A Hidden Time Capsule - The Japanese Guesthouse in Minxiong

Travel Date: 2025/04/05

After wrapping up our tour at the Suantou Sugar Factory (LINK), we still had a bit of time and decided to make a spontaneous stop at a nearby spot we’d heard whispers about: the Japanese guesthouse area in Minxiong.

And wow—what a peaceful, underrated gem!

Tucked into a tiny park with just five wooden buildings, the site was nearly empty - probably because it was the Tomb Sweeping Day weekend and most visitors were elsewhere. But that just added to the atmosphere.

Originally used by staff from the Minxiong Broadcasting Station, this guesthouse complex has been registered as a historical building since 2001. And it shows - the preservation is fantastic.

The architecture is classic Japanese: wooden lattice ceilings, stone foundations, sliding doors, and thoughtful details everywhere you look. It felt like stepping back in time - or into a Pinterest board, in the best way.

What makes this place extra special? It’s one of the few remaining two-story Japanese guesthouses in Taiwan. And this one’s in amazing condition.

We were lucky enough to get a little tour. The large building has been adapted into a kind of indoor village with cozy corners selling handmade goods, like natural shampoos and skincare, a boutique offering Japanese-style clothing rentals (even for pets, because why not?!). And upstairs? A restaurant tucked into one of the rooms, offering a place to relax after browsing.

I honestly think it might be the largest and best-preserved Japanese guesthouse we’ve ever visited in Taiwan. Super clean, thoughtfully maintained, and full of character.

If you're ever in Chiayi, don’t just stop at the famous tourist spots - places like Suantou and Minxiong have so much hidden charm. Taiwan is full of these quiet, historical corners. Exploring them feels like leafing through a beautiful old book—and finding a surprise story waiting in every chapter.

Thanks for reading! Have you ever discovered a lesser-known historical gem while traveling? Or maybe been ghosted by a cat like we were? 😹 Let me know in the comments!