Kenta-san's Travel Bookmarks
| 12:00 | Check-in at Narita Airport |
|---|---|
| 14:30 | Depart for Taoyuan Airport via China Airlines |
| 17:30 | Arrive at Taoyuan / Check bike bag |
| 19:00 | Take MRT to HSR Taoyuan Station |
| 20:00 | Arrive at “COZZI Blu” Hotel |
| 20:30 | Dinner at “Lao Wu Shanghang Qingpu Branch” |
Day 1 Complete!
Chapter 3 Begins!
We’re off!
The journey starts from Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. Since we need to check our bikes, we met up 2.5 hours before the flight for preparation. And so, our trip to Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake begins.
This time’s bike bag!
For this flight, we used the Ostrich OS-500 bike bag. Anticipating luggage storage at Taoyuan Airport, we chose a compact, foldable type. Its light weight and easy handling were reassuring for the trip.
Flying with familiar China Airlines!
Once again, we chose China Airlines. It’s great that bikes can be checked in for free (under 23kg and within 290cm total dimensions). After checking in, we had time to relax before departure.
A 4-hour flight from Narita
The flight from Narita to Taoyuan takes about four hours. Since Taoyuan offers easy access to Taichung, our ride’s starting point, we chose this arrival airport again.
Safe arrival—and the bike too!
At Taoyuan Airport, we reunited with our bike at the carousel. No damage—thanks to the careful handling by China Airlines.
Bike bag switch—first time!
After entering Taiwan, we switched bike bags for subway travel. At the airport, we repacked from the OS-500 into a compact Davos G-110. It was Kenta’s first time doing this type of repack at an airport.
Leave the flight bag at the airport!
Since we don’t need the flight bag during our ride, we left it at the airport’s baggage service. They offer size-based rates and can store XL bags (up to 300cm) for up to 15 days. Feeling lighter, we continued our journey.
Switch to train mode
After leaving the bike bag, we switched to our train travel setup and boarded the MRT. Our trusty support rider, Sam, who also joined us on our Taiwan tour, met us at the airport! We reunited and headed for tonight’s accommodation near HSR Taoyuan Station—easily accessible directly from the airport.
Smooth train transfer!
The MRT ride from Taoyuan Airport Station to HSR Taoyuan Station took about 20 minutes. The train wasn’t crowded, and the bike in its bag fit neatly into the luggage space.
Arrived at HSR Taoyuan Station!
After the MRT ride, we arrived at HSR Taoyuan Station. The hotel was a 10-minute walk. It was Kenta’s first time transporting his bike by subway in Taiwan—he looked a bit nervous, but mostly excited.
Tonight’s hotel: COZZI Blu
We stayed at “COZZI Blu.” The room was spacious, and we stored the bike inside in its bag. We relaxed and rested well for the next day’s bullet train ride.
Hot pot dinner to recharge!
Even though it was a travel-only day, packing and repacking the bike took more energy than expected. That night, we fueled up at “Lao Wu Shanghang Qingpu Branch” hot pot restaurant next to the hotel—plenty of veggies and meat for the next day’s ride!
