Taiwan-Japan Exchange Exhibition "Welcome to Taiwan Beitou in Chichibu" at Seibu Chichibu "Matsuri no Yu": Connecting Rail Stations and Bathhouses
A cross-regional experiential event linking hot spring destinations in Taiwan and Japan through the theme of "railways" to promote mutual cultural exchange and regional identity.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 04:07
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The Beitou Hot Spring Museum in Taipei City, Taiwan, will host the "Welcome to Taiwan Beitou in Chichibu" exchange exhibition from May 30 to June 12, 2026, at the Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu in Saitama Prefecture.
The exhibition focuses on connecting people and regions through the medium of hot springs. Through talk events and limited-time displays, the project introduces the hot spring culture, daily life, and regional charm of Beitou to Japanese visitors. It aims to foster new cultural and tourism connections by deepening the dialogue with the Chichibu region.
The venue, Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu, is a complex adjacent to Seibu Chichibu Station. Designed with motifs from the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Chichibu Night Festival," it serves as a modern hub for regional culture. The facility’s concept of "arriving at a hot spring immediately after leaving the station" mirrors the Beitou Hot Spring Museum’s mission of transforming a historic bathing site into a space for community exchange.
Both Chichibu and Beitou share the characteristic of being hot spring destinations easily accessible from urban centers via public transport. From Tokyo, visitors can reach Chichibu in approximately 77 minutes aboard the "Laview" limited express, designed by world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima. Similarly, Beitou’s daily life has long been supported by transportation culture, evolving from historic railways to the modern MRT system.
On the opening day, May 30, a talk event titled "From Station to Bathhouse: Regional Practices in Railway and Hot Spring Management" will be held. Speakers include Chao-chia Chung (Director of Beitou Hot Spring Museum), Masayuki Inoue (Chichibu Region Omotenashi Tourism Organization), and representatives from Seibu Railway and Seibu Recreation. Director Chung will share the story of how the Beitou Public Bathhouse was restored and revitalized by local residents from the brink of decay. The discussion will explore how rail-driven human flow can be leveraged to nurture regional hot spring culture and sustainable tourism.
The exhibition focuses on connecting people and regions through the medium of hot springs. Through talk events and limited-time displays, the project introduces the hot spring culture, daily life, and regional charm of Beitou to Japanese visitors. It aims to foster new cultural and tourism connections by deepening the dialogue with the Chichibu region.
The venue, Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu, is a complex adjacent to Seibu Chichibu Station. Designed with motifs from the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Chichibu Night Festival," it serves as a modern hub for regional culture. The facility’s concept of "arriving at a hot spring immediately after leaving the station" mirrors the Beitou Hot Spring Museum’s mission of transforming a historic bathing site into a space for community exchange.
Both Chichibu and Beitou share the characteristic of being hot spring destinations easily accessible from urban centers via public transport. From Tokyo, visitors can reach Chichibu in approximately 77 minutes aboard the "Laview" limited express, designed by world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima. Similarly, Beitou’s daily life has long been supported by transportation culture, evolving from historic railways to the modern MRT system.
On the opening day, May 30, a talk event titled "From Station to Bathhouse: Regional Practices in Railway and Hot Spring Management" will be held. Speakers include Chao-chia Chung (Director of Beitou Hot Spring Museum), Masayuki Inoue (Chichibu Region Omotenashi Tourism Organization), and representatives from Seibu Railway and Seibu Recreation. Director Chung will share the story of how the Beitou Public Bathhouse was restored and revitalized by local residents from the brink of decay. The discussion will explore how rail-driven human flow can be leveraged to nurture regional hot spring culture and sustainable tourism.
FAQ
What is the primary theme of the exhibition?
The exhibition explores the connection between railways and hot spring culture, using these shared traits to link Beitou in Taiwan and Chichibu in Japan.
Where and when will the event take place?
It will be held at Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu in Saitama Prefecture from May 30 to June 12, 2026.
Who are the speakers at the talk event?
Speakers include Chao-chia Chung (Director of Beitou Hot Spring Museum), Masayuki Inoue (Chichibu Tourism Executive), and management from Seibu Railway and Seibu Recreation.