Jiufen Old Street
📍 Address: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Jiufen Old Street is a representative tourist destination in Taiwan, offering nostalgic scenery that feels straight out of a movie. The streetscape of stone steps lit by red lanterns is well-known, but there are deeper ways to enjoy it, known only to mid- to long-term residents and locals.
While the main street is bustling with tourists during the day, venturing into lesser-known side streets, not found on social media, can lead you to serene spots with breathtaking views. Another charm is encountering unique local scenes at night, like garbage trucks driving through narrow alleys playing melodies, a truly Taiwanese everyday experience.
Direct buses are available from Taipei and Banqiao, and numerous buses also operate from Ruifang Train Station (Ruifang Huochezhan). Since return buses can be very crowded, a resident’s trick is to take a bus back towards ‘Golden Museum’ (Huangjin Guan) first to secure a seat for Ruifang Train Station, or walk a few stops back. Also recommended is extending your trip to Keelung (Jilong), enjoying local delicacies at ‘Keelung Miaokou Night Market’ in the evening before returning to Taipei.
Jiubin Haohao
📍 Address: No. 9-9號, Qiche Rd, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
On the way from the Jiufen bus stop to the entrance of the Old Street, the stylish and cute gift shop ‘Jiubin Haohao’ (Jiubin Haohao) catches the eye. Breaking away from typical mass-produced souvenirs often found in tourist spots, this shop offers a rich selection of original goods and small items with a cultural and creative flair.
Inside, you’ll find an array of irresistible items, such as colorful aluminum foil magnets featuring Jiufen’s streetscape or Shifen Station’s trains, and blind bags containing unique Taiwanese cat charms (with hidden versions too!). Limited-edition items that utilize local materials and handmade crafts are perfect for a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for friends.
The kind and friendly staff can speak a little Japanese, and their sales pitch, like ‘How about this one? It’s 50 NTD!’ is full of charm. This is a place where warm interactions unfold, as they patiently help you choose products and carefully explain their background. It’s a must-visit local spot where shopping itself becomes a wonderful memory.
A-Lan Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake
📍 Address: No. 90, Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
A must-try local delicacy when visiting Jiufen is ‘A-Lan Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake’ (A-Lan Cao Zai Guo), a long-established shop founded in 1950. Located halfway along Jiufen Old Street, it’s so popular that there’s always a long queue on holidays. You can observe staff continuously making the delicacies by hand right at the storefront.
The signature ‘Cao Zai Guo’ (Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake) features a natural aroma and chewy texture from the motherwort (Gnaphalium affine) kneaded into its outer skin. Fillings include the classic ‘Sweet Red Bean’ (Tian Hong Dou), as well as savory options like ‘Salty Mung Bean’ (Xian Lü Dou) and ‘Dried Radish’ (Cai Pu Mi), all priced affordably at 20 NTD each. The ‘Dried Radish’ variety, with its exquisite balance of sweetness and saltiness, is passionately supported by locals and perfect for eating on the go.
Also, ‘Taro Cake’ (Yu Guo Qiao), generously filled with chunky, fresh taro, is a hidden popular item. All are preservative-free and fresh, making them ideal for buying in bulk to enjoy at your accommodation or home. They sell out rapidly on weekends, so if you spot a queue, don’t hesitate to join in and savor the freshly made warmth and aroma.
Asia Super Store
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
For international students and mid- to long-term residents who miss the lively atmosphere of Jiufen or the unique vibrant energy of Asia, we recommend ‘Asia Super Store’ located in Shinjuku (Okubo area), Tokyo. Often called ‘the place closest to Thailand in Japan,’ stepping inside this store fills your senses with the aroma of spices, truly resembling a local supermarket in Asia.
While primarily specializing in Thai ingredients, it’s packed with seasonings, fresh foods, instant noodles, and snacks from all over Southeast Asia, including Taiwan. You’ll find fresh vegetables like green papaya, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, which are absolutely unavailable in regular Japanese supermarkets, along with chili oil and Chinese soup bases that can recreate authentic local flavors – an irresistible lineup for those who cook at home.
They also sell authentic ready-made dishes like Khao Man Gai, Pad Thai, and Som Tum, as well as local sweets (taro and coconut-based desserts), perfect for home parties or daily meals. The store is brightly lit, well-organized, and the staff’s casual service makes it easy to drop by alone. Note that only cash payment is accepted, but it’s a valuable spot where you can enjoy an exotic atmosphere and recreate a real Asian dining experience.
Conclusion: Immerse Yourself in Authentic Asia, Both Locally and in Japan
In Jiufen, a representative tourist destination in Taiwan, behind the dazzling main street, deeply rooted are traditional local flavors loved by residents and creative, heartwarming shops. By shifting your perspective slightly during your visit and exploring its local charms, your stay in Jiufen will undoubtedly become even deeper and more memorable.
And when you return to life in Japan, or wish to experience authentic Asian vibrancy while living in Japan, specialty stores like Shinjuku’s ‘Asia Super Store’ become an oasis for your heart. Why not embark on a quest for that real ‘Asian atmosphere’ this weekend, whether you’re traveling or just going about your daily life?
