Things to Do at Miyahara Ice Cream

Complete Guide to Miyahara Ice Cream in Taichung

About Miyahara Ice Cream

Miyahara Ice Cream occupies a gorgeous 1920s eye clinic where premium scoops cost NT$200-350 ($7-12 USD) and come heaped with chunks of their signature pineapple cake (NT$380/$13 USD for the full box to take home). The restored mahogany interior gleams under crystal chandeliers while crowds jostle to photograph the towering glass ceiling before queuing for over 40 ice cream flavors including local hits like sun cake and oolong tea. Visit weekday mornings before 11 AM to avoid the tour groups and get better photos of the ornate shelving that stretches three stories high. The cold sweet cream melts fast in Taiwan's humidity, so eat quickly or request a cup instead of the signature cone, and budget NT$600-800 ($20-27 USD) if you're buying both ice cream and their famous gift boxes of traditional Taiwanese sweets displayed behind gleaming glass cases.

What to See & Do

Historic Architecture

The restored 1920s building with its dramatic glass ceiling, ornate metalwork, and European-style interior that feels like stepping into a luxury boutique

Ice Cream Counter Display

An impressive array of 40+ flavors displayed in traditional metal containers, including unique Taiwanese flavors like sun cake and bubble tea

Pineapple Cake Shop

The adjoining bakery section where you can watch them make their famous pineapple cakes and other traditional Taiwanese pastries

Upstairs Dining Area

A more spacious seating area on the second floor with additional dessert options and a calmer atmosphere away from the crowds

Gift Shop Section

Beautifully packaged Taiwanese sweets and teas that make for excellent souvenirs, all displayed in the same elegant setting

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (may vary seasonally, worth checking ahead)

Tickets & Pricing

No admission fee - you pay per ice cream scoop (around NT$100-200 per serving) and other items purchased

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded; evenings can get quite busy with both locals and tourists

Suggested Duration

Plan for 30-45 minutes to browse, order, eat, and take photos - longer if you're shopping for gifts

Getting There

Miyahara sits five minutes from Taichung Railway Station. Walk straight from the main exit. Coming by HSR means catching the TRA train first-that's a 15-minute ride from Taichung HSR station to the main railway station. The historic facade makes the building impossible to miss, though street parking runs tight in the area. Skip the car hassle. Public transport works better here.

Things to Do Nearby

Taichung Railway Station
The historic station building itself is worth a look, and it's your transport hub for getting around the city

Taichung Park
A pleasant green space about 10 minutes' walk away with a lake, pavilions, and good people-watching opportunities

Second Market
Traditional market area where you can sample more local street food and get a feel for everyday Taichung life

National Taichung Theater
Striking modern architecture by Toyo Ito, about 15 minutes away by taxi - worth seeing even from the outside

Calligraphy Greenway
A pedestrian-friendly area with shops, cafes, and weekend markets that gives you a taste of modern Taichung

Tips & Advice

Go with an appetite - the portions are generous and you'll likely want to try their pineapple cakes too

The most photogenic spot is actually looking up at the glass ceiling from the ground floor ice cream counter

If you're overwhelmed by flavor choices, the staff can usually offer samples - don't be shy about asking

Consider buying some packaged pineapple cakes as gifts - they're genuinely good and beautifully presented