【宮原眼科】Miyahara in Taichung, Taiwan
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One of my favorite experiences exploring Taichung was visiting the historic Miyahara building (宮原眼科). This iconic spot beautifully blends the charm of the old with the allure of the new, offering a mix of delicious dining options, sweet treats, and souvenirs that are perfect for gifting or taking home.
I first visited Miyahara on my dad’s recommendation. He and my mom often stop by after church for lunch, and he thought it would be a great place for me to explore and learn about. Before we headed over, he gave me a quick history lesson about the building. When he mentioned 宮原 (pronounced Gōngyuan), I mistakenly thought he was referring to a park (公園 also pronounced gōngyuan)! It turns out that it was entirely a different kind of Gongyuan. 🤣
Since then, I’ve visited Miyahara twice—once with my family and again with my partner. During my second trip, we shopped for souvenirs and tried their iconic ice cream (which is a must!). In this blog post, I’ll take you through my adventures at Miyahara, sharing its rich history, tips for making the most of your visit, and my top recommendations for the delicious food and drinks you can enjoy there!
about Miyahara
Miyahara, also known as 宮原眼科, is a historic landmark in Taichung dating back nearly a century.
Originally opened as an eye doctor's office in 1927 during the Japanese colonization, the building still has been beautifully preserved.
The original brick walls on the exterior of the building still stand strong, adding to the building's original vintage charm.
Even though the bricks are slowly deteriorating over time, Taiwan still preserves the building to keep it fresh.
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stepping inside
As you step through the front entrance, you'll feel like you've gone back in time.
The towering ceilings and vintage wooden bookshelves filled with ancient books create a magical atmosphere reminding me of being a part of a Hogwarts in Harry Potter movies.
The building's original wooden drawers, once used for medical supplies, now showcase a delightful assortment of desserts, chocolates, candies, and souvenirs.
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Moon Salon
醉月樓沙龍
Climb up the elegant stairs to check out the second-floor restaurant, Moon Salon (醉月樓沙龍).
The restaurant's cohesive vibe mixes old-world elegance with modern comfort.
Our dining experience was amazing.
The vintage teapot they served to us added a nice nostalgic touch, and the food was so good. I ended up having two big bowls of rice (which is a lot more than I usually eat!), and we shared a fantastic afternoon tea dessert platter featuring a variety of Taiwanese treats. You can also pick your preferred coffee or tea to go with your dessert.
🌟 TIP
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours.
If you can, make a reservation, especially on weekends or Taiwanese holidays.
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ice cream
I finally got the chance to try their famous ice cream!
The first time I visited Miyahara with my parents, I shared a story on Instagram showing off their signature milk tea. That’s when my friend living in Taiwan asked, “Did you try their iconic ice cream?”
I had no idea what she was talking about at the time, but when we left, I realized just how popular it was — people literally line up outside for it! I was bummed I’d missed out on the ice cream, especially after seeing all the photos online.
Even though I’m not the biggest ice cream fan, I couldn’t resist trying the dessert everyone was raving about! So, during my second visit with my partner, we made sure to go early to avoid the crowds — and thankfully, there was no wait. But by the time we were finished getting the ice cream order and walking out, the line was already growing long!
And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! You get to choose five different flavors and add toppings to make it even more delightful. It was definitely worth the wait (and the early arrival)!
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milk tea
After my parents and I finished our lunch on the second floor, we decided to step outside and discovered a charming little milk tea shop, Miyahara, located beside their building. This unique spot is a must-visit for any tea lover.
With vintage metal tea boxes, retro menu signs, and brick walls, the milk tea shop creates a nostalgic atmosphere. You can even peek through a hole in the wall to see the bustling activity inside.
I couldn't resist ordering a refreshing strawberry milkshake (草莓牛奶). It was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to conclude my first visit to Miyahara!
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the bathroom
If you love a stunning bathroom design like me, you'll absolutely love the restroom facilities at Miyahara.
Located on the third floor, these bathrooms are a true work of art, combining modern design with vintage elements.
The thoughtful design includes blackout curtains that can be lowered to shield you from the sun (employees will assist with lowering the curtains), making sure you have a comfortable and private experience. And don’t worry about people seeing you from the outside because the windows are tinted.
The bathrooms are impeccably clean and feature high-tech toilets that enhance your overall experience.
I truly appreciate a great bathroom design, and this one definitely checks all my boxes! ☑️
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know before you go!
Inside Miyahara
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience, but be prepared for crowds during peak lunch times.
ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION
1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the shops, dining at the restaurant, or waiting in line for their signature ice cream.
PERFECT FOR
Dessert lovers. History buffs. Gift shopping. Souvenirs. Families
PRICING
$$$
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Not typically required, but recommended for large groups or during peak seasons.
Reserve your spot through InLine here (you can change the language at the top right corner)
MUST-TRY
Miyahara is renowned for its delicious ice cream. Don't miss the opportunity to try their signature flavors!
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tours you might like
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what's nearby
Wenxin Showtimes
Craving a luxurious cinema experience? Head to Wenxin Showtimes and enjoy their their top-tier Tempur-Pedic seats.
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visit
VISIT
HOURS
Monday - Sunday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
LOCATION
No. 20號, Zhongshan Rd, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400
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check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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11:59 03012023 | 11142024 11:51
Last Updated: 02.20.2025
Once an eye clinic, now a dreamy dessert spot — Miyahara in Taichung blends history, stunning architecture, and some of Taiwan’s best ice cream! 🍨🧋