Suehirodori

Tatami mats under the skylight

Behind the wooden door, a youthful air and the Japanese colonial style intertwine on the tatami mats under the skylight. The surround sound stereo plays laid-back music in the background as the air conditioner cools off your perspiring body like a bucket of refreshing well water. A simple stone water basin on the wooden vanity greets you in the entryway, allowing you to wash off the grit of the summer afternoon. You slip out of your shoes and step onto the bright wooden floor, taking in the modernized Japanese-style household laid out before you under the skylight.

The tatami mats in the small living room and the scent of Taiwanese cypress from the open-concept kitchen soothe your mind while the high-ceilings and skylight accents cause this quaint and gentle space decorated with handmade driftwood furniture to appear larger than it is. As you lie on the beanbag cushion atop the tatami mats, rays of sunshine tumble through the skylight creating a sense of zen freely flowing through the room, and reminding you of a sunny day or of simple tranquility.

Nostalgic memories of the Hayashi Department Store

Built in the Japanese Showa era, the Hayashi Department Store is located not far from Suehirodori, right in the same neighborhood, Suehirochou. Designed as extensions for the Hayashi Department Store, the streets of Suehirochou were as flourishing and lively as Tokyo’s Ginza District during their golden days. With the passing of time, Suehirochou has lost its crowds, but these old alleyways still sing the faint melodies of former times.

Fortunately, those glorious but vanishing bygone times are now preserved in Suehirodori. Passing by an old map and stepping onto the wooden stairs, you see the cozy sleeping area surrounded by stone railings that replicate the ones found in the Hayashi Department Store. There are a couple of soft beds spread on the wooden floor with a huge projection screen hung in front of them. You and your lover may want to cuddle in bed and watch a movie as if visiting an outdoor cinema, an enjoyable and exciting experience both romantic and nostalgic. When you are ready to end the day, just take a bath in the comfortable first-floor bathroom, washing away all your worries with soothing hot water and complementary organic toiletries.

Two distinctTainan lifestyles

When speaking about his idea to build Suehirodori, Max, the guesthouse host explained with honesty that there were no grand stories or high aspirations, only a simple desire to share the leisurely and wonderful life of Tainan and, in the meantime, to preserve the intriguing yet disappearing history of the area so that, when staying here, travelers might get to know two different sides of Tainan.

After breaking away from the formerly old-fashioned appearance and traces of laborious past times, Suehirodori has now been infused with a breezy Japanesespirit. Once inside the door, you feel like you have entered a small-town replica of a classic old neighborhood, allowing you exclusive enjoyment of the space. Outside the door, there is a lounge bar on Hai’an Road within walking distance. Or perhaps you might freely explore the neighboring area with a food map in your hand. Suehirodori is situated in a great location that connects you to the modern life of Tainan. Wonderful ways to experience two distinct sides of Tainan await you, one on each side of your door.

Early in the morning, you are roused by rays of sun from the skylight. With sleepy eyes and a smile on your face, you languidly wrap your rested mind and body in the white comforter. You smell the mild scent of wood, feeling delightful just for being in this wonderful space. As the deep feeling of happiness spreads over every corner of the room you bid this vibrant city good morning and good day, as another wonderful day awaits you.