Miyahara Taichung
A historic building transformed into a magical ice cream parlor and gourmet confectionary shop, famous for its Hogwarts-like interior and unique flavo...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Miyahara Taichung
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic building transformed into a magical ice cream parlor and gourmet confectionary shop, famous for its Hogwarts-like interior and unique flavors.
"It's not just dessert, it's an edible artwork and a full sensory experience."
🎯 Embrace the Harry Potter Vibe
The interior's grand architecture is often compared to Hogwarts. Take your time to soak it all in!
🍦 Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Don't shy away from adventurous flavors like smoked Ugandan chocolate or Tieguanyin tea.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harry Potter-esque Interior
Main Hall
Step into a magical world with soaring ceilings, grand bookshelves, and a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Hogwarts.
Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Ice Cream Counter
Indulge in creative and high-quality ice cream flavors, from local teas to international chocolates.
Historic Red-Brick Architecture
Exterior
Admire the beautifully restored 1927 building, a former ophthalmology clinic, now a stunning landmark.
Gourmet Confectioneries
Display Cases
Browse an exquisite selection of chocolates, pineapple cakes, and other artisanal sweets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience
More Than Just Ice Cream
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Harry Potter Vibe
The interior's grand architecture is often compared to Hogwarts. Take your time to soak it all in!
🍦 Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Don't shy away from adventurous flavors like smoked Ugandan chocolate or Tieguanyin tea.
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Beyond ice cream, Miyahara offers beautifully packaged pineapple cakes and other treats.
🚶♀️ Expect Lines
The ice cream counter can get busy. Be prepared for a wait, but it usually moves quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Harry Potter Vibe
The interior's grand architecture is often compared to Hogwarts. Take your time to soak it all in!
🍦 Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Don't shy away from adventurous flavors like smoked Ugandan chocolate or Tieguanyin tea.
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Beyond ice cream, Miyahara offers beautifully packaged pineapple cakes and other treats.
🚶♀️ Expect Lines
The ice cream counter can get busy. Be prepared for a wait, but it usually moves quickly.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The building's interior is incredibly photogenic. Allow time for photos before or after your treats.
🍽️ Dining Upstairs
For a more relaxed experience, consider lunch or tea on the second floor, away from the main crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Miyahara is a highly recommended destination in Taichung, praised for its stunning, Harry Potter-esque architecture and unique, high-quality ice cream flavors. Visitors appreciate the immersive experience, the delicious treats, and the beautiful souvenir options, though some note the lack of seating for ice cream consumption.
"Whenever in Taichung, this is a must visit destination. Visited a few times, always enjoyed the experience. From the ice cream parlor to browsing through their souvenir merch to lunches / tea time on the 2nd floor. There's plenty of history here and an immersive experience. The food is actually quite good. Not your typical tourist traps."
Carl Wong
"They were not just a dessert shop, it’s a full sensory experience. Nestled in a beautifully preserved historic building with a dramatic, almost Harry Potter-like interior, they delivered both visual splendor and culinary delight.
The ice cream was a masterpiece in both presentation and taste. Served in a delicate waffle bowl, it came adorned with an array of handmade toppings: mini pineapple cake and a charming butterfly cookie. The gelatos were vibrant and packed with flavor—mango, passion fruit, grape, and pistachio.
Each scoop was dense, refreshing, and full of real ingredients. The pineapple cake added a contrast, and the decorative cookie gave a fun crunch. It’s not just dessert, it’s an edible artwork😍"
Yasuやす
"Eye Scream is located behind Miyahara Café, in the same building. The building is right on the riverside, the color is red. Although there was a fairly long line, it moved quickly. As soon as you enter, you pick your ice cream flavors, pay, then choose your toppings — and you’re good to go.
The shop looks large from the outside but is actually quite small inside. Ice cream is available in single, double, or triple scoops, and you can also add waffles or a sundae. Toppings are free, but the variety is impressive — not your typical ice cream toppings.
There’s a wide selection of ice cream flavors. I went for the Miyahara Special and wanted to try something with coffee. I tried three flavors:
• Raisins Mascarpone – This one was good. The raisins added just the right amount of sweetness and tangy taste, and the mascarpone gave it a nice savory balance. Additional NT$10, part of the Miyahara Special.
• Honey Cheese – My personal favorite. It had the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it the tastiest of the three. Additional NT$10, also part of the Miyahara Special.
• Tiramisu – This one costs an extra NT$20 and had a strong coffee flavor that made it quite bitter. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it, as I think desserts that are too bitter lose their enjoyment.
For toppings, I chose rum raisins and pumpkin seeds. Both were great — the raisins weren’t too dry, and the pumpkin seeds were still crunchy. Despite being free, the toppings were generous.
After getting our ice cream, we left right away since there’s no seating available. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to bring the ice cream into Miyahara Café either — you can only stand about 2–3 meters from the entrance door.
For that price, I think they should offer some seating, some benches at terrace/semi-outdoor would make a big diffrence. Especially since ice cream isn’t something you can take home — it has to be eaten right away."
