Highlights of Taiwan and Japan Tour Autumn

Qingshui Cliff is located in Hualien County in Taiwan. Magnificent in clear weather and mysterious in the fog, Qingshui Cliff is one of Taiwan’s natural wonders. A breathtaking coastal cliff twenty-one kilometers long wraps around the edge of Qingshui Mountain in Taroko National Park. The cliff rises an average of 800 meters over the Pacific Ocean, making for an incredibly stunning, picturesque view. Whether driving along the cliff road or viewing it from the observation area, visitors are treated to the sight of marble limestone overgrown with bushy green shrubs rising over a gorgeous coastline and endless ocean. The Qingshui Cliff is a common stopping point for travelers on there way through Hualien County to visit Taroko Gorge.

Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Boat Tours take passengers out in small ferries onto breathtaking Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake and one of its most beautiful nature scenes. Although many travelers choose to hike, cycle, or take the ropeway over the gorgeous lake, shuttle boats offer unforgettable views of the lake’s incredible natural scenery that can’t be enjoyed any other way. splendid coastline of mountain ridges covered in greenery and often shrouded in fog and mist. At the center of the lake is little Lalu Island, a land sacred to the aboriginal Thao people, and shuttle boat tours take passengers to view this protected treasure up close (though outsiders are forbidden to walk on it). Shuttle boats also offer attractive views of Ita Thao – a native Thao village on the shores of the lake. Travelers often connect their shuttle boat tours with an exploration of the village and its charms.

Take a special Tea Tour of Maolanshan Tea Plantation, which includes hiking around the Maolanshan Trailhead and drinking fresh Assam black tea. The Sun Moon Lake area is a dream for tea-loving travelers looking to sample one of Taiwan’s signature products straight from the source. Although the Assam tea plant was originally brought to Taiwan from India, the rich mountain soil and the nearby freshwater lake provides an excellent environment for this bold, reddish-black tea. The Maolanshan Tea Plantation has been making fine quality black tea for years and offers trave Take an easy stroll alongside groves of cedar trees as you overlook breathtaking vistas of verdant terraces of Assam tea plants, with gorgeous Sun Moon Lake outspread in an incredible panoramic background. While there, visitors will have the opportunity to taste fresh Assam black tea, a delicious product that the local area is famous for.

Fenqihu Old Market Street is a preserved heritage shopping district in the village of Fenqihu, in Taiwan. Once a stop on the old Alishan Railway, Fenqihu (or Fenchihu) became prosperous as a loading camp for workers lumbering the Alishan forest when Taiwan was a Japanese territory. Shops sprang up in what became a thriving shopping street, selling delicious snacks, Oolong tea, and various handicrafts. Fenqihu maintains the atmosphere of a little town tucked away in the mountains, but from the moment you step into the narrow alley of Old Market Street you feel its old- fashioned charm. Fenqihu “railway lunch boxes” are particularly popular among travelers looking for a taste of regional comfort foods like chicken, rice, and pickled vegetables.

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is one of Taiwan’s most stunning geographic locations, with dense rows of cypress trees shading the various hiking trails. Taking a walk through their hike on a foggy day. Some trails are narrow taking you up wooden or stone-paved paths up and around the rugged mountains, while other paths are broad and level, following old unused rail lines through the verdant woodland. Great trees like giants with large, twisted roots, pretty little waterfalls and streams tripping over grey stones, forest temples as grand as palaces, and long rickety bridges – Alishan Forest is a cornucopia of visual delights right out of a fairy tale. Perhaps the most popular forest hikes through Alishan are to view the sunrise over the magnificent mountains, which can be observed from a variety of breathtaking viewing areas.

Scenic Alishan Forest Railway is a sightseeing rail line running through the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The Scenic Railway features a switchback system for ascending the lovely mountains of the region, up to over 2,000 meters in elevation. The 86-kilometer-long railway was built during the period when Taiwan was a Japanese colony as convenient transit for Japanese workers heading to and from cypress lumbering sites, once stretching as far as Fenqihu Village. Now the old diesel train carries passengers along a narrow-gauge track into a fantasy forest of mystery and wonder, passing through over 50 tunnels through the rugged mountain landscape, as well as over 77 wooden bridges. The railway is divided into four segments, with the Chushan line segment being one of the most popular, conveying passengers to see the sunrise over Jade Mountain – the highest mountain in Taiwan.

Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden is an old mansion house built for a Chinese noble family during the Qing Dynasty in the city of Taichung. The opulent residence gives travelers a window into the Qing Dynasty’s elegant court culture. The overall mansion is subdivided into an upper and lower mansion to accommodate the large size of the Lin family, each section built to magnificence in palatial Chinese style. Even the names of certain sections of the mansion evoke the idea of regal richness in the imaginations of those who visit – the Tower of Prospective Fragrance, the Hibiscus-Mirror Studio and many other parts of the mansion maintain a distinguished ambience. The attached garden is one of Taiwan’s most spectacular, and also has locations right out of a Chinese fable, including a Pool of Small Habits, a Veranda for Contemplating Nirvana, and the Flying Goblet Drunken Moon Pavilion.

Rainbow Village is a former military dependents’ community in the city of Taichung. One military veteran had the idea to make his world a little brighter and more enjoyable, and this mesmerizing explosion of color is the delightful result. Huang Yung-Fu, now known as “Grandpa Rainbow”, was one of the last people living in this community, which was scheduled for demolition. One day he began painting colorful birds around the walls of his home, eventually adding various other animals and cutesy characters. When he ran out of space he moved on to other empty homes in his neighborhood. Eventually the whole village was covered in his colorful art, which led the local city government to preserve Rainbow Village. Now the psychedelic colors of the village draw travelers from all over the world.

The National Taichung Theater is a grand theater building in Taichung which displays professional offerings for both local and international performance arts. The building itself is a local marvel with a modern design, built by innovative Japanese architect Toyo Ito in 2014. It has since become an icon of the city of Taichung. Its bulbous, free-flowing form has been compared by Ito to a whirlpool, with the voices and arts inside flowing out like waterspouts. The inside of the theater is just as impressive, with multiple performance areas, including an opera gallery, playhouse, and a modular “Black Box”. There is also a “Tutu Gallery”, resembling a ballerina’s dress, where artwork is displayed. There is also an expansive park for visitors out in front of the building, inspiring creativity whether you are exploring the inside or outside.

Gao-mei Wetlands is a natural wetland area in Taichung which sits at the southern mouth of the Dajia River. Travelers desiring to feel the golden sunset on their faces while in a most picturesque location can be found on the wide, wooden boardwalk that stretches out to the wetland. Long rows of wind turbines, their thin, white tines spinning lazily over the sandy, mirror-like landscape, make for an idyllic panorama. The wetlands preserve a unique biosphere where cute critters, including mudskippers and fiddler crabs, can be seen tunneling in the sand at low tide. Gao-mei Wetlands is also the premier spot in Taichung for watching birds such as the egret, sacred ibis, and black-faced spoonbill. The migratory months of fall and winter are the some of the best times for birdwatchers to explore the Gao-mei Wetlands.

Fengjia Night Market is by far the most popular nighttime street market in Taichung. The night market sprang up around the same time as the opening of Feng Chia University, which brought an influx of business to the area. It is one of the top places in Taiwan to sample some delicious street food. You’ll find these mouthwatering foods in brightly lit shops decorated in bold colors, with cute themes and characters that make each stand unique. What foods are the best will depend on your taste, though certain foods of Fengjia are considered must-try, including classic “sausage inside a sausage”, Angry fried squid on a skewer, and a Taiwan delicacy – Black tea stinky tofu! Other shops feature various games, as well as reasonably-priced souvenirs.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a monument in Taipei, which was built in honor of Generalissimo Chiang Kai- Shek, Chinese military leader and statesman. Chiang Kai-Shek set up the government of the Republic of China in Taiwan in 1949 and was elected to the office of president for five terms. Although some criticize him as having been a dictator, there is no doubt he had a profound impact on the modern state of Taiwan, which can be seen in this palatial monument to his memory. A grand white hall full of symbols, such as the eight-sided roof (for good luck), the 89 steps leading to the hall (Chiang’s age), and other elements connected to Chinese culture. Local events take place in the nearby square, including a formal Changing-of-the-Guard Ceremony.

The National Palace Museum is a Chinese history and culture museum in Taipei. This grand, palace-like museum houses nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks from China’s imperial age to as far back as the Neolithic age. Much of the artwork was evacuated by Chiang Kai-Shek during the Chinese Civil War in attempt preserve the country’s ancient history, and many of the artifacts came directly from the Forbidden City. The incredible pieces of this historic collection are featured in rotating exhibitions and are arranged to highlight various themes including women artists, calligraphy, paintings, porcelain, even imperial historical documents. Tours of the facility are available to the public with audio tours available in English and other languages.

Taipei 101 is a massive skyscraper, the tallest in Taiwan, as well as the tallest building in the world until 2010. Initially constructed in 2004 as the Taipei World Financial Center, the Taipei 101 employs super-fast elevators to zoom passengers from its 5th floor all the way up to the 89th floor in less than a minute. It’s innovative structural design features Asian thematic elements, its multi- layered tiers appearing like a large bamboo shoot had sprang up into the sky. The tower also features state-of- the-art safety features to accommodate the region’s tropical storms. The tower includes a classy shopping mall arranged in a cylindrical shape, featuring fashionable stores and restaurants. The tower is often used as a centerpiece for national celebrations, but the top event at the tower is its New Year’s Eve fireworks event. An unbelievable number of fireworks launch from various points along the structure of Taipei 101, reaching an astounding 16,000 fireworks for its 2020 display.

Located north of Nara Park is one of Japan’s most historic and famous temple called the Todai-Ji Temple. This temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple’s main hall named Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. It is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha siting at fifteen meters tall.

Located in central Nara is Nara Park, it is one of the most famous and popular parks in Japan. The park is famous and popular because it is home to over one thousand deer. The deer roam freely throughout the park and visitors are able to get up close and feed the deer as well. This park is conveniently located near most of Nara’s main tourist destinations, which include Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-Ji Temple, and the Nara National Museum.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Grand Shrine is located in southern Kyoto and is one of the most famous and visited shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is only five minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, and features over a thousand vermillion colored torii gates that brings many tourist to this shrine every year.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

Take the chance of interacting with a maiko while drinking tea, ask her about her profession, training, and lifestyle. What is different between her life and other girls in Japan? Drink a cup of tea with her, and fulfill some of your curiosity, and even take a picture with her.

Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station, is the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District is one of the most famous and popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyoto. This area is filled with restaurants, teahouses, shops, and other attractions to entertain guests. The machiya merchant houses along with river and the occasional geisha walking around, brings visitors from everywhere to experience everything that this area has to offer.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

The Miho Museum is located in the city of Koka and along with Koka’s ninja attractions, is a fun side trip from Kyoto. This museum has a unique architecture that blends in well with its surroundings and artwork display. This museum features many exhibits of world history and culture.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

One of the most popular ways to get around Hakone is by taking the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway travels between Sounzan and Togendai. The Hakone Ropeway gives visitors a beautiful view of Hakone and on a clear day, it is possible to get a nice view of Mount Fuji as well.

Owakudani is located in Hakone and is an area around a crater where gaseous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers exist. Just like most of Hakone, on a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji as well. There are hiking trails available for guests, but these trails are difficult for inexperience hikers.

Mt. Fuji is a widely-known symbol of Japan. At 3,773 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. “Station (gome)” is the unit representing one tenth of the length from the trail entrance to the top.The fifth station Mt. Fuji is the fifth point from the base at the height of 2,305 meter. Being the end of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road and the highest point that general cars can reach. From the observatory you can see below Komitake Shrine, an ancient place for prayer that has been visited by worshippers and disciplinant, and Yamanaka-ko, the largest lake among the five Fuji lakes.

Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area near Shibuya Station. It is one of the most busiest and popular locations in Tokyo. There are plenty of options when choosing for a place to dine or shop and there are plenty of nightclubs as well. The most famous locations in Shibuya would be both the Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue.

The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo, only a short walk away from Tokyo station. The palace is home to the current Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace is not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd where guests are able to enter and see the current members of the Imperial Family from a balcony. Visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

Take a lesson from an expert and prepare fresh sushi. Experience the difference in the taste of Japanese-grown ingredients. Then, enjoy eating your masterpiece for lunch after completing your sushi lesson.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure ever built and the world’s second tallest structure ever built at the time of its completion. Located not too far from Asakusa, this 634 meter tall tower is now one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The main observatory is 350 meters high and the second observation deck is 450 meters high and both offer a breathtaking view of the city.

Amba Taipei is a 5-minute drive from Ningxia Night Market or Taipei Railway Station, a 10-minute drive from Ximending Shopping area and a 15-minute drive from Taipei Songshan Airport. The famous Taipei 101 and shopping area are about a 20-minute drive away. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. Complete with a refrigerator, the dining area also has an electric kettle and a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Extras include a desk and bed linen. At Amba Taipei Zhongshan you will find a 24-hour front desk and a bar. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage. Hotel has a restaurant on site offering delicious Taipei traditional dishes as well as a bar.

With only 0.9 mi away from the nearest coast in Xincheng, Taroko Liiko Hotels features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available on site. The hotel is 0.9 mi away from Taroko bridge and Xincheng crescent. Taroko National Park and Cingshui Cliffs are a 10- minute drive away. The rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A TV is offered.

Located at ShuiShe Village in the scenic area of Sun Moon Lake, Hotel Del Lago features rooms with free wired internet. The hotel overlooks the lake and offers free bicycle usage. The bright rooms come with a 32- inch LCD TV, a sofa and mini-bar. Some offer amazing lake views. The bathroom has a bathtub and walk-in shower. Café Juniper features waterfront terrace dining and an open-air kitchen. The contemporary-style restaurant serves Western dishes and Asian cuisines. Del Lago provides bicycle rentals and free hike-and- bike-trail maps. Boat rentals, boat rides and fishing trips can be arranged at the front desk. Hotel Del Lago is located amid hiking trails and scenic spots surrounding Sun Moon Lake. It is 58 mi away from Taichung Airport and 43 mi away from Taiwan High Speed Rail - Taichung Station.

