Taichung Date Day Trip ItineraryA curated date idea: visit a Japanese-Taiwanese couple's venue, try metalworking, make desserts, and enjoy quality Thai food.

Start your day on a sweet note at O~i! Cafe. This cozy, charming cafe is run by a Taiwanese husband and his Japanese wife, and its name, like a cheerful greeting, makes you feel right at home. You'll find adorable Chiikawa collectibles everywhere, plus two super-cute resident cats on duty—just watching them doze off is incredibly therapeutic.

All the desserts and drinks here are handmade by the Japanese wife. Whether it's the seasonal fruit series or the Kyoto-inspired matcha items, you can taste the delicate craftsmanship and dedication of Japanese handmade treats. Pick a comfy corner, pet the cats, and chat—it's the perfect relaxed start to any date.

O~i! Cafe

• Address: No. 118, Wuquan W. 5th St., West Dist., Taichung City
• Hours: 12:00-21:00; monthly closures announced on Instagram
• Average Spend: Minimum one drink, $120-$200

After a leisurely afternoon, take a short stroll to 昕室 Sunny Side Studio, a metalworking workshop founded by a Japanese husband and Taiwanese wife who brought authentic Japanese artisan spirit back to Taiwan.

This venue is perfect for couples. The studio environment is bright and sophisticated, even equipped with professional-grade tools for crafting K-gold and platinum wedding rings. Unlike common mold-casting experiences, this workshop employs the more technically challenging forging technique. In a sun-drenched Japanese-style space, couples can focus on hammering and polishing metal, then personally present each other with their newly finished rings. This shared experience of creating something together will undoubtedly be the most unforgettable memory of your date.

After making your rings, it's just a three-minute walk from Xinshi to your dinner destination: Chiang Mai Rice Noodle Soup. This venue has a fascinating backstory, also run by a Japanese husband and Taiwanese wife, but serving authentic Thai cuisine — a delightful contrast.

The owner's wife's father is a Thai-Chinese immigrant who ran a Thai restaurant in Taiwan for many years. This Taiwanese-Japanese couple decided to carry on the family's culinary legacy, bringing back bowls, dishes, and decor specifically from Thailand to create an exotic atmosphere that transports you without leaving the country. Whether you crave a steaming bowl of noodles or a spicy, appetizing rice dish, this venue satisfies every palate. Enjoying dinner with your newly crafted rings in such a relaxed atmosphere is the perfect end to your day.

Chiang Mai Rice Noodle Soup

• Address: No. 229, Section 1, Xiangshang Road, West District, Taichung City
• Hours: 11:00-14:00; 17:00-20:00 (no lunch break on weekends, closed Mondays)
• Average Spend: $200-$400