News

2025-05-14

I Visited Taiwan!

Hello, this is Matsuda from Inari Kotsu.
I recently took a 4-day, 3-night trip to Taiwan!
It was meant to be a completely private vacation... but as always, I couldn't turn off my “transportation and tourism infrastructure” mindset. I found myself analyzing things from a professional perspective everywhere I went.

Here’s a quick digest of some of the places I visited:

Accommodation: Caesar Park Taipei (photo: Taipei Main Station)
Located right in front of Taipei Main Station, the location was excellent for both sightseeing and transportation.
The station functions as a major hub with a bus terminal, rail lines, and MRT access — many aspects worth learning from!

Ximending (Night Market)
A vibrant downtown area filled with young people.
The energy of the street food and stalls was incredible — truly a “cheap and delicious” experience!

Taipei 101
The view from the observation deck was stunning.
The underground food court was lively, and the shopping mall itself had many clever features.

Longshan Temple
I could feel the locals’ strong faith.
It was a mysterious space — both tranquil and bustling at once.

National Palace Museum
I was overwhelmed by the exhibits showcasing the depth of Chinese history and culture.
The Japanese audio guide was very well done, showing thoughtful consideration for foreign visitors.

Xiahai City God Temple
Famous for matchmaking prayers.
People of all ages were visiting, and it left the impression that faith and tourism coexist naturally here.

Dihua Street
A nostalgic street that preserves the charm of old Taipei.
It was fun to shop for local goods like dried fruits and tea.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
We watched the outdoor marching of the honor guard — a powerful experience that offered insights into Taiwan’s history and values.

Jiufen
The town said to have inspired “Spirited Away.”
Walking through the red lantern-lit alleys felt like stepping into a movie.
Though it's a major tourist spot, it also had a nostalgic atmosphere. It’s no surprise that many Japanese tourists visit here.

Final Thoughts
Walking through Taiwan as a tourist reminded me how important it is to have “clear transport signage,” “kind service,” and “multilingual menus (especially with pointing visuals).”

I hope to apply the lessons I gained from this trip to help improve local transportation in our community.
We'll also be sharing more photos on our official Instagram soon, so please check it out!