Some places remind you of the person you’ve become. Welcome to another chapter of my Taiwan, Two, Three… (2025 Series). Here’s to new paths, fresh stories, and the courage to claim them solo. ✨🇹🇼

📅 Travel Dates: November 14–18, 2025

On the Alishan train from Fenqihu the other day, a place quietly caught my attention—Hinoki Village. At the time, I didn’t know much about it, only that it looked authentic and intriguing. Later, while riding a bus bound for Chiayi Station, I noticed on the Google map that the village was nearby. Hunger nudged me, curiosity pulled me, and I decided to make a quick stop before continuing to my next destination.

Under the scorching midday sun, the bus dropped me off near the Cultural Affairs Bureau. A few unique displays greeted me along the way, making me smile despite the heat. I followed the path toward Hinoki Village, where the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Hinoki Village unfolded like a postcard: clusters of Japanese‑style wooden houses, their dark beams glowing in the afternoon light. Some had been transformed into ice cream shops, souvenir stalls, and cozy cafés.

The scent of matcha and roasted sweet potatoes drifted through the air. I grabbed a quick bite, wandered through the lanes, and let the blend of Japanese heritage and Taiwanese charm sink in. It was charming in that quiet, simple way that Chiayi always manages to be.

I saw people strolling leisurely, mostly locals, browsing trinkets, sipping cold drinks, and even dressing up in kimonos for photos. The mix of heritage architecture and playful modern touches gave Hinoki Village a charm that felt both nostalgic and alive.

Originally built during the Japanese colonial era as dormitories for forestry workers, the site has been carefully restored into Taiwan’s largest cluster of Japanese‑style wooden houses. Over thirty structures stand across 3.4 hectares, their hinoki cypress beams glowing warmly under the sunlight.

What I truly admire about Taiwan is how they preserve their historic places and breathe new life into them. Hinoki Village is the perfect example. Instead of letting old structures fade with time, Taiwanese turn them into cultural spaces that honor their past while creating something meaningful for the present.

Hinoki Village was a gentle pause in my journey, a reminder that even unplanned stops can become highlights. Between Chiayi’s countryside calm and busy train station, this pocket of Japanese‑era nostalgia offered me a chance to slow down, savor, and connect with Taiwan’s layered history.