This guide will help you decide if Miyahara ice cream in Taichung is worth a visit. Let’s dive in.
Whenever I visit Taichung, I stop by Miyahara. Its unique architecture makes it one of my favorite spots. I think you’ll enjoy it too.
Key Takeaways
- A scoop costs about NT$100.
- Prices and menu items may change.
- Menus are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
- They offer 6 vegan flavors (as of now).
- They don’t provide outdoor seating or trash cans.
- Visit early on a weekday to skip long lines.
What Makes Miyahara Ice Cream Special?
Miyahara offers a wide range of ice cream flavors, including fruit, tea, chocolate, and specialty options.
Here are the prices (as of December 2024):
- 1 scoop: NT$100
- 2 scoops: NT$180 (NT$90 per scoop)
- 3 scoops: NT$225 (NT$75 per scoop)
- Waffle bowl: NT$20
- Sundae: NT$80
- Add-ons (drinks): NT$70 – 90
Some flavors, like Taiwan Vanilla Pineapple, have a NT$10 surcharge.
Prices can change, so check at the store for the latest details.
Here’s a snapshot of some popular choices:
| Category | Example Flavors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Lychee, Kumquat Lime, Passion Fruit |
| Tea | Alishan Oolong Tea, Roselle Tea |
| Chocolate | 72% Venezuelan with Cranberry, 66% Nutty Mocha |
| Specials | Ivoire 35% Strawberry Cheesecake, No.9 Peanut |
I’ll share the full menu from my visit later. Keep in mind, they can update the menu anytime.
Each order comes with a free topping, letting you personalize your dessert.
Non-vegan toppings include local treats like pineapple cake and cheesecake.
Vegan-friendly toppings include dried cranberries, raisins, almond slivers, pumpkin seeds, and puffed rice. However, the waffle cones contain eggs, so they aren’t vegan-friendly.
For vegans or those avoiding lactose, Miyahara offers 6 sorbet flavors, such as passion fruit and kiwi. Still, the vegan options are limited. Many vegans might visit Miyahara more for its historic charm and unique atmosphere than for dessert choices.
How can you get there?
How to Get to Miyahara
Here are the best transportation options to get you there:
- Train (TRA): Take a TRA train to Taichung Railway Station. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk.
- Bus: Taichung’s bus network has routes stopping at or near Taichung Railway Station.
- MRT: While limited, the Green Line connects key areas. Use buses or taxis from there to reach Miyahara.
For convenience, use an iPASS or EasyCard. These reloadable cards let you travel on buses, MRTs, and trains without needing cash.
Which card should you get?
I recommend the EasyCard because it works in more places. However, if you find a stylish iPASS, go for it — they’re just as useful. I cover the differences in detail in another guide, so check that out.
Reserve an iPASS (KKday)Taxis are metered and easy to find in Taichung. Uber is available for cashless payments, but other ride-hailing apps like Grab or DiDi aren’t supported here.
Once you arrive, look for Miyahara’s red-brick exterior and bold signage — it’s easy to spot.
Do you want to go there now? Great. Let’s optimize your visit.
Tips for Visiting
Here are some tips I have based on my experience at Miyahara:
- Expect to eat while standing — Miyahara doesn’t provide seating.
- Ship souvenirs directly to your home using Dawn Cake’s shipping service.
- They don’t provide outdoor trash cans, so plan accordingly.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid long lines.
- Choose lighter sorbet flavors on hot days.
- Decide on your flavors before reaching the counter.
- Pre-order through KKday for discounts and rewards.
- Keep your receipt handy to pick up your order.
- Explore nearby shops after your visit.
Weekdays are the best time to visit Miyahara if you want to avoid large crowds. Even on a weekday afternoon, I waited about 5 minutes, but the line moved quickly.
Crowds grow on weekends or hot days. Expect longer waits since many people visit.
Lighter flavors like passion fruit or kiwi sorbet are ideal on warm days. These dairy-free options are refreshing and pair nicely with toppings like dried cranberries.
Since there’s no seating at Miyahara, you’ll need to eat your ice cream standing or while strolling. The area around Miyahara is walkable.
With so many flavors available, deciding in advance helps you order faster, especially during busy times. Alternatively, pre-order through KKday to save a little money and earn rewards points.
You might want something to commemorate your visit.
