Located on Lize Old Street in Yilan, "Turning Point Coffee" is a small shop run by a single owner. Stepping inside, the Japanese wabi-sabi space, composed of wood and off-white tones, quietly envelops the aroma of hand-drip coffee and the soft sweetness of desserts. There are no ostentatious decorations here, only a cup of coffee that allows you to slow down and focus on the present moment.
If you enjoy finding quiet and welcoming shops while traveling, Turning Point Coffee is a place worth noting.
Turning Point Cafe | Transportation and Scenery Around Lize Old Street
Turning Point Cafe is located in the Lize Old Street area of Yilan, where the pace of life is slow and simple. Nearby is the historic Lize Jian Yong An Temple, and further out, not far away are the scenic areas of Dongshan River Water Park and the National Center for Traditional Arts.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car or bike from Luodong Station, a distance of about 5.7 kilometers. Parking is also very convenient around the shop, so whether you are visiting specifically or just passing by, you can easily arrange a leisurely coffee time.
Turning Point Coffee | Experiencing Tranquil Moments Between Wabi-Sabi
Lize (Chien) Old Street is located at the border of Dongshan Township and Wujie Township. It was once a vital waterway to Kavalan, bustling with merchants and travelers. Today, it exudes a tranquil atmosphere honed by time. Without the hustle and bustle, it's more suitable for savoring the slow flow of time, attracting many small shop owners who create their own lifestyle and shop ambiance here.
This shop is a place the owner searched for a long time before deciding to settle down in. In the simple and quiet town of Lize, he found his own rhythm. The interior space is based on his favorite "Japanese wabi-sabi style (note)," emphasizing the natural beauty and blank space in imperfection. Wooden tables and chairs, ceramic plates, and soft lighting create a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
The owner also cleverly incorporated locally sourced materials, such as dried branches and naturally textured wood used to decorate the interior and exterior, making the overall space more rustic. Since the shop is next to an open space, large glass windows and a transparent facade were specially designed to allow light to stream in freely, adding warmth and vitality to the wabi-sabi tranquility.
Turning Point Coffee | The Gentle Rhythm of Hand-Drip Coffee and Desserts
The owner personally brews the hand-drip coffee, clearly indicating the roast level, single-origin or blend beans, and flavor notes, allowing each customer to choose according to their preferences. This time, we tasted "Peach"—a light roast single-origin blend bean. On the palate, you can feel the fruity aroma of peach and citrus, while the finish has a soft layer of lemongrass, apple, and caramel, clean yet full of variation.
Besides coffee, there are also refreshing sparkling drinks to choose from. The mini burger I ordered that day was a red guava sparkling drink; the pale pink bubbles rose delicately, and the fruity aroma was refreshing, pairing perfectly with the dessert.
The desserts are all made by the owner himself, such as Basque cheesecake, pudding, and canelé, showcasing his exquisite mastery of flavor balance. Each one is rich in aroma, smooth in texture, and not overly sweet, making it irresistible to keep eating.
Conclusion | A Slower-Down Coffee Time in Lize Old Street
Turning Point Coffee is a small shop run by one person. From the space design to the coffee and desserts, every detail is full of care and ingenuity. Stepping into the shop is not just about enjoying a cup of coffee, but also about finding a quiet moment of your own in a corner of the city.
Whether you want to quietly savor the layered flavors of hand-drip coffee or slow down by pairing it with homemade desserts and refreshing sparkling drinks, this place offers a comfortable and warm experience. For those who appreciate the Japanese wabi-sabi atmosphere or are looking for a leisurely corner in Yilan's old streets, "Turning Point Coffee" is definitely worth remembering.
Note: Wabi-Sabi originates from a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, naturalness, and simplicity. It does not pursue novelty and extravagance, but rather appreciates the traces left by time and feels the original appearance and life of objects.
It contains three core feelings:
- Wabi: Simplicity, white space, focus on the present moment
- Sabi (寂)The simplicity and tranquility honed by time and nature
- Wabi-sabi combined: feeling beauty in silence, finding harmony in imperfection.
Commonly seen in spatial design:
- Natural materials such as wood, stone, and hemp
- Soft warm light and emphasis on shadow depth
- Handmade or objects with textures and patina
- Negative space in harmony with nature: branches, plants, fallen leaves
Wabi-sabi is not an artificial style, but more like a lifestyle that allows people to slow down and appreciate the beauty of "quiet yet profound".
Turning Point Cafe
- Address: No. 56-1, Lizhe East Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County
- Phone: 0963-773-655
- IG:https://www.instagram.com/turningpointcafe.tw
