A limited-time theme cafe where you can experience the world of the original novel of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, titled “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Original Novel Cafe,” is now open in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from May 14, 2026. The cafe offers menu items from the official recipe book Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao’s Recipe Book, such as “Euphoric Poison-Testing Soup” and “Friendship Icy Dessert.” It will also open in Umeda, Osaka from May 28.
About the Series
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a massively popular palace mystery entertainment series that has surpassed 45 million copies in cumulative circulation. It depicts the story of Maomao, a young girl working as a “poison taster” in the inner palace, as she solves various difficult cases. The series is beloved by a wide range of fans for its refreshing heroine, authentic mysteries, and human dramas woven into an exotic world.
On October 22, 2025, the series marked the second anniversary of its TV anime broadcast, and the production of a third TV anime season and the first-ever film adaptation were announced. The third season is scheduled to air in two split cours starting October 2026, with the film set for release in December of the same year.
Cafe Concept and Menu
This “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Original Novel Cafe” is a project that allows visitors to enjoy the story world from the perspective of food. Inspired by “medicine,” the cafe offers menus that incorporate the concept of “medicinal cuisine” from a different angle, featuring dishes that care for the mind and body.
The menu is divided into three categories: “Warm,” “Refresh,” and “Comfort.” The bamboo steamer dishes include a steamed beef dish inspired by the episode where Maomao warms herself at the winter garden party, a steamed mushroom and clam steamer inspired by the scene where Jinshi’s health was cared for by giving him salt, and a steamed chicken steamer with citrus-scented sauce.
In addition to steamed breads such as walnut and pumpkin seed, honey and berry, and pearl barley and cinnamon, the cafe also offers teas focusing on “Warm,” “Refresh,” and “Comfort,” each crafted with care.
From the recipe book Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao’s Recipe Book, released on May 13, the cafe also features “story menu” items such as “Chicken Porridge for Health Check,” “Euphoric Poison-Testing Soup,” and “Friendship Icy Dessert.” Be sure to try them while you can. When visiting, don’t forget to pick up original goods like acrylic keychains and washi paper stickers, as well as visitor benefits.
Event Details
The limited-time theme cafe “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Original Novel Cafe” runs until July 5 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and from May 28 to June 28 in Umeda, Osaka. The reservation fee is 660 yen (tax included), and up to 4 seats can be reserved per application. For details, check the information page.
Venues and Dates:
■ Tokyo / Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2 Store
May 14 (Thu) – July 5 (Sun), 2026
4F, Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2, 1-22-8 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
■ Osaka / Umeda: BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA Store No. 2
May 28 (Thu) – June 28 (Sun), 2026
6F, KITTE Osaka, 3-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Reservation fee: 660 yen (tax included) – Up to 4 seats per reservation.
© Natsu Hyuuga / Imagine Infos / Illustration: Touko Shino
— Koutarou Nakase
