Taichung

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.

I usually use a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi, but this is easier and cheaper! Setting it up took a little effort, but I'm glad I used it. I chose the 1.5GB/day plan because I use maps constantly, and I'm happy that I was able to use it without worrying about data usage.

The service, train, and itinerary were all excellent; however, the meals could have been of higher quality.

I used the service on the day without a reservation. I took the bus departing Taichung around 9 AM and the bus departing Sun Moon Lake around 6 PM (weekdays). I boarded the first bus on the way there and it was almost full halfway through, but there was plenty of room on the way back. The bicycle rental shop is right next to the Sun Moon Lake bus stop. The bicycle included in the tour is a regular city bike, so I paid an extra fee to upgrade to an e-bike and cycled around Sun Moon Lake (33 km).

Five-star recommendation! We were so lucky to have met Guo En today, who took us to Sun Moon Lake and the farm. There were so many adorable sheep and a horse show! Guo En is incredibly warm and friendly, and his driving skills are top-notch! On the way down the mountain, the fog was thick and visibility was very low, making the mountain roads quite challenging. Guo En remained calm and composed throughout, driving smoothly and safely, giving us a very comfortable and reassuring ride. Along the way, he also patiently explained the local architecture, culture, and stories, and recommended many delicious local dishes. His special recommendation of a goose meat restaurant was absolutely amazing, and we've already eaten it! He was patient, attentive, and hardworking all day, making for a fantastic tour experience. Next time I come to Taiwan, I will definitely choose Guo En again without hesitation! For anyone planning a chartered tour of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, I highly recommend him! The misty mountain scenery was even more memorable than a sunny day. It was like visiting Sun Moon Lake, a place I learned about in elementary school textbooks. Tonight, we plan to go to the night market for some delicious food and further experience this wonderful place in Taichung.

Aside from the card pickup location being a bit hard to find, everything else is great. The price is affordable, the internet speed is fast, and you can use the discounted price without needing to share with others. I highly recommend this for solo travelers.