Yuh Tong Hotel enjoys a great location, just a 5-minute drive from Jiayi Park and the famous Wenhua Road. It also provides a free shuttle bus to Jiayi Train Station and Wenhua road. The hotel has a fitness center, a restaurant and offer free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Chiayi Railway Station and a 30-minute drive from Chiayi HSR Station. It is just 10 minutes away from department stores and shopping area. The rooms at Hotel Yuh Tong are fully air conditioned and beautifully decorated. They are fitted with modern and fine-quality amenities like a bathtub, a large flat-screen TV and a comfortable seating area. All rooms have large windows which allow much natural light in. Guests can relax in the hotel’s garden or in the cozy reading corner. There is also a business center on site. Alternatively, the tour desk helps guests organize excursions to popular sites. The restaurant offers a Chinese or a Western-style buffet breakfast daily. It also offers Italian and French food for lunch and dinner. There are also several local dining options and convenience stores within walking distance.

Only a 5-minute stroll from Fengjia Night Market, In Sky Hotel features comfy accommodations with free WiFi. It houses an outdoor swimming pool, business facilities and a garden. In Sky Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Green Park Lane or THSR Taichung Station. Taichung Railway Station and Taichung Airport are both 30 minutes' drive away. All air-conditioned room comes with a flat-screen cable TV, closet, desk, seating area, mini fridge, in-room safe and electric kettle. The private bathrooms have a bathtub and shower facilities. Guests can work out at the fitness center, splash around in the outdoor swimming pool or make use of the meeting facilities. After a day of tours, taking a small stroll in the garden seems relaxing. The on-site restaurant serves daily breakfast. Refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at the bar.

Amba Taipei is a 5-minute drive from Ningxia Night Market or Taipei Railway Station, a 10-minute drive from Ximending Shopping area and a 15-minute drive from Taipei Songshan Airport. The famous Taipei 101 and shopping area are about a 20-minute drive away. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. Complete with a refrigerator, the dining area also has an electric kettle and a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Extras include a desk and bed linen. At Amba Taipei Zhongshan you will find a 24-hour front desk and a bar. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage. Hotel has a restaurant on site offering delicious Taipei traditional dishes as well as a bar.

Located within the Kansai Airport's Aeroplaza a short walk from both passenger terminal and train station, the Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport combines superb convenience with world-class facilities and the famed hospitality of Nikko Hotels International. With its seafront setting and harmonious design, this is a hotel with the ambience of a resort-yet with direct access to Osaka and the entire Kansai region. The local area also offers a number of attractions, including Rinku Park, Rinku Premium Outlets and Nakami Shrine.

Located in the Umeda city centre, Hotel Elsereine Osaka features stylish accommodation and plenty fresh flowers. This completely non-smoking hotel offers 3 dining options, and comes with a concert hall with a grand piano and a meeting space. JR Osaka Train Station is a 10-minute walk, and the JR Kita-shinchi Train Station is a 5- minute walk away. Universal Studios Japan is a 25-minute train ride away, and Osaka Castle is a 30-minute train ride away from Osaka Hotel Elsereine. Umeda Station is a 10-minute walk away from the property.

Just 5 minutes from Kyoto Station on the free shuttle, Kyoto Tokyu Hotel features 3 restaurants, a bar and a fitness gym. The modern rooms have Tempur comfort pillows and a satellite LCD TV. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a fridge and an electric kettle. Guests are entitled to complimentary access to the on-site fitness centre. All guest rooms are non-smoking, while there is a designated smoking area on site.

The Hamanako is a resort hotel that's located on the east side of Lake Hamana and you can enjoy the lake view from all rooms. It was boldly renovated mainly around the lobby in 2012, and re-opened with grand renewal including an open-air bath and a large public bath. The onsen (hot spring) at The Hamanako is an original springhead "Yuto Onsen" which gushes out from 500 meters underground.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.

The Hotel Mystays Premier Narita is conveniently located ten minutes from Narita Airport and 80 minutes by car from central Tokyo. Guests can relax in the tranquility of the hotel’s traditional Japanese garden or explore nearby places of historical beauty such as the Narita Shrine and Shinshoji Temple. The rooms are functional, well kept and convenient with essential facilities such as direct line telephones and cable TV. There is an excellent choice of sports and recreational activities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness club. Guests can be spoiled by the choice of dining options which include restaurants specializing in Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisine in locations with impressive views of the airport.