Far away, but at right at home: No place better than Taichung
Words and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Naomi Lai
After meeting her husband Chang Chun-yen through their jobs as tour guides, Masae Fujii has lived in Taichung with her family for over eight years. Currently, she works as a professional Japanese tour guide and tour planner for the Tung Huan Travel Service in Taichung.
"My job gave me the chance to visit all the major attractions in Taiwan. The mild weather and convenience of its location drew me to settle down in Taichung," she said.
As a tour guide, Fujii has a unique perspective and detailed observations of Taichung development in recent years. She notes: "Back in 2001, there was only the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi [department store] building in the entire Seventh Redevelopment Zone. Today, this area is packed with business buildings."
She added that, under the influence of globalization, Taichung had successfully developed into a metropolis with good urban planning and attractive landmarks. Yet, despite various famous attractions (such as Fulfillment Amphitheatre, National Museum of Natural Science, Tea Street, and the Fengjia Night Market), Fujii said that many Japanese tourists were still looking for more Chinese or Taichung-style tourist attractions. Places like the beautiful gardens of Xinshe township near Taichung city's Dakeng Scenic Area, the green Wuquan Parkway near the Art Museum, Taichung Folklore Park on ChongDe Road, and JiGuang Street and Herb Street near the train station are all among what Fujii has discovered to be "traditional but new" attractions.
"It's relaxing to walk through the traditional alleys with a fried chicken breast from JiGuang Street," she said enthusiastically.
 
Left: Introducing fun places in Taichung to Japanese Tourists.
Right: Making suncakes.
Japanese people love good food. Afternoon teas at the Wu Wei Tsao Tang Tea House on GongYi Road, or make-your-own pineapple cakes at the Dawn Cake bakery on DaLong Road are all part of Fujii's family memories. On weekends, she often takes her second-grade son to the Wenxin Forest Park or Fengle Sculpture Park for some outdoor exercise under the trees and sunshine.
Although she's already adjusted to the Taiwanese driving position (versus drivers sitting on the right side in Japan), Fujii still finds it hard to decipher the complicated road signs in Taiwan. However, she has noticed that transportation in Taichung is becoming increasingly convenient. Other than the National Freeway No. 1 and Provincial Highway No. 2, there are now also the Zhongzhang Expressway and the High Speed Rail, making it easier for her when she makes transportation arrangements for Japanese tourists.
Fujii's blog is filled with photos and words about her life in Taichung, telling the stories of her experiences in this city and her dreams of future adventures.
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February 2010 
