Pharmacy Opens within Hot Spring Ryokan. "Wataiya Bessou" to Launch "Yakuhakudo" on April 1, 2026, as a Base for "Yakuhaku," a New Stay Model.

Wataiya Bessou Co., Ltd. (Location: Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshimoto Ohara) opened "Yakuhakudo," a pharmacy within its premises, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. "Yakuhakudo" is a new initiative that allows guests to receive health consultations and physical condition support during their hot spring stay. In collaboration with Irey Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; Group Representative: Takashi Aoshima), it will serve as the implementation base for "Yakuhaku," a new stay value that combines the perspectives of hot springs, food, and medical care.

A New Initiative: Hot Spring Ryokan × Pharmacy

Wataiya Bessou is establishing "Yakuhakudo" within its premises with the aim of providing a new stay experience that incorporates "pre-symptomatic care" and "wellness" perspectives, in addition to accommodation, hot springs, and dining.

At Yakuhakudo, pharmacists will provide health consultations, support for physical condition during the stay, wellness proposals tailored to each individual's state, and sales of pharmaceuticals.

This will enhance peace of mind during the stay and support an experience that helps guests adjust their mind and body condition.

This initiative, which involves establishing a pharmacy within a hot spring ryokan and integrating it with the stay experience, is the first of its kind in Japan (according to the company's own research).

Wataiya Bessou has previously worked to create stay value incorporating local food culture and aromas, under the concept of a "ryokan you can visit regularly."

By incorporating pharmacy functions through this collaboration with Irey Pharmaceutical, the ryokan aims to further expand the stay experience and propose a new way of accommodation that helps guests regulate their mind and body.

Dispensing room / Hyakumibako (100-flavor box)

Role as the Implementation Base for "Yakuhaku"

"Yakuhakudo" will serve as the core function of "Yakuhaku," advocated by Wataiya Bessou and Irey Pharmaceutical.

In Yakuhaku, all elements of the stay, such as meals, hot springs, and sleep, are integrally designed, starting with counseling by a pharmacist (Yakushi).

It provides an experience that optimizes the entire stay according to each individual's constitution and condition.

《Stay Image》

In Yakuhaku, the entire stay, including meals, hot springs, and rest, is designed for each individual, starting with counseling at Yakuhakudo.

The first day of the stay begins with a pharmacist (Yakushi) interviewing guests about their constitution and lifestyle habits, and then helps them adjust their mind and body condition through experiences such as welcome tea, bathing, and meals.

Meals and teas are proposed according to individual conditions based on the counseling content, and appropriate guidance is provided on how to use the hot springs and spend time.

By linking all aspects of the stay, the time spent here itself becomes a process for adjusting one's mind and body.

Blood flow diagnosis image

Counseling image

Future Developments

Moving forward, with "Yakuhakudo" as its base, Wataiya Bessou will advance the sophistication of individually optimized stay programs and promote collaboration with specialized fields. Wataiya Bessou aims to create a new form of tourism where the stay itself contributes to health.

Store Overview

Store Name: Yakuhakudo

Opening Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Location: 738 Oaza Shimoshuku Otsu, Ureshino-cho, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture (within Wataiya Bessou)

Business Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 14:00-20:00

Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Services Provided: Health consultations by pharmacists, physical condition support during stay, wellness proposals, pharmaceutical sales, etc.

Official Website: https://yakuhaku.com/

Collaboration with Ureshino Living Lab

"Yakuhakudo" is a project born from "OIC (Onsen Incubation Center)," a hot spring incubation facility jointly operated by Wataiya Bessou and Innovation Partners Co., Ltd. It is an initiative to visualize the culture of hot spring therapy and the value of pharmacists in the fields of accommodation, food, and hot springs.

【Company Profiles】

Wataiya Bessou Co., Ltd. Representative Director: Yoshimoto Ohara Company Establishment: November 3, 1950 Business Activities: Ryokan business, food and beverage business, leasing business Location: 738 Oaza Shimoshuku Otsu, Ureshino-cho, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, 843-0301 Official Website: https://wataya.co.jp/

Irey Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Group Representative: Takashi Aoshima

Location: 8-2-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Official Website: https://irey.jp/company

Innovation Partners Co., Ltd. (OIC Joint Operation)

President and CEO: Shinichiro Honda

Location: 1-6-30 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Official Website: https://innovation-partners.jp/