Beitou Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel｜A Healing Retreat in a Japanese-Style Inn

Hidden in the alleys of Beitou, "Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel" is the perfect "secret hideaway" for urban dwellers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle! With its century-old Japanese architecture, misty open-air baths, and irresistible "steamed herbal jelly," it completely redefines the hot spring experience for me. 🌿 A Timeless Hot Spring Experience ▪️ The Warmth of Wooden Architecture Step into the lobby, and the scent of cypress wood greets you. The high ceiling adorned with Japanese lanterns and walls embedded with a 1920s map of Beitou transport you back to the Showa era. Highly recommend the "Japanese-Western Suite," featuring tatami bedding paired with modern bathrooms. Fall asleep to the sound of wind rustling through bamboo at night—purely therapeutic! ▪️ The Ultimate Romance of Open-Air Baths The gender-separated open-air baths are tucked away in the courtyard, with pebble-stone floors and green vines hanging from the eaves. Soak in the 42°C sulfur spring, watching the steam rise to the treetops. On rainy winter days, hold a paper umbrella while bathing—it's like a scene straight out of a Japanese drama! Remember to bring your swimsuit (some baths require swimwear). Visit during the evening for fewer crowds and stunning "misty ambiance" photos. 🍮 A New Culinary Experience with Hot Spring Cuisine ▪️ Signature "Hot Spring Herbal Jelly" Don't miss the traditional "steamed herbal jelly"! Its slightly bitter medicinal flavor pairs perfectly with honey and condensed milk, leaving you feeling "completely refreshed." Enjoy it in the courtyard pavilion, watching red leaves fall into stone bowls—purely ceremonial! ▪️ The Simple Joy of Japanese Set Meals For dinner, opt for the "Hot Spring Village Vegetable Set Meal," complete with pickles, miso soup, and tempura. The highlight is the "Hot Spring Egg Rice"—break the yolk, mix it with soy sauce, and savor the simplicity that makes you want to eat three bowls in a row. 🚃 Beitou In-Depth Travel Itinerary ✅ Beitou Station → Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to "Beitou Station," transfer to the Xinbeitou Branch Line (10 minutes), and walk 8 minutes upon arrival. Along the way, pass "Mei Garden" and "Beitou Hot Spring Museum" for a chance to explore Japanese historical sites. ✅ Geothermal Valley "Hot Spring Egg" Experience Walk 15 minutes from the hotel to "Geothermal Valley." Spend ¥20 to buy a raw egg, tie it in a net, and immerse it in the hot spring (about 10 minutes). The semi-cooked yolk is incredibly creamy! ✅ Yangmingshan National Park Side Trip Take bus 108 to "Yangmingshan Terminal." Enjoy azaleas in spring and silvergrass in autumn. The hiking trails are easy, making it perfect for a relaxing walk after soaking in the hot springs. 💡 Tips Before Soaking ✅ The hotel offers "free yukata rentals"! Choose from a variety of patterns and pair them with wooden clogs for photos. ✅ The open-air baths are closed on Mondays! Visit Tuesday to Friday for a "private-like" tranquil experience. ✅ The hot spring water is "highly acidic." Avoid using soap after soaking. The hotel provides moisturizing lotion for post-bath care. Summary: The charm of Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel lies in elevating "hot spring bathing" into a "five-sense experience." Whether it's the texture of wooden architecture, the comfort of open-air baths, or the healing hot spring cuisine, it makes you want to return again and again. Next time, I'll bring my elders to soak in the century-old inn and enjoy herbal jelly, letting them experience the beauty of "slow living in Taiwan."