Taiwan Shifen Tour Comparison! Taipei-Departure Jiufen Combo Packages with Japanese-Speaking Guides
What are some recommended Shifen tours for first-time visitors to Taiwan?
A.
If it's your first time, meet at a hotel in Taipei for a visit to Shifen Waterfall, sky lantern release, andJioufenA half-day tour departing in the afternoon with a Japanese-speaking guide, which lets you visit all these spots in one go, is an easy and worry-free choice.
When it comes to tours from Taipei to Shifen, it's best to choose one that fits your needs.
In this column, we’ll compare three types of tours to Shifen departing from Taipei: “half-day afternoon tours,” “evening tours that include Jiufen,” and “private charter tours.”
All tours include JiufenWith a Japanese-speaking guideSo, as long as you choose based on your budget, time, and who you're traveling with, you can't go wrong!
◆ For those who are unsure whether to choose the half-day tour, the night tour of Jiufen, or a private tour
◆ For those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Taiwan with peace of mind thanks to a Japanese-speaking guide
◆ For those who want to experience the Ten-dō lantern release with children or seniors
Click here for the rankings of popular tours in Taiwan
If you're not sure, go with this!
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Must-See Spots on a Shifen Tour Departing from Taipei
The three must-see spots on a Shifen tour are the Shifen Old Street, where sky lanterns are released; the spectacular Shifen Waterfall; and the Jiufen Old Street, illuminated by lanterns.
First, take note of the highlights at each location, and then choose a tour that includes the places you want to visit.
Shifeng Old Street
Shifen Old Street is an historic district that stretches around Shifen Station on the Pingxi Line, a local railway line in Pingxi District, New Taipei City.
Shops line the street right next to the railroad tracks, and the highlight of the experience is releasing sky lanterns with your wishes written on them into the sky.
The sight of a train passing by just as a sky lantern is released is something you can only experience here.Photo SpotsIt is popular as...
If you'd like to learn more about the prices of sky lanterns, the meanings behind their colors, and how to write your wishes, be sure to check out the guide to releasing sky lanterns featured at the end of this article.
Directions: Right next to Shifen Station on the Pingxi Line / About 1 to 1.5 hours by car from downtown Taipei
Jūbu Falls
The Jūbu Waterfall is “Taiwan's Niagara Falls"It is a wide waterfall, also known as..."
The water level varies depending on the season and rainfall, and on days when the flow is high, the spectacular sight of the water cascading down with a roaring sound is a must-see!
Jūbu Falls Park isFree admissionFrom the Tourist Information Center, it takes about 15 minutes to get there on foot along the walking path.
Some tours don't stop at the waterfall, so if you want to see it, be sure to check whether "Jūbu Falls" is included in the itinerary!
Admission: Free
Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.); June through September: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
Jioufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street stretches along the mountainside in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, featuring stone steps andRed LanternIt's a retro town with a distinctive atmosphere.
Narrow alleys are lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and tea houses, and the exteriors of tea houses—including A-Mei Tea House—are extremely popular as photo spots.
Once the lanterns are lit in the evening, the atmosphere becomes completely different from that of the daytime—truly magical.
Since Shifen is within driving distance, many tours are packaged in the order “Shifen → Jiufen.”
Directions: About 1 hour by car from downtown Taipei
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If you want to enjoy Jiufen even more☆
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Main Types of Tours in Tokyo and How They Compare
Tours to Shifen departing from Taipei are broadly divided into three types: “half-day afternoon tours,” “tours that include Jiufen in the evening,” and “private charter tours.”
Since the length of stay in Jiufen and whether the price includes the cost of sky lanterns vary, let's start by taking a quick look at the comparison chart.
| Type | Estimated time | A Stroll Through Jiufen | Sky Lantern Fee | Ages 0–3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day tour departing in the afternoon (No. 13） | About 6 hours | About 1 hour and 10 minutes | Payment on Site | Cannot participate |
| Includes a night tour of Jiufen (No. 14） | About 7.5 hours | About 3 hours | Included in the price | Cannot participate |
| Vehicles for Private Charter (No. 2） | About 5 hours | About 2 hours | Included in the price | You're welcome to join |
| Full-Day Rental (No. 1） | About 10 hours | About 2 hours | Included in the price | You're welcome to join |
Includes a Japanese-speaking guide and transportation☆
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Half-Day Tour Departing in the Afternoon
If you're looking for convenience, we recommend a half-day tour that departs in the afternoon.
