【新北市 阿妹茶樓】A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan

A-Mei Teahouse exterior with diners inside – Iconic Jiufen teahouse with glowing lanterns, showcasing traditional architecture and ambiance

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.



about A-Mei Teahouse

A-Mei Teahouse exterior with lush plants – Scenic view of A-Mei Teahouse, featuring greenery and historic charm in Jiufen, Taiwan.

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 —

A-Mei Teahouse terrace with ocean view – Melinda gazing at the misty coastline from A-Mei Teahouse’s outdoor terrace as rain clouds gather.

Outdoor terrace

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

A-Mei Teahouse indoor seating by window – Cozy interior of A-Mei Teahouse with traditional wooden chairs, tables, and a window view of Jiufen.

Indoor seating

Perfect for rainy days, with warm wooden interiors and a nostalgic, old-Taiwan ancestor feel.

A-Mei Teahouse entrance with Chinese calligraphy – Historic teahouse entrance with brick steps and Chinese signage, welcoming guests in Jiufen

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.

A-Mei Teahouse traditional tea set with dessert – Elegant tea setup with oolong tea, teacups, and Jiufen’s signature peanut mochi dessert.

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!

A-Mei Teahouse exterior in heavy rain – Melinda standing outside A-Mei Teahouse with an umbrella, embracing Jiufen’s moody, rainy atmosphere.

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

Jiufen Old Street food stalls – Bustling market street near A-Mei Teahouse, filled with local snacks, souvenir shops, and lantern-lit alleyways.

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! 🍡🛍️

Jiufen Teahouse traditional experience – Hidden gem teahouse in Jiufen offering premium Taiwanese tea, handmade desserts, and rich history.

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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A-Mei Teahouse entrance lanterns – Glowing red lanterns lining the entrance of A-Mei Teahouse, adding to Jiufen’s nostalgic ambiance.

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check out my Taiwan travel vlog

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