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Kojo Kengaku: 7 Delicious Factory Tours Around Tokyo
Let's admit it, we all love to watch how things are made. Especially when you get to try to make them yourself or get free samples!
Industrial tourism is all the craze right now in Japan. More and more factories all over the country are opening up to the public offering kojo kengaku or factory tours. These tours include visiting their facilities, interactive experiences and often free tastings and souvenirs.
Here I put together a list of factory tours and factory museums near Tokyo that are all about food and drinks. Please note that most of the places require a reservation, and due to high popularity some of these facilities need to be booked up to 2-3 months in advance.
Noda is known as the "city of soy sauce" since the Edo period, and it's home to the Kikkoman Soy Sauce. This is where it was first made thanks to the region’s easy access to soybeans, wheat, salt and water. This factory tour takes you through the process of making the seasoning that represents traditional Japanese cuisine; the raw ingredients, fermentation, pressing and bottling. Inside the factory, there are also a museum, a cafe and a gift shop. If you go, the soy sauce ice cream is a must-try!
Make sure you check the Goyogura which is also on the premises. This is where they brew soy sauce for the Imperial Household.
Address: Kikkoman Foods Noda Factory 110 Noda, Noda-shi, Chiba
Duration: Approx. 60 minutes
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Closed: Fourth Monday of every month (following day if it falls on a holiday), Golden Week holidays (early May), Bon holiday (mid-August), New Year.
All holidays are subject to change. Please check in advance when planning your visit.
Admission fee: Free
English brochure: http://www.kikkoman.co.jp/library/enjoys/factory/pdf/eigo.pdf
While not being a factory, the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM offers an interactive journey through the invention of instant noodles and Cup Noodles by Momofuku Ando. Not only can you learn the history of Cup Noodles through exhibitions and fun displays, but you also get to create your own Cup Noodles! You'll be able to design your cup and personalize it with the flavor and toppings you like. There is also a workshop called Chicken Ramen Factory where you can try making instant noodles from scratch.
Among the museum attractions is an impressive instant noodles packaging display and a reconstruction of the shed where instant noodles were invented. There is also CUPNOODLES Park for children and NOODLES BAZAAR, where you can enjoy noodles from all over the world.
Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (when Tuesday is a holiday, closed the following day), year end / New Year holidays
Admission fee: Adults: 500 yen (tax included) / high school age children and younger admitted free
Website: http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/english/
Chicken Ramen Factory
Admission fee: Elementary school students 300 yen / Adult (Junior high school students and older) 500 yen
My CUPNOODLES Factory
Admission fee: 300 yen for each Cup Noodles
Phone: 045-345-0825 (10:00am-6:00pm)
Same day reservations available at the museum.
Address: 1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
Duration: Approx. 80mins
Closed: Monday and New Year holidays
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.kirin.co.jp/entertainment/factory/yokohama/tourlist.html
Booking form (Japanese-only): https://kirinbrewery1.secure.force.com/WebCalender?p=Y
Phone: 045-503-8250 (10:00am-5:00pm)
You might be familiar with Pocky and Pretz, the ever-popular Japanese stick-shaped snacks. Glico Pia East is dedicated to these two delicious treats. Here you can learn how they are made by watching their production line and learn the history of the founders. There is also an exhibition of 1500 small toys that used to be included in Glico's products. These little toys are very nostalgic for Japanese people.
At the end of the tour you get a Pocky-shaped balloon and a limited edition Pretz box.
At the Mini Factory you can decorate your own giant Pocky!
Address: 9-5 Nakamaru, Kitamoto-shi, Saitama
Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm
Duration: 70 minutes
Closed: Fridays, Bon holiday (mid-August), New Year holidays, during maintenance time
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/east/
Decorate your own Pocky
Admission fee: 500 yen
Booking form (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/east/agreement/
Phone: 048-593-8811 (9:00am-4:00pm)
Just opened on July 13, 2017 Glico Pia Chiba is all about ice cream. Here you can follow the production lines of two popular ice cream brands, Papico and Seventeen Ice. After watching how they're made, you can experience the temperature of the factory's refrigerators in a special refrigerated area. There is also a fun 'sanitizing room' with pipes blowing strong wind to clean you from dust.
