A themed café based on The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) novel series is opening for a limited period at two locations in Japan. The Tokyo venue in Ikebukuro opens on May 14, 2026, followed by the Osaka venue in Umeda on May 28.
About The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries is a novel series published by Imagica Infos, with the first volume released in August 2014. The series currently spans 16 volumes, with cumulative sales exceeding 45 million copies. A third TV anime season and a theatrical film adaptation are also in production for 2026.
The story centers on Maomao, a young pharmacist from the pleasure district who is kidnapped and sold into the imperial court's inner palace. Her curiosity leads her to investigate a series of incidents, drawing the attention of senior consort Gyokuyou and the handsome eunuch Jinshi, and pulling her deeper into the conspiracies of the palace — a supreme mystery of medicines and poisons.
Café Concept
The menu takes inspiration from the series' central theme of "medicine," incorporating the philosophy of medicinal cuisine (yakuzen) to offer photogenic dishes that are gentle on both body and mind. The menu is organized around three categories:
- Warm (温) – Dishes that warm the body
- Clear (清) – Dishes that refresh and cleanse
- Calm (安) – Dishes that bring relaxation
In addition, dishes from the first official recipe book The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Recipe Book, released on May 13, appear as "Story Menu" items under official supervision.
Event Details
Tokyo / Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Matsumotokiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2
- Dates: May 14 (Thu) – July 5 (Sun), 2026
- Address: 4F, Matsumotokiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2, 1-22-8 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Osaka / Umeda: BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA Branch 2
- Dates: May 28 (Thu) – June 28 (Sun), 2026
- Address: 6F, KITTE Osaka, 3-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Advance reservations are available for ¥660 (tax included) per person, with up to 4 seats bookable per reservation.
Official website: https://kusuriya-cafe.ltr-online.com
Advance Reservation Bonus
Guests who make an advance reservation (¥660 tax included per person) and place a food or drink order at the café will receive a mini shikishi card (1 design) as a gift.
Menu
Images are for illustrative purposes.
Seiro (Steamed Dishes)
Beef Seiro — ¥2,090 (tax included)
A seiro-steamed dish featuring beef with ginger and oyster sauce. Inspired by an episode in which ginger and citrus peel were used to warm the body during a winter garden party. Choice of 3 staple options available.
Mushroom and Clam Seiro — ¥2,090 (tax included)
A seiro-steamed dish featuring mushrooms and clams seasoned with shio-koji. Inspired by a scene where Jinshi is given salt to help with his physical condition. Choice of 3 staple options available.
Steamed Chicken Seiro — ¥2,090 (tax included)
A seiro-steamed dish featuring chicken with a citrus sauce. Choice of 3 staple options available.
Steamed Buns
Walnut and Pumpkin Seed Steamed Bun — ¥1,090 (tax included)
A steamed bun topped with walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Honey and Berry Steamed Bun — ¥1,090 (tax included)
A steamed bun topped with honey and freeze-dried strawberries.
Job's Tears and Cinnamon Steamed Bun — ¥1,090 (tax included)
A steamed bun topped with sweetly simmered job's tears and cinnamon.
Teas
Ginger Brown Rice Tea — ¥1,190 (tax included)
A roasted brown rice tea with a hint of ginger.
Peppermint Tea — ¥1,190 (tax included)
A refreshing mint tea.
Black Soybean Tea — ¥1,190 (tax included)
A tea brewed from black soybeans.
Story Menus
Health Check Chicken Congee — ¥890 (tax included)
"...You may eat it." (I've been waiting!)
The special chicken congee made by Suiren that Maomao was invited to share when she visited Jinshi to check on his health. (From the official recipe; recipe by Yō Manano)
Ecstatic Poison-Tasting Soup — ¥690 (tax included)
"Her eyes widened for a moment, then suddenly her face broke into a drowsy, melting smile."
The soup Maomao sampled for poison at the garden party. (From the official recipe; recipe by Yō Manano)
Friendship Sherbet (Ice) — ¥1,390 (tax included)
"What's that?" "Just what it looks like — sherbet."
The taste of friendship shared by Maomao, Xiaolan, and Zishi. Guests mix and chill the ingredients themselves to complete the dish. (From the official recipe; recipe by Yō Manano)
"Love Potion" Cacao Parfait — ¥1,290 (tax included)
Inspired by the "love potion" story in volume 1, chapter 8 of the original novel. A mini parfait featuring coffee jelly and chocolate.
Double-Layered Mystery Latte — ¥1,090 (tax included)
A two-layered iced latte made with matcha and purple sweet potato.
Side Drinks — ¥690 (tax included) each
Hot Coffee / Hot Tea / Iced Coffee / Iced Tea / Cola / Orange Juice / Ginger Ale
(Not subject to the one-order minimum)
Original Merchandise
Images are for illustrative purposes.
Acrylic Keychain (Random, 4 designs) — ¥770 (tax included)
Japanese Paper Sticker (Random, 4 designs) — ¥550 (tax included)
Square Can Badge (Random, 8 designs) — ¥660 (tax included)
Acrylic Bookmarker (Maomao) — ¥880 (tax included)
Acrylic Bookmarker (Jinshi) — ¥880 (tax included)
A4 Clear File — ¥550 (tax included)
Drawstring Bag — ¥1,430 (tax included)
Mug Cup — ¥2,200 (tax included)
© Natsu Hyuuga / Imagica Infos. Illustration: Touko Shino
