRT one-day ticke... | Taipei | From S$8.31 |
| Boat ticket to Lanyu, Taiwan | Taitung Fugang Fishing Harbor a... | Taipei | From S$10.00 |