Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

"Hangontan" is an iconic traditional Chinese medicine in Toyama. With a name that sounds like it could be from a Japanese folktale and an appearance that looks like it could be from a period drama, it's a medicine with a big impact. Not only that, but it has a long history, having spread during the Edo period and still being sold as a regular medicine today. It's recommended for those who often drink alcohol, get heartburn from oily foods, have frequent stomach problems, or occasionally experience stomach pain due to stress. Its effects range from loss of appetite, bloating in the stomach and abdomen, indigestion, weak stomach, overeating and drinking, heartburn, feeling heavy, nausea (hangover or bad drunkenness sickness), and more. It's also available for purchase online, so if you're interested, give it a try.

Korokoro pills, represented by Hangekidan, are small round pills. At Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, you can experience making these pills for free, just like they did in the past. However, due to current laws, strict control is required for medicine production, so the pills made during the experience are just dummies. You'll use old tools found in the shop to make them. By turning the lever on the back, the pill's ingredients come out of the hole. Then, you'll use the tools to shape them into pills. It looks easy, but it's surprisingly difficult to do. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Upon entering the store, you'll find rows of medicine with retro packaging. While the lineup of familiar medicines may be available at drugstores throughout Toyama prefecture, it may be unique and novel for tourists. Despite its nostalgic appearance, these medicines are still in active use. There are many fans who swear by these medicines, such as headache and stomach medicine, making them a popular souvenir item.

Unlike Western medicine, which prescribes medicine for illnesses, Eastern medicine aims to identify the cause of the illness and restore health through natural healing power. The characteristic of Japanese herbal medicine is to promote improvement of constitution and expect a slow and gentle effect. At Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, which offers a variety of Japanese herbal medicines including Hangeonto, specialized pharmacists are on staff to provide thorough counseling and prepare herbal medicines for each individual. If you are experiencing chronic discomfort, it may be worth consulting with them.

On the second floor, there is a restaurant called "Kenkozen Yakuto" where you can taste the famous medicinal cuisine. The interior of the restaurant, which was once a pharmaceutical factory, has a calm and modern Japanese atmosphere. You can enjoy menus that are gentle on both the mind and body. If you want a substantial meal, there are course menus that require reservations, as well as plenty of reasonably priced set menus and desserts. The restaurant is only open for lunch, so please visit for tea time or lunch.