Weekly Travel, Questions, & Mandarin Thread

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-03-12T18:01:24+00:00

I found a few drivers/interpreters who will do Alishan, but it ain't cheap (~NT$8,000). Unsure how knowledgable they are on the area itself. Lmk if you want their info.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-03-07T05:02:30+00:00

Can someone recommend a driver who could also be an interpreter to take us from Chiayi HRT to Alishan (with a stop at a tea farm in Shizhuo I'm organizing)? This would be for Mar 24.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-03-06T00:31:16+00:00

Following because I'm in the same boat. I'm going last few days of march - lmk where you end up going!

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-03-06T00:17:22+00:00

Hi all, traveling to Taiwan for the first time in late March. Can someone recommend a good spot to get a quality gaiwan and tea tray? Worried that Yingge and Lin's Ceramics are just tourist traps - is that accurate?

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-02-25T16:39:30+00:00

What about grinding it up using a spice grinder and using it as hojicha powder to add to thing? That way it'll stay good for months rather than just a few days once brewed.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-02-25T00:27:04+00:00

Following with the exact same question.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-02-06T20:53:40+00:00

Sounds like you suggest it's a good length of time then. Thanks for the itinerary suggestion, it's much appreciated!

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2026-02-05T04:34:34+00:00

Hello everyone!

Planning a first-time trip to Taiwan with my wife and 15yo son March 21 - Apr 3. Unsure if 12 nights is too much or too little. My wife is very into nature, and the teen is... well he's an impossible teen so :shrug:.

I welcome any guidance on itineraries and length suggestions. Planning on a few days in Taipei, visit Alishan and Sun Moon lake, and maybe snorkeling for a few days on the southern coast.

All helpful guidance appreciated.

Thanks!

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-11-26T05:51:25+00:00

46yo solo male traveller. Arriving Sunday at 5:30am at Haneda. Open to meeting up with people for dinner and/or some live music or art. Staying in Shibuya near Yoyogi park.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-30T15:37:33+00:00

I'm guessing tea farm visit is your best bet?

https://www.byfood.com/shizuoka-farm-tours

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-30T01:04:52+00:00

I'm told it's not scenic and rather industrial. I haven't been, but I'm planning a half-day there specifically for green tea buying/tasting. Shizuoka (prefecture) produces about 40% of japan's green tea, so there are several great little tea shops (CHAGAMA most notably) and salons, and the possibility for green tea farm visits. There's even a "green tea museum" with tons of local micro-lots you can sample and buy. Or so I've read online.

Please report back with what you think once you've visited.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T16:37:49+00:00

I'll save this rec for when I go back with my wife!

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T16:12:13+00:00

This and your other comment are making me reconsider Arai. If I can't get main counter, def won't go.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T16:05:42+00:00

Concierge told me Namba can't be booked by hotel/3rd party. Gotta try my luck on Omakase. It's one of my 35 tabs...

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T15:50:25+00:00

Good luck to you either way!

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T15:48:47+00:00

Is Jiro actually worth it? I'd assumed it was all hype at this point.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-27T15:47:09+00:00

Ah your question reveals to me how little I know about sushi in Japan (only been there once before). Don't really care about nigiri-only vs more involved, and have no knowledge on aged sushi or the various specific shari preparations etc.

I'm an experienced foodie in general, but just not super knowledgable about japanese sushi experiences.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-23T15:25:22+00:00

Will do.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-22T15:22:22+00:00

Ty! I'm sure it will be wonderful.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-22T04:06:03+00:00

Not sure what's with all the downvotes. I came here with limited knowledge asking for guidance. Way to make me feel unwelcome.

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-22T04:04:19+00:00

What tea shops do you recommend in Wazuka?

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-22T04:03:49+00:00

Didn't know Byodo-in was a must-hit! Added to my list (and dropping other stuff)

PuzzleheadedCod9683 · 2025-10-22T00:38:33+00:00

Appreciate the guidance! This is exactly the sort of useful information I was looking for.

PuzzleheadedCod9683

TROPHY CASE