Chiayi

A 3-day unlimited ride pass for just under 10,000 yen per person is a great deal. This time, we only used it for two days across three sections: Taipei to Taichung, Taichung to Tainan, and Tainan to Taipei, but even that was cheaper than the regular price. It would be even more economical if you rode it extensively for three days. What's more, the purchase method is simple: you buy it online and receive a voucher. This time, after arriving at Taipei Station from Taoyuan Airport via the MRT, we went straight to the high-speed rail counter, received our 3-day pass from the voucher, and booked our tickets to Taichung Station for the next morning. After sightseeing in Taichung the next day, we purchased tickets to Tainan at Taichung Station, and upon arrival at Tainan Station, booked our tickets to Taipei Station for the following day, successfully completing our entire trip as planned. This 3-day pass requires face-to-face interaction at a counter rather than using vending machines or automatic ticket gates, so we were able to manage with broken English and written Chinese characters, which was reassuring. We had to show our passports (one per person) at each step of the process, but it was reassuring to know that we could purchase our tickets without any problems.

I used it for both the outbound and return journeys, and exchanging the ticket at the counter was incredibly easy. I was surprised to find that both trains were completely full. Advance reservations are definitely necessary, and the discounts are fantastic.

The Palace Museum has a very rich collection. A thorough visit would take a long time. There are also many interesting souvenirs to take home. It's definitely worth a visit and offers great value for money.

The car was very clean, and the driver was nice and punctual! Plus, it was very cheap. Highly recommend it…

It had been a long time since I'd taken a train trip, so this time my friend and I booked the super popular Sea Breeze Express five months in advance. I initially thought it would just be about enjoying desserts and scenery along the way. Unexpectedly, there was a stop in Houtong, where a professional guide gave us a quick overview of the local mining history. We learned a lot in just a short time. We were also lucky with the weather that day; it only rained on our way back to Taipei. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who hasn't taken a train trip in a while and wants to experience the comfortable atmosphere of a sightseeing train.

The arrangements were very thoughtful; the driver and tour leader were both very professional. The room at the Sakurayama Hotel was simple but fully equipped. The weather on the mountain changes quickly, so I recommend bringing warm clothing. We experienced watching the sunrise, stargazing, and absorbing phytoncides in the park. Luckily, it didn't rain until we left. I used the two-day, one-night holiday to fully recharge and get back to work! 🤣

Before the typhoon hit, I participated in a day trip to Alishan, including "Sunrise at Alishan/Zhushan Station & Sunrise at Zhushan & Zhaoping Station & Alishan National Park." Special thanks to our driver and tour leader, Xiao Xin. • Professional Driving: His driving skills were excellent throughout the trip, making the winding mountain roads feel safe and reassuring, demonstrating his professionalism. • Responsible Care: He attentively attended to the needs of each participant, providing thoughtful reminders about rest, photo opportunities, and itinerary arrangements. • Knowledgeable: He shared insights into Alishan's nature, culture, and anecdotes along the way, adding depth to the journey. • Practical Information: He provided many tips and helpful suggestions, such as the best shooting angles, dressing warmly, and how to avoid crowds, making our trip smoother and more enjoyable. Overall, Xiao Xin's professionalism and dedication made this Alishan sunrise trip not only safe and comfortable but also full of valuable experiences and wonderful memories. I am very grateful for his efforts and highly recommend him!

This was my first time in Alishan, and thanks to our driver, Guo En, who was a great guide, I had a wonderful and efficient experience. He took lots of photos for us, and I highly recommend this tour! Initially, I thought I could do a day trip from Fenqihu to Alishan Forest Recreation Area using a bus ticket, but I gave up on that idea because it was difficult to get there by bus via Fenqihu, and instead used this day trip tour. It turned out to be the perfect choice! However, be sure to read the final confirmation email the day before! The meeting time was 20 minutes earlier than initially announced. Also, while the KKday wrapping is on the roadside of the vehicle, it's not visible from the passenger side and is difficult to spot. It would be good if the "KKday" sign were displayed in a more visible location. The tour consisted of three Japanese people: the two of us and one solo traveler, departing from Chiayi Station. The solo traveler communicated with the driver in English, and the driver also used translation apps and LINE to provide information about meeting places and recommendations. I used the restroom twice on the way there and 2-3 times at Alishan. Bringing toilet paper is recommended. You need to purchase an admission ticket with a shuttle bus ticket via your smartphone before arriving at the entrance gate. Lunch boxes cost around 200 yuan. To return to the parking lot, you need to purchase a shuttle bus ticket for 70 yuan on-site. Souvenirs can be purchased around Fenqihu, Shouzhen Temple, and Alishan Station. At Fenqihu, we were given samples of puffed rice snacks and donuts. The temperature inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area was 19 degrees Celsius. I put on a jacket thinking it might be cold, but I was walking so much that I was only slightly sweaty. There was plenty of shade, and the downhill route wasn't tiring. The driver guided us through places we might have skipped on our own, which was really great.