At the end of the tour you get a free tasting of Papico, a sherbet that comes in little squeeze bottles.
Address: 10, Noda-shi, Chiba
Duration: approx. 70 minutes
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Closed: Fridays, Bon holidays, New Year holidays, maintenance days
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/chiba/
Glico Kitchen (ice cream making workshop)
Ice cream making kit: 1500 yen
One kit serves two people
Booking page (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/chiba/agreement/
Phone: 04-7127-3355 (9:00am-4:00pm)
An entire museum dedicated to kamaboko, the authentic Japanese seafood dish with a history dating back to the 12th century. At Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum you can watch and learn how experienced craftsmen make kamaboko. The museum also hosts a gallery with paintings made on the wooden boards used to make this dish. There is also a souvenir shop with goods only available at the museum and several interactive experiences to teach you the history of kamaboko.
The museum offers workshops where you can make your own steamed kamaboko, grilled chikuwa or agekama (fried kamaboko). There is also a kamaboko cooking class for special dishes that changes periodically. At each workshop you can eat your freshly made kamaboko!
Address: 245 Kazamatsuri, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa
Admission fee: Free
Website: http://www.kamaboko.com/en/
Kamaboko and chikuwa making workshop (every day except for Wednesdays)
Duration: 50 minutes
Chikuwa will be ready 20 minutes after end of class. Kamaboko will be ready 70 minutes after end of class
Start times: 9:30am, 10:50am, 12:10, 1:30pm, 2:50pm
Class fee: 1500 yen
Chikuwa making workshop (Wednesdays only)
Duration: 30 minutes
Chikuwa will be ready 20 minutes after end of class.
Start times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Class fee: 500 yen
Agekama (fried kamaboko) making workshop (every day)
Duration: 30 minutes
Start times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Class fee: 1000 yen
Kamaboko cooking class (Saturdays and Sundays)
Start times: 10:00am, 12:00, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
The class content and fee change periodically.
※Prices excluding the consumption tax.
Phone (Japanese-only): 0465-24-6262 (9:00am-5:00pm)
※All classes require booking in advance.
Among the many Japanese ice creams and popsicles, there isn't perhaps one more recognizable than Gari Gari Kun. These shaved ice-filled popsicles are famous for their mascot, a character with a big mouth called Gari Gari Kun (literally "crunchy kid"). Japanese kids grew up loving this guy, and they get all excited when they get to visit his home here at Akagi Nyugyo. This factory in Saitama offers a tour to discover how this yummy popsicle is made.
After an introduction to the history of the company you will be lead through a tour of the factory. The tour ends in Gari Gari Kun Square, where you'll be able to try some ice cream, play games and shop at the store (don't forget to take a picture with Gari Gari Kun!).
Address: 850-10 Kodama, Honjo, Saitama
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.akagi.com/factory/index.html
Did this list whet your appetite? I hope you enjoy one or more of these factory tours while in Tokyo. They are fun, instructive and often free!
About the author
Laura is an Italian living and working in Tokyo. She loves exploring hidden and unknown places, taking pictures and listening to Punk Rock music. When she’s not busy doing the above, she might enjoy a craft beer or play the sanshin (an Okinawan instrument similar to a shamisen).
Industrial tourism is all the craze right now in Japan. More and more factories all over the country are opening up to the public offering kojo kengaku or factory tours. These tours include visiting their facilities, interactive experiences and often free tastings and souvenirs.
Here I put together a list of factory tours and factory museums near Tokyo that are all about food and drinks. Please note that most of the places require a reservation, and due to high popularity some of these facilities need to be booked up to 2-3 months in advance.
Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum and Factory Tour
Noda is known as the "city of soy sauce" since the Edo period, and it's home to the Kikkoman Soy Sauce. This is where it was first made thanks to the region’s easy access to soybeans, wheat, salt and water. This factory tour takes you through the process of making the seasoning that represents traditional Japanese cuisine; the raw ingredients, fermentation, pressing and bottling. Inside the factory, there are also a museum, a cafe and a gift shop. If you go, the soy sauce ice cream is a must-try!
