【新北市 阿妹茶樓】A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan
Jiufen has been on my travel bucket list for years, and no visit would be complete without experiencing A-Mei Teahouse. Known for its striking resemblance to the bathhouse in Spirited Away, this iconic teahouse offers breathtaking mountain views, glowing lanterns, and a mystical charm that transports you to another world.
My partner and I made sure to visit early in the day to secure the best seats, and in this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know — from A-Mei’s history to the best way to get there, plus tea and food highlights and local recommendations.
table of contents
about A-Mei Teahouse
A-Mei Teahouse is one of Jiufen’s most famous landmarks, often rumored to be the inspiration behind Spirited Away.
While Miyazaki has debunked this, there’s no denying the teahouse’s mystical resemblance, especially when the lanterns glow against the misty mountains at dusk.
The building itself has a fascinating past. Originally a blacksmith shop in Jiufen’s gold-mining days, it was later transformed into a teahouse by its namesake owner, A-Mei.
With its red lanterns, wooden interiors, and stunning views of the ocean and mountains, this teahouse is now a cultural highlight where tradition meets cinematic beauty.
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getting there
From Taipei
TRAIN + BUS
Take a train to Ruifang Station and transfer to a local bus heading to Jiufen. For convenience, use an EasyCard. This is the longest commute time, which takes about 2 hours.
DIRECT BUS TO JIUFEN
You can hop on this bus at these MRT stations in Taipei City: MRT Beimen Station, MRT Ximen Station, Banqiao Bus Station, MRT Fuzhong Station, etc — a budget-friendly option that’s a bit faster than taking the train and local bus. Grab your bus tickets in advance here.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
The easiest way to get there hassle-free is by booking a private transfer. You can get from point A to B fairly quickly with a private driver. Without traffic, it takes less than an hour to get from Taipei City to Jiufen.
TAXI OR UBER
Taxis are readily available, and you can either flag one down yourself or ask the front desk at your hotel to call one for you. While you can also use Uber to head to Jiufen, returning from Jiufen to Taipei City with Uber can be a bit more challenging. However, there are taxis available in Jiufen, so you don't need to worry!
GUIDED TOUR
Prefer a stress-free experience without having to worry about what to do or transportation? Book a private or group Jiufen day tour.
CAR RENTAL
Want flexibility? Rent a car through Klook and explore at your own pace.
From Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
PRIVATE TRANSFER
We booked a private transfer right from the airport — super convenient! You can do the same via Klook or Daytrip. From the airport to Jiufen, it took us about an hour and a half, not too bad!
TAXI OR UBER
A direct ride from the airport is possible, but the prices may be a bit high.
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stepping inside
Stepping inside A-Mei Teahouse feels like stepping into my ancestors’ house. The exterior still carries the essence of Jiufen’s mining era, while the interior is a cozy mix of traditional Taiwanese and Japanese aesthetics.
— Best seating spots —
Outdoor terrace
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Indoor seating
Perfect for rainy days, with warm wooden interiors and a nostalgic, old-Taiwan ancestor feel.
Photo spots
Every corner is Instagram-worthy, but the lantern-lit exterior is a must-capture moment!
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tea + food highlights
Not sure what to order? The staff will guide you through their best tea selections and pairings.
Tea experience
A-Mei follows a traditional tea preparation process. The server will walk you through each step — steeping and pouring on a special stone tray.
As an avid tea drinker, I loved this unique experience! Especially when they had these small traditional tea pots and tea cups, it was so cute!
I loved how there’s a boiling tea pot on the side so you don’t burn yourself. But this whole tea experience was so unique.
What to order
LISHAN HIGH MOUNTAIN TEA
A fragrant, rich flavor perfect for relaxing.
TEA PAIRING SNACK
A sweet and semi-savory rice flour dessert (if you know the name of this dessert in the picture, please let me know in the comments below because I forgot to ask! I usually have this dessert in Taiwan, but I suddenly forgot the name lol).
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Jiufen sees rain 200+ days a year! The best months to visit are March, April, November, and December for clearer skies. Arrive early for crowd-free photos and return at night to see the lanterns glow.
PAYMENT METHOD
Cash only! No credit cards accepted, so bring enough Taiwanese dollars!
PERFECT FOR
Tea lovers. Couples. Friends. Photographers. Hayao Miyazaki fans.
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what's nearby
A must-visit for foodies!
This busy old street is packed with local street food, unique souvenirs, and hidden gems.
If you're planning on walking around Jiufen Old Street, check out my Jiufen Guide for the best street food recommendations and things to do! 🍡🛍️
Check out Jiufen Teahouse, the first in Jiufen! Enjoy premium Taiwanese teas, delicate desserts, and excellent service — all in a historic setting.
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VISIT
HOURS
Monday - Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
LOCATION
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog
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