10 Interesting Factory Tours in Kanto Area

1．CUPNOODLES Museum (カップヌードルミュージアム)

There are exhibitions of line-ups and various packages of Cup Noodle, recreation of the work shed this world famous instant food was invented, and presentation of the life story of Momofuku Ando, the father of the product.  The highlight of this museum is My CUPNOODLES Factory, where you can create your own one and only Cup Noodle (reservation required with extra charge).  Why not take home your own creation together with fun memories of the trip? Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, free for students up to high school.      

2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

2. Asahi Breweries Kanagawa Brewery (アサヒビール神奈川工場) *Closed

This tour is definitely the one for  Japanese beer lovers who want to explore more about their favourite beverage. A guided tour within the manufacturing site is available, with free beer tasting up to 3 glasses at the end of the tour. (What a treat!) The brewery is located in a tranquil greenery setting, an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban city.  Free admission.

1223 Nuda, Minami Ashigara-shi, Kanagawa

3. Ishikawa Brewery Co., Ltd. (石川酒造)

If you want to see how traditional Japanese sake is produced, may we introduce you to this tour. You can see the conventional distillery for free of charge. There is a restaurant on site where you can dine soba and other Japanese dishes before or after the tour. Free Admission. Reservation required. Guided tour in English/French is available on request.

1 Kumagawa, Fussa-shi, Tokyo

4. JAL Maintenance Factory ( JAL工場見学)

Introduction of what the aviation company does and its presentation materials, wearing uniforms and taking pictures, audio lectures and visual displays, tour inside the actual hangar are the highlights of this factory visit. Even you are not a planespotter you will enjoy for sure. Free admission. Reservation required.   

JAL M1 Bldg., 3-5-1 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo

5. The Japan Mint (造幣局)

4-42-1 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

6. Kikkoman Monoshiri Shoyu-kan (キッコーマンもの知りしょうゆ館)

Shoyu, or soy sauce as known globally, has become a popular condiment worldwide. You can learn how it is manufactured by viewing audio lecture as well as visiting the actual factory site. There is a cafe where you can taste and smell the aroma of freshly made soy sauce. Free admission. Reservation required. The tour is from 2 people or more. 

Kikkoman Corporation Noda Factory, 110 Noda, Noda-shi, Chiba 

7. Glicopia East (グリコピア・イースト)

Pretz and Pocky are some of the internationally acclaimed confectioneries by Glico.  Here you can see the displays and their production lines. There is an interactive space where you can decorate your own Giant Pocky. Free admission. Reservation required. Extra charge required with up to 20 people per session for Giant Pocky decoration.

9-55 Nakamaru, Kitamoto-shi, Saitama

8. Bureau of Sewerage, Tokyo Metropolitan Government  Shibaura Water Reclamation Center (東京都下水道局　芝浦水再生センター)

1-2-28 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo

9. Morinaga Seika Tsurumi Factory (森永製菓　鶴見工場)

2-1−1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

10. Night view of Kawasaki Factory Zone (川崎工業地帯の夜景)

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The industrial factory in Kawasaki is one of the largest of the kind in Kanto area. You cannot actually enter the factory premises but this tour is gaining more and more attention as of late. There are even bus tours catering for this evening sightseeing. The view of massive factory buildings lit at night is absolutely stunning. If you are into photography or simply looking for something unusual, this one is for you.

Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa