Fans of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries) have a new way to explore Nara with Maomao and Jinshi. A special collaboration between the upcoming film Gekijouban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bouhi no Hihou and Kintetsu (Kinki Nippon Railway) starts on October 10, 2026, bringing a digital quiz rally to the region.
The collaboration, titled “Maomao & Jinshi: Manyou e no Nazotabi” (Journey to Manyo), is set against the cultural heritage of Nara, including the Asuka and Fujiwara areas, Yamato-Koriyama, and Yoshino. Participants will answer quizzes at checkpoints to earn digital stamps and exchange them for exclusive goods.
Series Background
The Kusuriya no Hitorigoto series, written by Natsu Hyuuga and published by Hero Bunko, follows Maomao, a young girl who works as a poison taster in the imperial court, solving mysteries alongside the eunuch Jinshi. Two manga adaptations run in Monthly Big Gangan and Monthly Sunday GX. The TV anime’s first season aired from October 2023 in 24 episodes and won the Special Award at the TVer Awards 2023. The second season followed in January 2025, and a third season is in production. The first theatrical film, Gekijouban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bouhi no Hihou, is scheduled for release on December 11, 2026, with Yuuki Aoi as Maomao and Ootsuka Takeo as Jinshi.
Event Periods and How to Participate
The digital quiz rally is divided into two journeys: “Autumn Journey” from October 10 to November 30, 2026, and “Winter Journey” from December 1, 2026, to January 24, 2027. Participants use their smartphones to visit checkpoints set at major Kintetsu stations and locations across Nara. Checkpoints include four at major stations, 12 in Nara Prefecture, and three additional points to be added on November 1, December 1, and December 22. To redeem prizes, participants must visit at least one checkpoint inside Nara and make a purchase of 400 yen (tax included) or more at one of the designated exchange locations.
The exchange locations are:
- FamilyMart Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station
- Café Chiao Presso Kyoto Miyakomichi
- Café Chiao Presso Uehonmachi Station
- Café Chiao Presso Abeno Harukas
- Café Chiao Presso & Cook House Saidaiji Station
- Café Chiao Presso & YAMATO BREWERY Nara Station
- Café Chiao Presso Nagoya Station (ground floor)
- Café Chiao Presso Yokkaichi Station
Original Prizes
Depending on the number of digital stamps collected, participants can receive exclusive collaboration goods. For the Autumn Journey, 3 stamps earn a clear card, 5 stamps a roll of sticky notes, and 10 stamps a drawstring pouch. For the Winter Journey, 3 stamps earn a sticker, 5 stamps a snap band, and 10 stamps a clear pouch.
Original Voice Content
While riding on select Kintetsu routes, fans can access the special site to hear Maomao and Jinshi introduce scenic spots along the line. The voice content is available on the following sections:
- Kashihara Line: Yamato-Saidaiji to Yamato-Yagi
- Minami-Osaka Line & Yoshino Line: Takadashi to Kashiharajingu-mae to Asuka
- Osaka Line: Yamato-Takada to Muroguchi-Ōno
- Yoshino Line: Tsubosaka-yama to Yoshino
Collaboration Menus
Café Chiao Presso locations will offer special items such as a Collaboration Cappuccino and Collaboration Cake Set from October 10 through March 31, 2027. The participating stores are Café Chiao Presso Kyoto Miyakomichi, Uehonmachi Station, Abeno Harukas, Nagoya Station (ground floor), Yokkaichi Station, and the ones at Saidaiji and Nara (with YAMATO BREWERY).
Exclusive Collaboration Goods
A range of limited merchandise will be sold at select locations, including an A4 clear file (700 yen), towel handkerchief (900 yen), acrylic stand (two types, 1,800 yen each), acrylic keychain (two types, 900 yen each), thermo stainless mug (2,000 yen), and a pouch (1,300 yen). All prices include tax. The sales period runs from October 10, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with some items becoming available from October 30. The goods can be found at the sightseeing express “Aon Symphony” sales counter, GOTO-CHI Nara, Namba, Kyoto, irodori kintetsu Abenobashi, and THROBBING.cosme+ Uehonmachi.
Collaboration Wrapped Train and Unveiling
A special collaboration-wrapped train will run from October 10, primarily on the Osaka Abenobashi–Kashiharajingu-mae–Yoshino route, using a 6620 series 4-car formation. The train is scheduled to operate until late January 2027. An unveiling ceremony will take place on the first day at 1:00 PM on the platform at Osaka Abenobashi Station, in front of the west ticket gate. Maomao will make a special appearance. The event is free, but an admission ticket to the station is required.
Shinkansen Travel Bonus
For those traveling from afar via the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Central’s “Oshi Tabi” is offering a collaboration with the Kusuriya no Hitorigoto novels, titled “Petit Kusuriya Tabi on the Tokaido Shinkansen,” featuring exclusive in-train quizzes and original bonuses.
The collaboration event runs from October 10, 2026, through January 24, 2027. For full details and checkpoint locations, visit the official special site.
(c) 2026 Gekijouban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Seisaku Iinkai (c) Natsu Hyuuga / Imagica Infos
