Miyahara is a red-brick landmark near Taichung Train Station, on the bank of a small canal. According to the Taichung tourism board it was built in 1927 by a Japanese ophthalmologist, Miyahara Takeo, as an eye clinic, the largest in Taichung in the colonial period, and after 1945 it served as the city's health bureau before falling into disrepair. A pastry company known for its pineapple cakes later restored it, keeping the red-brick walls and archway while redesigning the interior in a library-like, Hogwarts-inspired style. Today you can walk in for free and buy ice cream, bubble tea and pastries, and the tall shelves, dark wood and staircases make it one of the most photographed places in the city. The tourism page lists it as open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
What to see
Head straight to the ice cream counter, where scoops are served in cones and the queue is part of the experience, then climb or wander through the tiered rooms of shelves to see the decor, which looks more like a wizard's library than a former clinic. Outside, the arched brick facade and the courtyard are good for photographs, and you can combine the visit with the shops and cafes that have grown up around it. The old well in the centre now holds a fundraising box, a small reminder of the building's earlier life.
Planning the visit
It is open every day from 10:00 to 21:00, but queues build up in the afternoon and on weekends, so go at opening or later in the evening for a calmer visit. Prices are fair for a sweet treat, and you can choose whether to buy anything because entry is free. Expect crowds of photographers, and be patient when taking pictures. The surrounding streets have more cafes and dessert shops, so you can easily make this a relaxed hour or two rather than a quick stop.
Getting there and combining it
Miyahara is a short walk from Taichung Train Station, which makes it the easiest sight in this guide to reach by rail. The old station area around it has historic railway buildings, the canal-side walkways and a growing number of design shops, so a stroll covers it well.
Pair it with the National Museum of Natural Science and the Calligraphy Greenway for a day of city sights. Families will like the ice cream, couples the atmospheric interior, and travellers staying near the station can fit it in on arrival or departure day.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk-in visit to a restored brick landmark with an ice cream counter, a library-style interior and cafes in the old station district.
Best time
At opening or in the evening, when queues for the ice cream are shorter than on weekend afternoons.
How long
Plan one to two hours, longer if you explore the streets around the old station.
Tips
Entry is free, queue early for ice cream, and be patient with photographers in the popular rooms.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Dessert lovers and anyone who wants an easy, atmospheric stop near the station.
- Families
- Ice cream and a fun interior make it a hit with children, though queues can be long.
- Couples
- A charming, photogenic stop for a sweet break and a stroll along the canal.
- Pair with
- The National Museum of Natural Science and the Calligraphy Greenway.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Miyahara free to enter?+
Yes, you can walk in without a ticket, and you only pay if you buy ice cream, drinks or pastries.
What are the opening hours?+
The tourism board lists Miyahara as open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. Queues are longest on weekend afternoons.
What is the building's history?+
It was built in 1927 as an eye clinic by a Japanese doctor and later served as the city's health bureau. It was restored by a pastry company and reopened as a dessert shop.
How far is it from Taichung Station?+
It is a short walk from Taichung Train Station, which makes it easy for visitors staying nearby or arriving by rail.
What else is nearby?+
The old station district has historic railway buildings, canal walks, cafes and design shops. It is also a good starting point for the museum district.
