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A Short Stop in Toyama’s Medicine Town: Ikedaya Yasubei

A few minutes of hands-on work can add something unexpected to a walk through central Toyama. At Ikedaya Yasubei, you can watch traditional pill-making with a wooden tool and try the process yourself.

The exterior of Ikedaya Yasubei in Toyama

You do not need to be shopping for medicine. It is a cultural stop that introduces the craft behind Toyama’s medicine-selling tradition. The experience is free; ask a member of staff on the day.

A round pill begins with a hand movement

  1. Ask a member of staff
    Request the pill-making activity on arrival.
  2. Find out when you can join
    Follow the demonstration and wait your turn if needed.
  3. Try the wooden equipment
    The activity is free and takes about five minutes; that does not include any wait.

Looking at finished medicine does not explain the action needed to shape it evenly. The wooden tool turns an old manufacturing process into something you can see in motion rather than only in a display case.

Toyama’s official guide gives the activity a duration of about five minutes. Allow extra time if you want to look around, and ask about the order of participation when a demonstration is underway or others are waiting.

The wooden atrium inside Toyama Kirari, home to Toyama Glass Art Museum
Historical grooved pill-making device from Auckland Museum, a reference photograph
A historical pill-making device from Auckland Museum, shown for reference; this is not equipment at Ikedaya Yasubei.

Take the tram to Nishicho

  1. Toyama Station south side
  2. Tram towards Minami-Toyama-Ekimae
    About nine minutes
  3. Nishicho stop
    About one minute on foot
  4. Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten
    1-3-5 Tsutsumicho

The shop is at 1-3-5 Tsutsumicho-dori. From the south side of Toyama Station, take a tram bound for Minami-Toyama-Ekimae and get off at Nishicho. The city lists a journey of about nine minutes and a one-minute walk from the stop.

Opening hours are listed as 9:00am–6:00pm, with a New Year closure. The short activity can fit around a visit to nearby places such as Toyama Glass Art Museum; place it on the side of any timed booking that leaves you room to pause.

If local transport is still unfamiliar, the local-bus guide can help with another part of your travels. Also read the boarding instructions for the transport you use that day.

Separate the craft from a medical decision

The visit introduces tools and handwork. Taking part does not tell you whether any medicine sold in the shop is suitable for you.

If you buy medicine, discuss the intended user and any existing medication with the shop’s qualified staff. Rules for bringing medicines into your destination country are a separate matter. For a cultural visit, enjoying the demonstration and continuing your walk is enough.

Practical visitor information checked: 5 October 2026.

Information checked: October 4, 2026.

Official sources
Photo credits