Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten is famously located underground in Shinjuku Station. Navigating the underground can be a bit tricky, so using Google Maps is recommended. Some visitors have found it helpful to look for tutorials online to pinpoint the exact location within the station.

Yes, it is very accessible by public transport as it's situated within Shinjuku Station, a major transportation hub in Tokyo. You can reach it via JR lines, private railways, and subway lines that serve Shinjuku.

If you find yourself lost, don't hesitate to ask station staff for directions to the 'Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten' or 'tea shop'. Online video tutorials specifically showing the route within the station have also been shared by visitors.

No, you do not need tickets to enter the first-floor shop area of Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten. It's a retail space where you can browse and purchase items.

The shop typically opens in the morning and operates throughout the day. The restaurant on the second floor serves medicinal lunch meals but usually closes by 2 PM. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit.

Yes, reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant on the second floor, especially if you plan to visit during peak lunch hours. This ensures you can enjoy their unique herbal cuisine.

There are generally no admission fees for the demonstrations of how traditional medicines are made. These are often part of the experience of visiting the historic drugstore.

You can find a wide variety of matcha powder, including ceremonial grades, as well as matcha for everyday use. They also offer tea-related products like whisks and bowls. +1

Unfortunately, products from Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten are typically only available for purchase within Japan, with no international shipping options mentioned by visitors.

The store offers various Eastern medicinal remedies, including ointments and patches for different ailments. Visitors often look for their top-recommended herbs. +1

While not all products may be available for tasting, some demonstrations might allow you to experience how the drugs are made or even try them. It's best to ask the knowledgeable staff for guidance.

The restaurant on the second floor serves medicinal lunch meals that are healthy and made with beneficial ingredients. The set lunch typically includes an appetizer, boiled radish, simmered pork, chicken ginseng soup, and a dessert.

Despite being made with medicinal ingredients, visitors report that the food has a simple and natural taste, without any overpowering herbal or medicinal flavors. The focus is on the original ingredients.

While specific prices can vary, the set lunch experience is generally considered worth the cost for the unique and healthy meal it provides. Visitors have found the quality and ingredients to be excellent.

The menu primarily features dishes with pork and chicken. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about vegetarian or vegan options, as the focus is on traditional medicinal ingredients which may include animal products.

Photography is generally allowed in the shop area, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere and products. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and staff.

The shelves filled with traditional medicines and the displays of matcha powder and tea ware offer great photo opportunities. The interior has a historic and authentic feel.

Yes, you can typically take photos of the delicious and healthy meals served at the restaurant. The presentation of the dishes is often appealing.