18 - 19 Dec 2023
RADIUM KAGAYA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
After my day at Alishan, I boarded the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Chiayi back to Taipei Main Station. From there, a quick transfer to Beitou Station and then to Xinbeitou Station brought me to Radium Kagaya International Hotel (日勝生加賀屋國際溫泉飯店), my final accommodation in Taiwan. Nestled just 7 minutes from the station, this Japanese-style hot spring hotel is reminiscent of the bathhouse from "Spirited Away".
I love the view from the glass elevator in the hotel.
The hotel provides traditional Japanese yukata, tied with a red bow at the waist, which looks really cute. The main reason I chose to stay at the hotel was for the private hot spring bath in the room. The bathtub in the room is spacious enough for two people to soak together comfortably. After soaking in the hot spring, your skin feels smooth and silky, which is perfect for ladies. The hotel offers both communal and in-room hot springs. After a relaxing soak, guests can enjoy a cup of hot tea, provided in the room, while gazing out at the scenic surroundings, which is both relaxing and comforting.
The room offers a great view overlooking Beitou Park.
The room rate includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet boasts a variety of hot and cold dishes, including both Western and Japanese options. Lunch and dinner are traditional kaiseki meals, prepared with meticulous attention to detail. There are a total of eight courses in the menu, and the server explained each dish in detail, which I really like. The eight-course menu left me feeling super satisfied!
I arrived at the hotel near dinner closing time, so all the courses were served together in one go.
I didn't manage to photograph all the lunch dishes because they looked so yummy— I ended up devouring them before remembering to snap a picture.
The hotel's location is excellent, with attractions like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Beitou Library just across the street. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service to Beitou MRT Station for easy access to other parts of Taipei.
Check out the attractions near the hotel. Tourist map is obtained from the hotel's website.
There is also famous restaurant called Shuang Yue Food (雙月食品社), which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years, beside the hotel. It mainly serves Taiwanese dishes and stewed soups. It is recommended to give the restaurant a try if you happened to be nearby. Unfortunately, I was too full from the hotel’s meal to give the restaurant a go.
Address: No. 236號, Guangming Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j5hXzaNncRJaRFWi8
Room Type: Deluxe Double Room Garden View
Price: $975 one night (inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner)
BEITOU DISTRICT
Beitou is a charming district known for its hot springs and picturesque landscapes. The attractions here are all very close to one another, perfect for a leisurely half-day exploration, and great for photography! It's worth noting that most attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Here are the highlights of my visit to Beitou.
1. Beitou Library (北投圖書館)
Taiwan's first green building library, the Beitou Library offers a spacious and bright reading environment with a vast collection of books. Its unique architecture resembles a giant treehouse, blending seamlessly with the lush greenery surrounding it, including a large lotus pond. In 2012, it was selected as one of the 25 most beautiful public libraries globally.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday (9.00 am – 5.00 pm); Tuesday to Saturday (8.30 am – 9.00 pm)
2. Beitou Hot Spring Museum (北投溫泉博物館)
Beitou Hot Spring Museum, designed in the Tudor architectural style, was once a public bathhouse during the Japanese colonial period. It is an ideal place to delve into Beitou's rich hot spring culture and history. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering and don the provided slippers. The keys to the shoe cabinets are unique wooden cards, adding to the museum's charm.
The museum's exterior features intricate brickwork and large windows, typical of Tudor-style architecture.
The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that highlight the history and importance of hot springs in Taiwanese culture.
The stained glass windows are super beautiful. I even bought a Ramune soda featuring a design inspired by one of these windows!
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10.00 am – 6.00 pm); Closed on Mondays
3. Beitou Thermal Valley (北投地熱谷)
One of the primary sources of Beitou’s hot springs, with temperatures ranging between 80 °C to 100 °C, the Beitou Thermal Valley is shrouded in sulfuric steam year-round, evoking a mystical ambiance that has earned it the nickname "Sulfur Springs and Jade Mist". This ethereal landscape provides a perfect retreat for warmth, particularly on chilly days. Visitors used to boil eggs in the hot springs, however, due to safety considerations, this is no longer permitted.
There is a hand-washing fountain where visitors can experience their first contact with hot spring water.
The water in the Beitou Thermal Valley is known for its milky turquoise color, caused by the mineral deposits in the hot spring.
The "Witch's Rock Waterfall" at Beitou Thermal Valley is a small waterfall located within the hot spring area. It is named for the unique rock formation near the waterfall that resembles a witch's profile. The waterfall is a popular spot for visitors to admire the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the soothing sounds of the cascading water.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9.00 am – 5.00 pm); Closed on Mondays
4. Beitou Plum Garden (北投梅庭)
Constructed in the late 1930s, the Beitou Plum Garden was a Japanese residential building that witnessed the war era. The calligraphy “Plum Garden” on the gate pillar by Yu You-ren (于右任), a Chinese scholar and politician, adds to its historical charm.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10.00 am – 6.00 pm); Closed on Mondays
5. Beitou Museum (北投文物館)
Nestled within a lush green garden, the Beitou Museum is housed in a purely wooden two-story building. This museum beautifully showcases Taiwan's early folk arts and popular artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Originally constructed in 1921 as a guesthouse for high-ranking Japanese officials during the Japanese colonial period, the museum's building has since been meticulously preserved and transformed into a cultural treasure trove. Its architecture reflects a blend of Japanese and Western influences, making it a unique architectural marvel in the heart of Beitou.
The museum’s Yiran House (怡然居) allows visitors to indulge in a traditional kaiseki lunch or enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea, all while being surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. Do note that advance reservation is required.
Beitou Museum is located a bit farther from other popular attractions, requiring a 15-minute uphill walk to reach. The path may be a bit steep for some .
Admission: 120 TWD
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10.00 am to 6.00 pm); Closed on Mondays
Address: No. 32號, Youya Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GT9p4rsfvK5ftoAPA
OVERALL...
Beitou was a delightful destination that offered a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. It was the perfect ending to my trip to Taiwan, leaving me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to return home with a heart full of cherished memories.
Till next time~
Love,
Shu
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