Make sure you check the Goyogura which is also on the premises. This is where they brew soy sauce for the Imperial Household.
Information
Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum | キッコーマンもの知りしょうゆ館（野田工場）Address: Kikkoman Foods Noda Factory 110 Noda, Noda-shi, Chiba
Duration: Approx. 60 minutes
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Closed: Fourth Monday of every month (following day if it falls on a holiday), Golden Week holidays (early May), Bon holiday (mid-August), New Year.
All holidays are subject to change. Please check in advance when planning your visit.
Admission fee: Free
English brochure: http://www.kikkoman.co.jp/library/enjoys/factory/pdf/eigo.pdf
How to Book
Phone: 04-7123-5136 (9:00am-4:00pm)CUPNOODLES MUSEUM
While not being a factory, the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM offers an interactive journey through the invention of instant noodles and Cup Noodles by Momofuku Ando. Not only can you learn the history of Cup Noodles through exhibitions and fun displays, but you also get to create your own Cup Noodles! You'll be able to design your cup and personalize it with the flavor and toppings you like. There is also a workshop called Chicken Ramen Factory where you can try making instant noodles from scratch.
Among the museum attractions is an impressive instant noodles packaging display and a reconstruction of the shed where instant noodles were invented. There is also CUPNOODLES Park for children and NOODLES BAZAAR, where you can enjoy noodles from all over the world.
Information
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM | カップヌードルミュージアムAddress: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (when Tuesday is a holiday, closed the following day), year end / New Year holidays
Admission fee: Adults: 500 yen (tax included) / high school age children and younger admitted free
Website: http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/english/
Chicken Ramen Factory
Admission fee: Elementary school students 300 yen / Adult (Junior high school students and older) 500 yen
My CUPNOODLES Factory
Admission fee: 300 yen for each Cup Noodles
How to book
Internet: check availability and make reservations herePhone: 045-345-0825 (10:00am-6:00pm)
Same day reservations available at the museum.
Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory Tour
In this tour of the Yokohama Kirin Factory you'll have a chance to sample different types of wort, taste the malt and smell the hops used to make beer. The intent is to let people experience beer making with all five senses. There is also a tour that takes you on a journey through nature and the history of the brewery, as well as a family tour. At the end of each tour you'll be offered a free sampling of up to three Kirin beers on tap! Beer lovers can't miss this one.
Information
Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory | キリンビール 横浜工場Address: 1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
Duration: Approx. 80mins
Closed: Monday and New Year holidays
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.kirin.co.jp/entertainment/factory/yokohama/tourlist.html
How to book
For 2-9 people: contact by Internet or phone. For one person and groups of more than 9 people: contact by phone onlyBooking form (Japanese-only): https://kirinbrewery1.secure.force.com/WebCalender?p=Y
Phone: 045-503-8250 (10:00am-5:00pm)
Glico Pia East
You might be familiar with Pocky and Pretz, the ever-popular Japanese stick-shaped snacks. Glico Pia East is dedicated to these two delicious treats. Here you can learn how they are made by watching their production line and learn the history of the founders. There is also an exhibition of 1500 small toys that used to be included in Glico's products. These little toys are very nostalgic for Japanese people.
At the end of the tour you get a Pocky-shaped balloon and a limited edition Pretz box.
At the Mini Factory you can decorate your own giant Pocky!
Information
Glico Pia East | グリコピア・イーストAddress: 9-5 Nakamaru, Kitamoto-shi, Saitama
Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm
Duration: 70 minutes
Closed: Fridays, Bon holiday (mid-August), New Year holidays, during maintenance time
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/east/
Decorate your own Pocky
Admission fee: 500 yen
How to book
Up to 14 people: Contact by Internet or phone. More than 15 people: Contact by phone onlyBooking form (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/east/agreement/
Phone: 048-593-8811 (9:00am-4:00pm)
Glico Pia Chiba
Just opened on July 13, 2017 Glico Pia Chiba is all about ice cream. Here you can follow the production lines of two popular ice cream brands, Papico and Seventeen Ice. After watching how they're made, you can experience the temperature of the factory's refrigerators in a special refrigerated area. There is also a fun 'sanitizing room' with pipes blowing strong wind to clean you from dust.
