Beitou Hot Spring Tour — Discovering a Century-Old Japanese Hot Spring Hotel

In Beitou, there are dozens of hot spring hotels and bathhouses, each with its unique charm. No visit to Beitou is complete without exploring nearby attractions. One must-see site is the Beitou Museum, a serene Japanese-style wooden building that has stood for over a century. Originally the luxurious "Jia Shan Hot Spring Hotel" during the Japanese colonial period, staying there once cost about one-third of an average worker's monthly salary. It was also rumored to be a relaxation spot for kamikaze pilots before their missions during World War II.

The elegant Japanese architecture of the Beitou Museum, with over a hundred years of history.

A Glimpse of Kyoto in Beitou

Entrance to the Beitou Museum requires a ticket, priced at NT$120 for adults, which can be deducted from your bill if you dine at the restaurant. As you step into the museum, the gardens, architecture, and overall ambiance exude a strong Japanese flair, making you feel as if you’re in Kyoto, where you can easily capture beautiful photos.

One highlight of the museum is the preserved large hot spring bath from the "Jia Shan Hotel." The bath and its facilities feature high-quality materials, including exquisite Beitou tiles. Visitors can now sit in this century-old bath to experience the ambiance of soaking in a hot spring, which is quite fascinating. On the second floor, the "Grand Hall" can accommodate nearly a hundred people and features a wooden stage for geisha performances, a rare sight to behold.

The preserved hot spring bath, the largest of the seven baths from the "Jia Shan Hotel." The "Grand Hall" accommodates nearly a hundred people and is currently available for rent for weddings and conferences.

The museum also showcases a vast collection of early Taiwanese folk artifacts, with nearly 5,000 items in its collection. One of the special exhibition areas is intriguingly labeled "18+" as it displays artworks and literature related to sexuality, inviting visitors to appreciate them from an artistic perspective!

Enjoy Creative Kaiseki Cuisine in a Historic Site

While at the Beitou Museum, don't miss out on trying the creative kaiseki cuisine at the museum's restaurant, Yiranju ( 怡然居) , which is quite famous and often fully booked on weekends. The lunch set costs NT$1,000, and afternoon tea is NT$500 per person, plus a service charge. The menu changes regularly, featuring seasonal ingredients that are healthy and delicious. Enjoying exquisite cuisine in the elegant surroundings of a century-old heritage site while admiring the mountain views is a truly unique experience.

The exquisite and flavorful kaiseki cuisine at "Yiranju."

Beitou Museum

Address: No.32, Youya Road, Beitou, Taipei, 11243 Taiwan

Website: https://beitoumuseum.org.tw/?hl=en-us

Hot Spring Souvenirs: Must-Buy Products from Geothermal Valley

Thermal Valley is a must-visit spot for travellers coming to Beitou.

In addition to the Beitou Museum, the nearby Geothermal Valley is another must-visit attraction. This valley is one of the sources of Beitou hot springs, covering approximately 3,500 square meters and perpetually enveloped in sulfurous steam, resembling a fairyland. It is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. With such a dreamy landscape, don’t forget to take plenty of enchanting photos. Walking along the lakeside trail offers stunning views of the Geothermal Valley, leaving you feeling refreshed.

The perpetually misty Geothermal Valley transports visitors to a fairyland.

The Geothermal Valley’s hot spring water temperatures range from 80 to 100 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest spring in the Datun Volcano group. Previously, many visitors enjoyed boiling hot spring eggs here, but due to safety incidents, this activity has been prohibited. For those interested in tasting hot spring eggs, nearby stalls offer them for sale. Additionally, there’s a small shop in Geothermal Valley selling unique souvenirs, with a standout being products made from Beitou hot spring thermal flowers, including hot spring soap and thermal powder, so you can enjoy the hot spring experience at home.

Don’t miss out on purchasing souvenirs made from Beitou hot spring thermal flowers at Geothermal Valley.

After visiting Geothermal Valley, you can walk down along the Beitou Stream, passing by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Taiwan's first green building library—the Beitou Library, and the outdoor hot spring at Millennium Hot Springs ( 千禧湯) , all of which are worth exploring.

Geothermal Valley

Website: https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/536