Hidden within the dense forests of Yangmingshan National Park is the “Mountain Home,” a hiker’s lodge built in 1938 by the Japanese government. Indeed, few realize the park’s origins date back to the Japanese colonial era, when it was established as Daiton Kokuritsu Kōen in 1937.

Intended as a rest stop for trekkers, the wooden lodge spanned approximately 18 pings (about 60 square meters) and featured a dining hall, restroom facilities, and even a shop—remarkably luxurious for its time. Due to the colder temperatures at this elevation (around 800 meters), a nearly 4-meter-tall stone fireplace was constructed to keep visitors warm, a rare feature for subtropical Taiwan.

The Mountain Home had a short life, as Japan’s entry into World War II in 1941 brought an end to its use. Over time, the lodge fell into disrepair, and nature gradually reclaimed the site. Today, the fireplace’s stone chimney is the sole surviving structure, standing tall amids moss-covered ruins and scattered remnants of the original lodge. Historical records show that the site once featured lawn areas for picnicking and camping, though no traces remain. A humbling reminder of how easily nature reclaims its domain.

What makes this site especially fascinating is its accessibility; it’s a quick detour from the main road, yet it feels like stepping into a forgotten world.