Tessa Widjaja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Miyahara is easily accessible by public transport. From Taichung Railway Station, it's a short walk (about 5-10 minutes). You can also take a bus to the nearby Zhongshan Road stop. Many visitors include Miyahara in their Taichung itinerary alongside other attractions like Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands. +2
Yes, Miyahara is very close to the Old Taichung Station, making it a convenient stop for travelers arriving or departing by train. It's a pleasant walk from the station. +1
Parking can be challenging in the central district. There are public parking lots nearby, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services.
Several bus routes stop near Miyahara. Look for buses heading towards the Taichung Railway Station or Zhongshan Road. It's always a good idea to check real-time bus schedules using a local transit app.
Yes, Miyahara is frequently included in popular Taichung day tours, often combined with attractions like Rainbow Village, Zhongshe Flower Market, and Gaomei Wetlands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Miyahara itself is free. You only pay for the ice cream, desserts, or souvenirs you wish to purchase.
Miyahara is generally open daily from around 10 AM to 9 PM, but it's always best to check their official hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
There is no admission fee to enter the Miyahara building and admire its architecture. You are welcome to browse the shop and its displays.
While the ice cream parlor is a walk-in service, the Miyahara restaurant on the second floor may accept reservations. It's advisable to check their website or contact them directly for dining reservations.
Miyahara often decorates for holidays, especially Christmas, adding to its magical ambiance. Check their social media for updates on seasonal displays.
🎫 🍦 Ice Cream & Desserts
A single scoop typically costs around NT$100, with additional scoops or special toppings costing extra. Prices can vary slightly.
Popular choices include unique flavors like Tieguanyin Oolong, Smoked Ugandan Chocolate, Raisin Mascarpone, and Honey Cheese. Many visitors also enjoy fruit-based options.
Yes, Miyahara often offers free toppings with ice cream purchases, which can include mini pineapple cakes, cookies, or nuts. The variety is impressive.
While Miyahara offers a wide variety of flavors, specific vegan or dairy-free options may be limited. It's best to inquire at the counter about available choices.
There is no seating inside the ice cream parlor, and you cannot bring it into the restaurant. You'll need to consume it outside or nearby.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Absolutely! The stunning interior, resembling Hogwarts, and the historic exterior make Miyahara a photographer's dream.
Originally built in 1927 as an ophthalmology clinic by Miyahara Takeo, the building was later acquired and beautifully restored, preserving its red-brick facade and transforming the interior.
The atmosphere is often described as magical, grand, and whimsical, with many comparing it to stepping into the world of Harry Potter.
Yes, families often enjoy the unique ice cream and the visually captivating interior. It's a fun and memorable stop for all ages.
Miyahara offers a wide range of beautifully packaged souvenirs, including their famous pineapple cakes, chocolates, cookies, and teas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Miyahara has a restaurant on the second floor that offers lunch and tea time. It provides a more formal dining experience compared to the ice cream parlor.
The restaurant offers a selection of dishes, often featuring local Taiwanese ingredients with a refined presentation. Reviews suggest the food is good and not typical tourist fare.
While Miyahara is a popular attraction, reviews suggest the food is reasonably priced for the quality and experience, especially considering the historic setting.
Miyahara is renowned for its pineapple cakes, which are often bought as souvenirs. They also offer a variety of other exquisite pastries and chocolates.
Yes, Miyahara offers a selection of high-quality teas, including local varieties like Tieguanyin and Alishan Oolong, as well as coffee. These can be enjoyed with their desserts or at the restaurant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The wide variety of ice cream flavors, including fun and fruity options, means there's something for every child's palate. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The high ceilings, intricate details, and whimsical decor create a truly unique visual experience. 🎁 Souvenir Hunters
You'll also find a wide selection of artisanal chocolates, cookies, teas, and other confectioneries, all showcasing high quality and attractive designs. These make for thoughtful gifts or personal mementos of your trip to Taichung. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Miyahara
+1 After falling into disrepair, it was acquired by the Dawn Cake company, which meticulously restored its iconic red-brick facade. The interior, however, was reimagined with a dramatic, library-like design, drawing inspiration from the magical world of Hogwarts, complete with soaring ceilings and towering bookshelves filled with faux books. This blend of historical architecture and whimsical design creates a truly unique and immersive atmosphere that captivates visitors. The preservation efforts have ensured that the building's historical significance is honored while transforming it into a vibrant modern attraction. The contrast between the old-world exterior and the fantastical interior is a key part of its charm.
Visitors often remark on how the architecture itself is a major draw, providing a stunning backdrop for photos and a memorable experience even before tasting any of the treats. This thoughtful renovation has turned a potentially forgotten historical site into one of Taichung's most beloved landmarks. It serves as an excellent example of how heritage buildings can be revitalized to serve new purposes, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
A Culinary Journey: Miyahara's Ice Cream and Confections
+1 Each scoop is crafted with care, often described as dense, rich, and packed with authentic flavor. Beyond ice cream, Miyahara is a treasure trove of gourmet confections. Their pineapple cakes are a highly sought-after souvenir, known for their delicious taste and beautiful packaging.
The shop also features a wide selection of chocolates, cookies, candies, and other artisanal sweets, making it a perfect place to pick up gifts or treats. The attention to detail in both the flavors and the presentation elevates the experience from a simple dessert stop to a culinary exploration. While the ice cream parlor is a bustling walk-in experience, Miyahara also offers a more refined dining option on its second floor. Here, visitors can enjoy lunch or tea time, savoring dishes that often incorporate local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit