Keelung

Unfortunately, it was pouring rain (apparently it rains 200 days a year in Jiufen), and even though it was Golden Week, it was cold, and the narrow streets meant umbrellas kept bumping into each other, getting everyone soaked. In that situation, it was a relief to be able to relax and enjoy tea in a shop. Above all, the location was fantastic. You can take photos of that famous scenery (and you can't get in without a reservation), and then leisurely sip Taiwanese tea while admiring it. I think it's an irresistible place for people who love Chinese tea sets, furniture, and tea ceremony. The tea was high mountain tea. Peanuts, rakugan (a type of Japanese sweet), and plums simmered in tea were served. It was a small portion, but it was delicious, so I bought some of the simmered plums as a souvenir. I had made a reservation for 3:30 PM, which was when it wasn't busy, but they told me I could come in at 2:30 PM as well. They were very friendly. I stayed for a long time and left around 4 PM, and the stairs were dangerously crowded. It got dark early because of the rain, so I was glad I could experience that magical atmosphere early. If you decide to go to Jiufen, make a reservation as soon as possible. I think 5 PM is the best time.

Ordering ten minutes before arrival means you can just walk in without having to buy another ticket – so convenient! Plus, it's cheaper than buying a ticket on-site!

It was a great experience. Even though I had no fishing experience 🙋, I managed to catch two fish after being taught by the staff! The downside was that although I took motion sickness medication, I still got seasick when the waves were high.

The rental office is about a 10-minute walk from Luodong Station on the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), or about 3 minutes from the Luodong Bus Terminal. It's located on a main street, so it's easy to find. When you give your name, they'll ask for your passport, Japanese driver's license, and a Chinese translation of your driver's license issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). For gasoline, they give you a card for affiliated gas stations, which you use for cashless payments. Payment is settled upon return. This time, I didn't refuel before returning the car, and paid at the rental office based on the mileage. The car was a LUXGEN U6GT crossover SUV from a Taiwanese manufacturer. It's probably comparable to a Toyota RAV4. Just like when renting in Japan, the first thing to do is check the car. It's a good idea to take pictures of any scratches or dents beforehand. It was easy to drive, the brakes worked well, and my trip to the Taiwan Mountains was very comfortable. They have rental offices all over Taiwan, and it seems you can return the car to a different office. The staff were friendly, and I would like to use their service again next time.