If you’re at Taipei 101 and want to visit Takemura Izakaya — or grab that perfect photo of Taipei 101 through its atmospheric alley — here’s a step-by-step guide (plus photo tips).
🎯 Why Takemura Izakaya is the “Secret Photo Spot”
- Takemura Izakaya is located at No. 2, Alley 1, Lane 253, Songren Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City.
- From the entrance of this izakaya (or standing in the narrow alley right outside), you get a perfectly framed view of Taipei 101 rising between buildings — with red lanterns and a moody, atmospheric foreground.
- Many travelers prefer this to climbing up a hike, because it’s easy, low-key, and offers a unique, cinematic photo of Taipei 101.
🚋 How to Get There from Taipei 101 (Using Public Transport + Walking)
Here’s one of the easier, commonly used routes from Taipei 101 to Takemura Izakaya:
- From Taipei 101 / World Trade Center area, take the MRT or walk to Xiangshan Station (on the MRT Red Line).
- From Xiangshan Station, exit and walk toward Songren Road / the Xinyi District lane network. The walk is short — many guide sources describe the approach from the MRT as a quick stroll.
- Use map or GPS to navigate to Lane 253, Songren Road, Alley 1, No. 2 — that’s where Takemura Izakaya sits.
👉 While some travel guides say you could also walk or take a short taxi from Taipei 101 itself, going via the MRT to Xiangshan tends to be simpler if you’re not familiar with local bus stops.
📝 What to Expect at Takemura & Practical Info
- The izakaya is open roughly 17:00 to 01:00 — so evenings and nights are great for dinner and photos.
- Inside: think cozy izakaya vibes — grilled skewers (yakitori), some rice-balls (onigiri), drinks (beer or local brews), and a mix of indoor or semi-outdoor seating down the alley.
- It’s a popular spot after dark — the ambient glow from lanterns + city lights + Taipei 101’s illumination make for a very photogenic scene.
📸 How to Get the Iconic Taipei 101 Backdrop Photo
- Head to the entrance of Takemura Izakaya (or stand somewhere in the alley facing the restaurant) — that’s where the view lines up.
- For best effect: go after sunset / during nighttime: the red lanterns + narrow alley + illuminated Taipei 101 create a moody, cinematic composition.
- Use a vertical frame (portrait orientation) and include the alley’s foreground (lanterns, walls) — that contrast makes the skyscraper stand out more dramatically. Many photographers who visit call this angle almost magical.
🗺️ Sample Evening Itinerary: From Taipei 101 to Photo + Dinner
Time | What to do |
~6:00 PM | Finish exploring Taipei 101 area / observatory views |
~6:15 PM | Take MRT (Red Line) → Xiangshan Station |
~6:25 PM | Walk to Takemura Izakaya, arrive before dusk |
~6:30–7:00 PM | Grab a seat, order food/drink |
~7:00–8:00 PM (or later) | Take photos while sky gets darker and city lights come on — perfect for atmospheric shots of Taipei 101 framed by lanterns & alley |
After dinner | Explore more of Xinyi District or head back |
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