Souvenirs & Gifts to Get
After visiting Miyahara many times, I recommend these souvenirs:
- Pineapple cakes
- Sun cakes
- Assorted chocolates
- Flavored cookies
- Tea leaves
Miyahara is famous for its beautifully packaged Taiwanese treats, perfect for gifts.
Popular items include pineapple cakes and sun cakes, which offer a taste of local tradition. Chocolates and flavored cookies appeal to a variety of tastes, while their tea selection highlights Taiwan’s rich tea culture.
If you can’t visit Miyahara in person or prefer shopping online, you can explore their products on their official website, Dawncake Official Website, where you can browse and order for delivery.
From my experience, though, some of the snacks are pricey for the flavor they offer. For example, I preferred the pineapple cakes from Pan’s Cake in New Taipei.
While Miyahara has great souvenirs, Taiwan offers many other options worth exploring. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my detailed Taiwan souvenirs guide.
Is there anything else to do in Miyahara? The building looks pretty big.
Other Things to Do Inside Miyahara
Step into the neighboring building, and you’ll find yourself in a grand atrium straight out of a Harry Potter novel. The towering bookshelves, vintage décor, and high ceilings create a storybook-like atmosphere.
If you visit during Christmas, the atrium becomes even more enchanting with festive decorations.
For a full dining experience, head to Moon Pavilion on the second floor. This restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for offering high-quality Taiwanese cuisine at reasonable prices.
Dishes range from NT$240 to NT$900, combining creativity with traditional flavors. Check out their menu (PDF link) for details, but note that it may change.
To avoid long waits, book a reservation online through KKday. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free meal in this elegant setting.
Book online (KKday)What do you do once you’re bored at Miyahara?
Nearby Attractions to Explore After Miyahara
After indulging in Miyahara’s offerings, why not explore some of Taichung’s nearby attractions?
Here’s a quick guide to places you can visit:
| Place Name | Description | Average Time Spent | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruyi Sunny Cake | Famous for its soft, rich pastries. | NA | Free entry |
| Chun Shui Tang | Birthplace of bubble tea. | 30 – 45 minutes | Cost of drinks/snacks |
| Taichung Park | Scenic spot with a historic pavilion. | 1 – 2 hours | Free |
| National Taichung Theater | Stunning architectural landmark. | 1 – 2 hours | Free entry; paid shows |
| Calligraphy Greenway | A riverside. | 1 – 1.5 hours | Free |
Here’s how I’d build an itinerary around Miyahara:
Start your day with a peaceful morning walk at Taichung Park, a beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy nature. Afterward, visit Miyahara for ice cream and explore its stunning interiors.
Next, take a leisurely walk along Calligraphy Greenway, a scenic area perfect for stretching your legs.
For an afternoon treat, stop by Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of bubble tea, to experience an iconic part of Taiwanese culture.
End your day with a visit to the National Taichung Theater. Marvel at its stunning architecture or catch a performance if you have time.
For even more ideas on what to do in Taichung, check out my Taichung guide with must-see spots and activities.
Looking for accommodations near Miyahara?
Where to Stay in Taichung
Taichung Tours That Includes Miyahara
Here are current tours you could try out that involve Miyahara:
Through KKday
- Budget: Miyahara, Gaomei, Rainbow village + free pineapple cake and discounted HSR ticket.
- Premium: Departs from Taipei via the HSR and includes Miyahara, Second Market, Opera House, Shinsha Manor, and Gaomei.
- Mid-range: Miyahara, Rainbow Village, Gaomei, and Discover Park Lane.
Via KLOOK
- Budget: Includes Miyahara, National Taichung Theater, Rainbow Village, and Gaomei Wetlands.
- Premium: Chartered tour that includes one of 3 routes; one of the routes is customizable.
- Mid-range: Includes Zhongshe flower market, Chun Shui Tang, Miyahara, Rainbow village, and Gaomei.
Miyahara at a Glance
| Hours | 10 AM – 9 PM daily |
| Address | No.20 Zhongshan Road, Central District, Taichung 400 Taiwan |
| Local Name | 宮原眼科 |
| Admission | Free |
| Average Time Spent | 30 – 60 min (depends on queue) |
Menu for 2025:
If you have food allergens, ensure you bring an allergy card. Their menu doesn’t mention anything about particular ingredients added. I also don’t have expertise in this area, but thought it might be valuable to add for some folks.