Kokando Museum of Medicine - Image 1
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Kokando Museum of Medicine

4
·220 reviews·Toyama, Japan

Discover Toyama's unique pharmaceutical heritage at this free museum, showcasing the innovative 'haichi' medicine sales system.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Kokando Museum of Medicine - Image 1

Kokando Museum of Medicine

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Toyama's unique pharmaceutical heritage at this free museum, showcasing the innovative 'haichi' medicine sales system.

4
(220 reviews)

"A unique exhibition on traditional Toyama's pharmaceutical business, quite unique as a business model worldwide."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Gift! 🎁

Admission is free, and you'll receive a complimentary nutritional supplement like Ginseng Fight!

Dress Up for Photos! 👘

You can take photos wearing a traditional medicine seller's costume for a fun souvenir.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Haichi' System Explained

The 'Haichi' System Explained

Exhibition Hall

Learn about Toyama's unique medicine sales model where sellers charged only for consumed drugs, a truly global business innovation.

Nostalgic Medicine Seller Costumes

Nostalgic Medicine Seller Costumes

Photo Booth Area

Step back in time by trying on a traditional medicine seller's costume for a fun, memorable photo opportunity.

Traditional & Modern Products

Traditional & Modern Products

Souvenir Shop

Browse a wide array of health foods, cosmetics, and nostalgic medicines, including unique items like Sanrixo Jelly.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover Toyama's Unique Pharmaceutical Heritage

Explore the fascinating history of Toyama's traditional medicine trade, known for its innovative 'haichi' system where sellers charged only for consumed medicine. This free museum offers a glimpse into a unique business model.

Free Admission & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy free entry to the Kokando Museum of Medicine and a complimentary nutritional supplement. Don't miss the souvenir shop for health foods, cosmetics, and nostalgic medicines.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Catch the informative video
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kokando slimming pills? #heartbeatdoc #doctorsoftiktok #kokandojapanpills #LearnOnTikTok #fyp
@heartbeatdoc
18.1K likes • 785.6K views

Free Entry & Gift! 🎁

Admission is free, and you'll receive a complimentary nutritional supplement like Ginseng Fight! Reddit

Dress Up for Photos! 👘

You can take photos wearing a traditional medicine seller's costume for a fun souvenir. Reddit

Hokkaido at Kokando Slimming Pills, safe ba? #doctor #nutritionist #nutrition #slim #pills #weightloss #weight
@drdexmacalintal
9.5K likes • 247.7K views

Explore the Shop 🛍️

Discover a range of health foods, cosmetics, and nostalgic medicines, including unique jelly flavors. Reddit

Learn About 'Haichi' System 📜

Understand Toyama's unique pharmaceutical history and its innovative 'haichi' sales model. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Gift! 🎁

Admission is free, and you'll receive a complimentary nutritional supplement like Ginseng Fight! Reddit

Dress Up for Photos! 👘

You can take photos wearing a traditional medicine seller's costume for a fun souvenir. Reddit

Explore the Shop 🛍️

Discover a range of health foods, cosmetics, and nostalgic medicines, including unique jelly flavors. Reddit

Learn About 'Haichi' System 📜

Understand Toyama's unique pharmaceutical history and its innovative 'haichi' sales model. Reddit

Watch the Informative Video 🎬

A video presentation details the company's history and the evolution of medicines. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(220 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Kokando Museum of Medicine to be a unique and informative free attraction, highlighting Toyama's distinctive pharmaceutical history and the 'haichi' sales system. Many appreciate the complimentary gift and the opportunity to purchase nostalgic and health-focused products.

"A small exhibition on traditional Toyama's pharmaceutical business, which is quite unique as a business model world-wide. They travel around entire Japan, let the customers have the entire drug box and charge only the amount the customers have consumed and refill the box.
Many interesting drugs to buy.
The museum is run by a local major pharmaceutical company."

E S

"Good to visit"

Pairoj Osatapirat

"the story of haichi system"

Zaki ullah Azizi

What People Like

Unique 'haichi' system history
Free admission and gift
Nostalgic souvenir shop

What People Dislike

Small exhibition size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within the Kokando Pharmaceutical company premises in Toyama city. It's accessible by local transport. Consider checking local bus routes or taxi services from Toyama Station. Reddit

Yes, parking is available for visitors at the Kokando Museum of Medicine. Reddit

The museum is part of a large company building, look for the prominent 'Kokando' signage. Reddit

Many visitors combine a trip to the Kokando Museum with a stroll around Toyama city, exploring other historical pharmaceutical sites. Reddit

While specific routes can vary, public buses are generally available in Toyama city that can get you close to the museum area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Kokando Museum of Medicine is completely free! Reddit

No advance booking is required for the Kokando Museum of Medicine as admission is free and it's a walk-in experience. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, it's best to check the official Kokando website or local listings before your visit. Reddit

There are no age restrictions mentioned for visiting the Kokando Museum of Medicine. Reddit

While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, museums in Japan are generally working towards better accessibility. Inquire directly if you have specific needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Souvenirs

Photography is generally allowed in many areas, especially in designated spots like the costume photo area. However, always be mindful of any posted signs. Reddit

The shop offers a variety of products including health foods, cosmetics, and nostalgic medicines. You might find unique items like Sanrixo Jelly. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos while wearing a traditional medicine seller's costume, which is a popular and fun activity. Reddit

While TikTok videos mention Kokando slimming pills, the museum primarily focuses on historical displays and general health products. Specific product availability may vary. TikTok+1

Yes, the museum shop sells various health supplements and drinks, including items from the Zen Shoku Seikatsu series. Reddit

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

The 'haichi' system was a unique business model where traditional Toyama medicine sellers would leave a box of medicine with customers and only charge for the amount consumed, refilling the box as needed. Reddit

You'll find displays on the history of Toyama's pharmaceutical business, Chinese herbal medicine materials, and the evolution of medicines. Reddit

Yes, there is a video corner where a presentation about the company's history and medicine is shown. Reddit

The museum offers a unique historical perspective that might be interesting for older children. The costume photo opportunity is also fun for families. Reddit

A visit to the Kokando Museum of Medicine can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring the exhibits and the shop. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kokando Museum of Medicine offers a unique and free educational experience for families. Kids might find the displays of old medicines and the concept of the 'haichi' system intriguing. The opportunity to try on a traditional medicine seller's costume for photos is a definite highlight and a fun way to create lasting memories. Reddit

While the museum is not a large amusement park, it provides a quiet and informative break. Consider it a cultural stop that can spark curiosity about history and traditional Japanese commerce. The souvenir shop also offers a chance to pick up interesting, health-focused items.

💊 Health & Wellness Enthusiasts

For those interested in health, wellness, and traditional remedies, the Kokando Museum of Medicine is a must-visit. You'll gain insight into the historical roots of pharmaceutical practices in Japan, particularly the innovative 'haichi' system that prioritized accessibility and trust. Reddit

The museum's shop also provides an excellent opportunity to explore and purchase a range of health foods, supplements, and cosmetics. It's a chance to discover products that blend traditional wisdom with modern formulations, offering a unique souvenir that promotes well-being.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Toyama Medicine

Toyama has a rich history as a center for traditional medicine in Japan. The city's pharmaceutical industry flourished for centuries, largely due to the innovative 'haichi' (or 'haikyu') system. This unique distribution method allowed medicine sellers to travel across Japan, leaving boxes of remedies with households. Customers would only pay for the medicine they actually used, and the sellers would return to replenish the stock. This fostered trust and widespread availability of medicines, making Toyama a household name for health remedies. The Kokando Museum of Medicine beautifully chronicles this fascinating business model and its impact on Japanese society. Reddit

This system was not just about sales; it was about building relationships and ensuring people had access to healthcare, even in remote areas. The museum showcases the tools, packaging, and stories of these traveling medicine sellers, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era. It's a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of Toyama's pharmaceutical pioneers. Reddit

Exploring Kokando's Product Range

Beyond its historical exhibits, the Kokando Museum of Medicine also serves as a gateway to the company's modern product line. The souvenir shop is a treasure trove for those interested in health and wellness. Here, you can find a variety of health foods, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. Many visitors are intrigued by the chance to purchase items that reflect traditional Japanese approaches to health, alongside contemporary offerings. Reddit

Products like the Sanrixo Jelly, which is described as having a green apple flavor and being derived from Sanrixo 3000, are examples of the unique items available. The museum also offers free samples of lotions in its bathrooms, allowing visitors to experience the quality of their cosmetics firsthand. This blend of historical context and accessible product exploration makes the museum a well-rounded experience. TikTokReddit

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