Taiwan's appeal
A 2004 Tourism Bureau survey shows that Japanese people's top three reasons for coming to Taiwan were the food, the proximity to home, and the low prices of goods. In other words, the temptations of Taiwan's rich gourmet culture are the biggest draw for Japanese. The DinTaiFung branch near Taipei's Yungkang Street is a good example. Thirty percent of the customers lining up every day for a chance to try the famous xiaolongbao dumplings are Japanese. The spot has become a must-see on Japanese tourists' lists.
As the flight from Japan to Taiwan is only just over three hours, competing airlines are advertising the fastest, most convenient flights for a "Taiwan Weekend" getaway. In addition, Japan is a high-income, high-cost nation. To the Japanese, Taiwan--where prices are about one third of those in Japan--is an attractive tourist destination. The Taiwanese' hospitable attitude toward Japanese visitors is also seen as an advantage not matched by other Asian destinations.
Looking from a geographical standpoint, we see that as more than three quarters of Japanese visitors make Taipei their base, the majority still keep to northern Taiwan during their trips. Of their most-visited destinations, night markets took first place with almost 50%. The National Palace Museum placed second, followed by Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Chiufen, Lungshan Temple, Tanshui, the Martyrs' Shrine, Hsimenting, Peitou, and Taipei 101--destinations in northern Taiwan dominate. But when asked their top ten destinations in Taiwan, Japanese list, in order, Wulai, Taroko Gorge, Chiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung's night market, the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Peitou, Shihlin Night Market, and Tanshui. Central and southern Taiwan prove to have much undeveloped potential for tourism.