PopularNo. 13 (Afternoon Tour of Taiwan's Must-See Attractions)We departed from the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel at 2:30 p.m. and combined a visit to Shifen Waterfall, a sky lantern release in Shifen, and a stroll through Jiufen.About 6 hours...and make the rounds.
Shared RideSince it's a guided tour, the best part is that it's the most casual option out of the three types! (The lantern fee is paid on-site.)
Since the itinerary has you arriving in Jiufen around 5:50 p.m., depending on the season, you can enjoy the townscape at dusk when the lanterns start to light up.
Since a stroll through Jiufen takes only about 1 hour and 10 minutes, it’s perfect for those who just want to “get a general look around” or who’d like to spend the morning sightseeing in Taipei!
Night Tour of Jiufen
If you want to take your time enjoying Jiufen,No. 14 (A Tour of Popular Taiwanese Attractions to Enjoy in the Afternoon)Choose a tour like this one, which lasts about 7.5 hours.
We’ll depart at 2:00 p.m., and after releasing sky lanterns in Shifen or Jingdong Old Street, we’ll enjoy a Taiwanese tea set in Jiufen whileAbout 3 hoursYou can enjoy plenty of walking.
The sky lantern and tea set are also included in the tour price.
On the way back, you can get off at either Shilin Night Market or Taipei Main Station, so it’s great that you can head straight out to enjoy the night market’s delicious food!
Private Charter Tour
Without worrying about what others thinkAt our own paceFor those who want to explore at their own pace, a private charter tour is the perfect choice.
No. 2 (Evening Stroll Through Jiufen & Sky Lantern Release in Shifen via Private Charter Vehicle)This approximately 5-hour tour includes a pickup from your hotel, a 40-minute sky lantern release, and about 2 hours of free time to explore Jiufen on your own.
Departure times vary by season—4:00 p.m. from October through March and 4:45 p.m. from April through September—so by the time you arrive in Jiufen, the lanterns will just be starting to light up.
You can book this tour for groups of two or more, and choose to end the tour at a hotel, massage parlor, or night market.
A One-Day Itinerary That Includes Sightseeing in Taipei City
If you'd like to take care of all your sightseeing in Taipei at once,No. 1のOne-Day Private Rental PlanPlease take a look at it.
This approximately 10-hour tour departs from the hotel at 1:20 p.m. and includes visits to Longshan Temple, the Martyrs’ Shrine, and the National Palace Museum (on Mondays, the itinerary is changed to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or the Shilin Official Residence). Afterward, you’ll release sky lanterns in Shifen and spend about two hours strolling around Jiufen.
Since admission fees and sky lanterns are included in the tour price, this is a great option for those on a short trip who want to see all the must-see spots in one go.
Click here for the Jūbu Sightseeing Tour
Tours Tailored to Your Needs! Find the Perfect One for You
Once you understand the differences between the three types, let's see how they apply to your travel style.
We’ll introduce tours suited for three different scenarios: first-time visitors to Taiwan, families with children, and those looking to enjoy the night views.
Find the perfect plan for your needs☆
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First-time visitors to Taiwan
If this is your first trip to Taiwan, a half-day tour departing in the afternoon isEasy to chooseThat's right.
Meet at a hotel in Taipei City, where a Japanese-speaking guide will take you on a tour that includes Shifen Waterfall, sky lantern release, and Jiufen.
Another appealing aspect is that you don't have to worry about figuring out train or bus transfers, so you can spend the morning sightseeing and shopping in Taipei.
If you're thinking, "I want to start with the classics," why not start by checking these out?
Those traveling with children or seniors
[Image: Sourced from PhotoAC, etc. / alt: “Jūbu Tour, Traveling with Children, Family Vacation”]
If you're traveling with young children or seniors, we recommend a private charter tour.
SharedNo. 13・No. 14is intended for children ages 4 and up, andAges 0–3Children of this age may only participate in private tours.
PrivateNo. 2・No. 1They have a child fare, and they'll provide one child seat for free.
There's a shuttle service to the hotel, and you can take breaks at your own pace, so even those who are concerned about their stamina can rest easy.
For those who want to see the night view of Jiufen
If you're looking to see the night view of Jiufen with its lit lanterns, head to Jiufen.In the evening and laterThe key is to choose a tour that takes you there.
No. 14You can spend about three hours exploring Jiufen, so you can leisurely enjoy how the town changes from daylight until sunset.
PrivateNo. 2Since we're leaving in the evening, you'll have about two hours to stroll around Jiufen while the lanterns are lit.
For those who want to enjoy the night view while sipping Taiwanese tea at a tea house, we offer a tea set that includesNo. 14It's just right!
Things You Should Know Before Booking the Jūbu Tour
Once you've chosen a tour, be sure to check three things—the weather, what to wear, and travel time—before making a reservation.
Both Shifen and Jiufen are mountain towns, so a little preparation can make a big difference in how comfortable your day is.
With a shuttle service, getting around is a breeze☆
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About Releasing Sky Lanterns on Rainy Days
Both Shifen and Jiufen are located along the mountainside and are areas prone to rain.
The information states that for all tours, the itinerary and stops may change or the tour may be canceled depending on the weather.
In particular, since sky lanterns are launched into the sky using fire,Days with heavy rain or strong windsSometimes things don't go as planned.
Since the policy regarding rain varies by plan, be sure to check the important notes and cancellation policies for each plan before making a reservation.
Clothing and Items to Bring
Shifen Old Street is a gravel path along the railroad tracks, while Jiufen Old Street consists of a series of stone steps and slopes, so it’s easier to walk on.SneakersLet's join in.
Since the weather can change quickly, it's a good idea to bring a folding umbrella or a raincoat.
If you're taking a tour that lasts into the evening, it can get a bit chilly up in the mountains, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket to throw on.
Travel time from Taipei to Shifen
The drive from downtown Taipei to Shifen takes about 1 to 1.5 hours one way.
If you're traveling on your own, the usual way is to take the local train from Taipei Station to Ruifang Station and then transfer to the Pingxi Line.
However, the Pingxi Line isOne every hourWith few trains and infrequent service, operations were suspended for an extended period following the heavy rains in October 2025, and service resumed along the entire line on January 31, 2026.
Even after service resumes, there may be temporary suspensions due to heavy rain or rockfalls, so if you're traveling on your own, be sure to check the Taiwan Railways Administration's service updates.
If you want to efficiently visit Shifen and Jiufen in a single day, taking a tour with transportation included is definitely the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tours to Shifen, Taiwan
Afternoon Half-Day Tour (No. 13) lasts about 6 hours, while the evening tour that includes Jiufen (No. 14) takes about 7.5 hours, while the private charter tour takes about 5 hours (No. 2) to about 10 hours (No. 1) is a general guideline. The time spent exploring Jiufen varies from about 1 hour and 10 minutes to about 3 hours, depending on the itinerary, so please choose the option that best fits your schedule.
It depends on the plan. Half-day tours departing in the afternoon (No. 13) The fee for the sky lanterns is paid on-site, but,No. 14・No. 2・No. 1The cost of the sky lantern is included in the price. Since one sky lantern is provided per group, be sure to check the “What’s Included” section for each plan before making a reservation.
summary
The Shifen tours departing from Taipei include “half-day afternoon tours,” “tours that include Jiufen in the evening,” and “private chartered vehicles,”3 TypesWe recommend choosing from these options.
If convenience is your priority, go for the half-day tour; if you want to take your time exploring Jiufen, the 7.5-hour tour is the way to go; and if you're traveling with children or in a group, a private tour is the perfect choice.
All of these tours include a Japanese-speaking guide and are bundled with a visit to Jiufen, so choose the plan that best suits your travel style and enjoy the sky lantern release in Shifen and the night views of Jiufen to the fullest!
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