At the end of the tour you get a free tasting of Papico, a sherbet that comes in little squeeze bottles.
Information
Glico Pia Chiba | グリコピアCHIBAAddress: 10, Noda-shi, Chiba
Duration: approx. 70 minutes
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Closed: Fridays, Bon holidays, New Year holidays, maintenance days
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/chiba/
Glico Kitchen (ice cream making workshop)
Ice cream making kit: 1500 yen
One kit serves two people
How to book
Up to 14 people: Contact by Internet or phone. More than 15 people: Contact by phone onlyBooking page (Japanese-only): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/glicopia/chiba/agreement/
Phone: 04-7127-3355 (9:00am-4:00pm)
Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum
An entire museum dedicated to kamaboko, the authentic Japanese seafood dish with a history dating back to the 12th century. At Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum you can watch and learn how experienced craftsmen make kamaboko. The museum also hosts a gallery with paintings made on the wooden boards used to make this dish. There is also a souvenir shop with goods only available at the museum and several interactive experiences to teach you the history of kamaboko.
The museum offers workshops where you can make your own steamed kamaboko, grilled chikuwa or agekama (fried kamaboko). There is also a kamaboko cooking class for special dishes that changes periodically. At each workshop you can eat your freshly made kamaboko!
Information
Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum | 鈴廣のかまぼこ博物館Address: 245 Kazamatsuri, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa
Admission fee: Free
Website: http://www.kamaboko.com/en/
Kamaboko and chikuwa making workshop (every day except for Wednesdays)
Duration: 50 minutes
Chikuwa will be ready 20 minutes after end of class. Kamaboko will be ready 70 minutes after end of class
Start times: 9:30am, 10:50am, 12:10, 1:30pm, 2:50pm
Class fee: 1500 yen
Chikuwa making workshop (Wednesdays only)
Duration: 30 minutes
Chikuwa will be ready 20 minutes after end of class.
Start times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Class fee: 500 yen
Agekama (fried kamaboko) making workshop (every day)
Duration: 30 minutes
Start times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Class fee: 1000 yen
Kamaboko cooking class (Saturdays and Sundays)
Start times: 10:00am, 12:00, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
The class content and fee change periodically.
※Prices excluding the consumption tax.
How to book
Booking form: http://www.kamaboko.com/museum/info/Phone (Japanese-only): 0465-24-6262 (9:00am-5:00pm)
※All classes require booking in advance.
Akagi Nyugyo Factory Tour
Among the many Japanese ice creams and popsicles, there isn't perhaps one more recognizable than Gari Gari Kun. These shaved ice-filled popsicles are famous for their mascot, a character with a big mouth called Gari Gari Kun (literally "crunchy kid"). Japanese kids grew up loving this guy, and they get all excited when they get to visit his home here at Akagi Nyugyo. This factory in Saitama offers a tour to discover how this yummy popsicle is made.
After an introduction to the history of the company you will be lead through a tour of the factory. The tour ends in Gari Gari Kun Square, where you'll be able to try some ice cream, play games and shop at the store (don't forget to take a picture with Gari Gari Kun!).
Information
Akagi Nyugyo Factory Tour | 赤城乳業工場見学Address: 850-10 Kodama, Honjo, Saitama
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Admission fee: Free
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.akagi.com/factory/index.html
How to book
Booking form (Japanese-only): https://factory.akagi.com/factory/Did this list whet your appetite? I hope you enjoy one or more of these factory tours while in Tokyo. They are fun, instructive and often free!
About the author
Laura is an Italian living and working in Tokyo. She loves exploring hidden and unknown places, taking pictures and listening to Punk Rock music. When she’s not busy doing the above, she might enjoy a craft beer or play the sanshin (an Okinawan instrument similar to a shamisen).
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 08 23,2017 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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