Historic Shop × Traditional Japanese Elixir – Japan’s Finest Traditional Pharmacy

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

In Toyama Prefecture, Japan, besides the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route with its massive snow walls, there is also a traditional pharmacy with over 300 years of history – the renowned Ikeda-ya Yasubei Shoten. The shop is filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs and displays Toyama’s signature stomach medicine “Etchu Hangekkaku,” as well as many in-house developed Japanese herbal remedies. With its nostalgic packaging and a wide variety of medicinal herbs and health teas, all are made using traditional preparation methods passed down through generations. The shop also has an on-site pharmacist who sells medicines, first carefully understanding your symptoms and constitution before selecting the most suitable herbal remedy from over 20 types of Japanese herbal formulas and more than 200 types of medicinal herbs.

Additionally, you can experience the traditional pill-making process here, which is only available at Ikeda-ya Yasubei Shoten across all of Japan. The second floor also offers healthy medicinal cuisine. Next time you visit Toyama Prefecture, while shopping for souvenirs, be sure to stop by Ikeda-ya Yasubei Shoten to pick up some of their traditional and miraculous wellness remedies.