
Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten
Discover traditional Japanese medicine and premium matcha at this historic Shinjuku drugstore and restaurant. A unique cultural experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy healthy herbal cuisine

Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten
Best Time
Enjoy healthy herbal cuisine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover traditional Japanese medicine and premium matcha at this historic Shinjuku drugstore and restaurant. A unique cultural experience.
"A must-visit for unique Japanese remedies and high-quality matcha, with a healthy herbal lunch to boot!"

🎯 Reserve for Lunch
The restaurant on the second floor serves medicinal lunch meals but closes by 2 PM. Reservations are highly recommended!
🍵 Matcha Lover's Paradise
Find a fantastic selection of matcha powder, including ceremonial grades, plus whisks and bowls. Perfect for home cafes!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Japanese Medicine Shop
Explore a historic drugstore filled with unique remedies, ointments, and patches. Witness demonstrations of traditional medicine making.

Herbal Cuisine Restaurant
Savor healthy, medicinal lunch meals on the second floor, featuring simple yet delicious dishes made with beneficial ingredients.

High-Quality Matcha Selection
Discover a wide array of matcha powder, from ceremonial grades to everyday use, alongside tea accessories like whisks and bowls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Authentic Matcha & Traditional Remedies
Navigating the Store and Restaurant
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve for Lunch
The restaurant on the second floor serves medicinal lunch meals but closes by 2 PM. Reservations are highly recommended!
🍵 Matcha Lover's Paradise
Find a fantastic selection of matcha powder, including ceremonial grades, plus whisks and bowls. Perfect for home cafes!
💊 Unique Medicinal Finds
Explore a wide range of traditional Japanese medicines, ointments, and patches. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
📍 Location in Shinjuku
This popular matcha store is located underground in Shinjuku Station. Follow Google Maps carefully or use tutorials!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve for Lunch
The restaurant on the second floor serves medicinal lunch meals but closes by 2 PM. Reservations are highly recommended!
🍵 Matcha Lover's Paradise
Find a fantastic selection of matcha powder, including ceremonial grades, plus whisks and bowls. Perfect for home cafes!
💊 Unique Medicinal Finds
Explore a wide range of traditional Japanese medicines, ointments, and patches. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
📍 Location in Shinjuku
This popular matcha store is located underground in Shinjuku Station. Follow Google Maps carefully or use tutorials!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten for its unique blend of traditional Japanese medicine and high-quality matcha. The historic atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and healthy herbal cuisine are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some find the restaurant's early closing time and the underground location a minor inconvenience.
"This medicinal store has a restaurant on the second floor and they serve medicinal lunch meals which you can reserve. The set lunch starts with an appetizer, a boiled radish, simmered pork with vegetables, chicken ginseng soup and steamed black glutinous rice with tea chiffon cake dessert. All the food is so good with really simple taste of its original ingredients, there's no herbs or medicine taste even though lots of great ingredients were used to make the meal healthy. Definitely worth trying as a different experience on japanese food."
Tracy Loh
"The historic drugstore in Toyama. The first floor is selling self made medicines and the second floor is a restaurant featuring herbal cuisines, yet it only serves before 2pm.
There are various medicines, ointments and patches for symptoms on different parts of body. Also there’re the store owner will demonstrate how the drugs are made and you may have a chance to try it yourself."
Kai Chen
"A store full of history . The owner is quite knowledgeable and friendly. It definitely is one of fun places to visit in Toyama."
Victoria Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
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.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
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
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍵 Matcha Enthusiasts
🧐 Culture & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Matcha at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten
Visitors often highlight the impressive range and quality of matcha available, noting that it's a prime spot to purchase authentic Japanese matcha. The store's commitment to traditional tea culture makes it a standout destination for anyone interested in experiencing the true essence of matcha. It's a place where you can learn about different grades and find the perfect matcha to suit your taste and brewing preferences.
When exploring the matcha selection, don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. Their knowledge can guide you to the best choices, ensuring you leave with a product you'll truly enjoy. The experience of selecting your matcha here is as enriching as the tea itself.
A Taste of Traditional Japanese Medicine
One of the most engaging aspects of visiting is the opportunity to witness demonstrations of how these traditional drugs are made. This hands-on element provides a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and natural ingredients involved. Visitors have found these demonstrations to be both educational and intriguing, offering a glimpse into practices passed down through generations.
While the shop focuses on medicinal products, it's important to note that these are traditional remedies. For serious health concerns, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional. However, for those interested in exploring natural and historical approaches to wellness, Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten offers a truly unique and authentic experience.
The Herbal Cuisine Experience
What sets this restaurant apart is its ability to create dishes that are nourishing without tasting overly medicinal. Reviewers consistently praise the simple, natural flavors that allow the quality of the ingredients to shine through. It's a testament to the chef's skill in balancing health benefits with culinary appeal, making it an enjoyable experience even for those unfamiliar with herbal cuisine.
Given that the restaurant typically closes by 2 PM, planning your visit accordingly is crucial. Reservations are also highly recommended to secure a table and avoid disappointment. Dining at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten offers a distinct and memorable way to engage with Japanese culture, blending culinary exploration with a focus on well-being.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit