Miyahara Eye Clinic (now a dessert shop)

Miyahara Eye Clinic is located by the Green River next to Taichung Railway Station, housed in a historic red-brick building. Originally built in 1927 by Japanese ophthalmologist Miyahara Takekuma, it was once the largest ophthalmology clinic in Taichung during the Japanese colonial period. After the war, when Miyahara returned to Japan, the building was repurposed as the Taichung Health Bureau. However, with the passage of time, the bureau was gradually abandoned, and after the 921 Earthquake, the site became an overgrown ruin.

Later, the “Dawn Cake” (Rìchū) team purchased the property and invested in its restoration, inviting architects and heritage conservation experts to revive the old structure. The exterior red-brick walls and arcade were meticulously preserved, creating a rich nostalgic atmosphere. The interior, redesigned with soaring ceilings and wooden bookshelves, evokes the feel of a vintage library, reminiscent of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The original central well was cleverly transformed into a sleek glass donation box.

The building incorporates many skylight elements, allowing sunlight to stream into the interior, making the entire space bright and airy while also enhancing energy efficiency. Today, Miyahara Eye Clinic stands not only as a model of blending history with modern design but also as a major cultural landmark and tourist attraction in Taichung.

Beyond the building itself, Miyahara is renowned for its specialty souvenirs and desserts. Its retro-style packaged pastries are highly popular, with the pineapple cake becoming the brand’s signature product. The ice cream, another highlight, offers numerous exclusive flavors paired with innovative toppings, such as whole pineapple cakes, cheesecake, and almond snowballs, creating a delightful and surprising culinary experience for visitors.