Honsoukaku

The Japanese Traditional Oriental Medicine "KAMPO" and Its History, Uniquely Developed in Japan

KAMPO is believed to have been introduced to Japan from China around the 5th to 6th centuries. Since then, it has evolved independently under the influence of Japan's climate and other factors, adapting to the constitution of the Japanese people and developing into what is now known as "KAMPO medicine."

Traditional Oriental medicine in Japan, KAMPO, is based on the idea that humans are part of the natural harmony and circulation of nature. Various diseases are viewed as disruptions to this harmony between nature and the balance of the mind and body. The concept of KAMPO is to restore that balance and enhance the body's natural healing power, guiding people toward health.

This philosophy is rooted in ancient Chinese natural philosophy and is believed to have been brought to Japan by monks along with the introduction of Buddhism.

KAMPO, later nurtured by Japan's "climate," "constitution," and "spirituality," developed into Japan's unique form of medicine. The concept of "Zen," which has garnered global interest, is based on the foundation of Japanese spirituality that values experience, practice, and personal realization over theory and words. This philosophy has deeply permeated all aspects of Japanese life and culture. KAMPO has evolved and developed with the spiritual foundation of Japanese traditional culture such as "tea ceremony," "flower arrangement," "bushido," and "Zen," making it uniquely Japanese traditional Oriental medicine.

Founded in 1830: The Philosophy and History of Honsokaku Pharmacy, Specializing in Japanese Herbal Medicine and KAMPO

"For the customers, conveying authenticity"

Honsokaku was founded in 1830, during a time when Western medicine was gaining attention in Japan, where Oriental medicine had been the primary medical practice for over 1,500 years. "Honso" means "medicinal plants," and the founder believed deeply in the potential of nature. Although the continuation of the business faced challenges throughout the changing eras, Honsokaku has been passed down to the current ninth-generation head and continues to uphold the founding philosophy of "respect for nature" and "coexistence with people."

Today, we continue to integrate Western medicine with traditional KAMPO philosophy, providing holistic support for both treatment and prevention.

As a pharmacy with nearly 200 years of tradition, we are committed to preserving this knowledge and its cultural significance within Japanese society and the world.

Our staff, well-versed in both Western and KAMPO (traditional herbal medicine), integrates the latest medical knowledge while valuing the core philosophy of KAMPO, contributing to society by promoting its benefits.

We engage in not only the treatment field as a KAMPO pharmacy (KAMPO) but also in preventive healthcare through dietary guidance, medicinal baths, and spiritual wellness, supporting holistic mind-body health with KAMPO at the center.

In addition to Oriental medicine, we also participate in pharmaceutical operations in Western medicine, aspiring to contribute to society as a comprehensive medical company.

Carefully Selected Medicinal Herbs for Efficacy and Safety

We take great care in cultivating medicinal herbs with contracted farms both domestically and internationally, paying close attention to factors such as origin, environment, growth period, harvesting, and processing methods. Additionally, we ensure the quality of our herbs by using the five senses---appearance, texture, smell, taste, and more---through traditional expertise passed down over generations. With access to thousands of types of medicinal herbs, we strive to address various symptoms.

To ensure the safety and quality of our herbs, we conduct thorough checks, including botanical origin verification, physical and chemical tests, and monitoring for heavy metals, arsenic, sulfur residues, and pesticides. We also carry out microbial testing and analyze organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, and pyrethroid pesticides.

Integration with Western Medicine and Education for the Next Generation

We incorporate both Eastern and Western medical knowledge and experience, complementing each other to provide holistic prevention and treatment. This knowledge and passion are passed down to the next generation.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment Field: Thorough KAMPO Consultation

Honsokaku Pharmacy

Our KAMPO prescriptions begin with careful consultation. Even seemingly insignificant daily actions or casual conversations can provide crucial information for formulating the right prescription. Using the four diagnostic methods with the 5 senses,---＜Objective observation＞, ＜subjective observation＞, ＜probing＞, and ＜palpation＞---we comprehensively assess your health and symptoms to create a treatment tailored to you. Our staff, with nearly 200 years of inherited experience and knowledge, offers the most suitable prescriptions based on individual conditions and responds precisely to changing health states. Please feel free to share even the smallest concerns.

Medication cost: From 990 yen/day

Prescribing KAMPO begins with a thorough discussion with you. Even casual everyday actions and small talk can provide valuable information that can be useful in prescribing KAMPO.

We will comprehensively assess your physical condition and symptoms from the four perspectives: inspection, auscultation, probing, and palpation and come up with a prescription that's right for you. Our staff, who have inherited nearly 200 years of experience and knowledge, provide optimal prescriptions tailored to each individual's physical condition, and respond carefully to changes in your physical condition. Please feel free to talk to us about even the smallest details.

Opening Hours

10:00 AM -- 7:00 PM (Clinic: until 9:00 PM)
Closed: Thursdays and Sundays

Preventive Field: Online Sales of KAMPO Products

We are committed to promoting health by focusing not only on the treatment aspect as a KAMPO pharmacy, but also on preventive healthcare, emphasizing harmony with nature, natural circulation, and mind-body balance. Based on the philosophy that "health begins with daily diet and lifestyle," we offer products in the food sector, medicinal baths, and cultural activities to support holistic mind-body health centered around KAMPO.

https://shop.honsoukaku.co.jp/

Passing on Japanese Traditional Culture to the Next Generation and Sharing it with the World

KAMPO is a medical practice deeply rooted in Japanese traditional culture, similar to tea ceremony, martial arts, and Zen, all of which reflect the Japanese spirit. We believe it is our mission to share this spirit with people from all generations and nationalities, ensuring that these values are passed on and appreciated worldwide.