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Top 20 factory tours in Japan

There’s nothing worse that getting stuck on a guided tour going through room upon room of humdrum displays while a sleepy-eyed guide rambles on about nothing important. To save us all from making the mistake of going on a boring tour, Trip Advisor Japan compiled a list of the best factory tours in the country. Results are ranked according to the most talked about museums and factories on their website. As you might expect, over half of the best tours involve alcohol.

1. Instant Ramen Museum (Osaka)

Visitors can not only view the history of instant ramen, but also try their hand at making Chicken Ramen from scratch in a 90-minute workshop that costs only 500 yen. Visitors can also choose to make their own Cup Noodles for 300 yen. English audio guides are available for videos shown in the Research Shack and Cup Noodle Drama Theatre.

2. Nuchi-masu Salt Factory (Uruma City, Okinawa)

Nuchi-masu is a salt made in Okinawa that is so rich in minerals, it was in the Guinness World Records in 2000. Nuchi-masu is made entirely of Okinawan seawater taken from the Pacific Ocean and visitors of the salt factory can view and experience the making of this natural seasoning.

3. Nikka Whiskey Distillery (Yoichi City, Hokkaido)

Self-guided tours and guided-tours in Japanese are conducted daily. The best part is that visitors can taste three different types of whiskey for free.

4. Orion Beer Factory (Nago City, Okinawa)

Lesser known Orion beer can be sampled during your visit to Okinawa at the Orion Beer Factory.

5. Kawasaki Good Times World (Kobe City, Hyogo)

With a name like that, it’s got to be a good tour. Visitors to Kawasaki Good Times World are treated to a showcase of technology made by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group including ships, rolling stock, aircraft, and motorcycles.

6. Suntory Musashino Factory (Fuchu City, Tokyo)

Enjoy free samples of beer here…and tours and other stuff, but mostly free samples.

7. Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (Shimamoto Town, Osaka)

Enjoy free Yamazaki Whiskey here.

8. Chateraise (Hokuto City, Yamanashi)

Chateraise is a natural sweets and gifts company in Yamanashi Prefecture. Enjoy a tour of the ice cream making facilities as well as sweet samples.

9. Toyota Technology Museum (Nagoya City, Aichi)

The Toyota Technology Museum boasts over 4,000 exhibition pieces in their Nagoya-based building.

10. Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto)

Enjoy those free samples.

11. Asahi Beer Factory (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka)

This isn’t even the last alcohol-based tour on our list…

12. Suntory Tomi No Oka Winery (Kai City, Yamanashi)

For wine lovers.

13. Kirin Yokohama Beer Village (Yokohama City, Kanagawa)

Keep scrolling for more beer tour options.

14. Unagi Pie Factory (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka)

Unagi Pies are a famous Hamamatsu City confectionery. After touring the factory, visitors are invited to try original ice cream creations using Unagi Pies.

15. Sapporo Beer Museum (Sapporo City, Hokkaido)

16. Suntory Hakushu Distillery (Hakuto City, Yamanashi)

17. Tokachi Winery (Tokachi City, Hokkaido)

18. Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo City, Hokkaido)

Enjoy sampling Hokkaido’s famous treat at the Shiroi Koibito Park.

19. Royce Chocolate World (Chitose City, Hokkaido)

Royce Chocolate World is in the New Chitose Airport. It is the first chocolate factory and museum located in an airport. 20. Cup Noodle Museum (Yokohama City, Kanagawa)

View 3,000 different packages of ramen and enjoy making your own at the Cup Noodle Museum.

There you have it, the top 20 factory tours in Japan starting and ending with ramen. Of the 20 factories listed, 11 are related to alcohol and five are located in Hokkaido. Suntory seems to hold great tours if the company’s five spots in the top 20 are any indication. But the lesson to take away from this list is that no matter where you go in Japan you’ll be able to find a factory tour giving out free alcohol. Happy drinking!

Source: NariNari

Read more stories form RocketNews24. -- Instant Ramen #1 on Favorite Japanese Factory Tours, Field Trips -- Free Admission – Twelve of Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets -- Top 20 Japanese Travel Destinations For Foreign Visitors

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6 Comments Login to comment

Harry_Gatto June 6, 2013 08:42 am JST

Suntory and Nikka make whisky, not whiskey.

nicolls June 6, 2013 10:00 am JST

it's all food.

JetSpeed June 6, 2013 11:05 am JST

Bunch of damn drunks.

davestrousers June 6, 2013 11:37 am JST

Asahi Beer Factory (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka)

There are 8 Asahi Beer factories offering tours dotted around Japan. Any particular reason this one makes the top 20?

nath June 11, 2013 02:39 pm JST

@ dave because Kyushu was ill represented in this list.

Matt McCormick Oct. 1, 2013 06:50 am JST

The Sapporo beer museum doesn't do tours anymore. I was there two months ago and was disappointed going there. Basically it's just a room where you can see a couple vats and read about the history (only in Japanese)

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Visit Japan’s Big Four Motorcycle Museums

The Big Four Museum Tour. Welcome to Japan and our virtual walk around of Japan’s Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki motorcycle museums.

Japan’s Motorcycle Museums

Japan’s bike boom in the ‘60s was so loud it nearly wiped out both the British and American motorcycle industries with one punch.

Japanese production skyrocketed. Their rapidly advancing technology, innovative design and affordable price tags continuously obliterated overseas competition until they crumbled, leaving only four manufacturers standing – the Big Four: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

The two-wheeled titans still dominate today’s markets, selling millions of motorcycles worldwide every year. Japanese bikes are now so intrinsically woven into British motorcycling’s fabric that we forget their roots.

So, we visited each of the Big Four museums for a peek at their humble beginnings, pivotal machines, legendary race bikes and eclectic mix of exotica.

Visiting Japan’s motorcycle museums is like walking around a bank of jewels, these machines are exquisitely preserved slices of history, and here’s the best of the bunch…

Honda Motorcycle Museum

As the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, King Honda takes the Big Four crown and has the most impressive castle (museum). And it’s not just hiding away in some back-alley trading estate either. Honda lovingly built the museum in their Twin Ring Motegi race track facility. Spend a tenner to enter the grounds and you can stroll round the museum for free.

Like a sweet cake, the museum is brimming with layer upon layer of deliciously preserved treats. Walk through the front door and you’re met by the stunning 1959 RC142. It was the first Honda to compete in the Isle of Man TT races, where Naomi Taniguchi took the bike into sixth place, won Silver Replica and helped Honda win the Manufacturers’ Team Award in their first ever race.

Keep going and it just gets better with specials like Honda’s first auxiliary engine powered bicycle and their first ever motorcycle – the D Type. It’s not all meticulously preserved old-school show pieces though. Head upstairs and you’re met with a prestigious HRC line-up, including rows of Freddie Spencer’s and Wayne Gardner’s bikes, two-stroke GP machinery, a selection of RC212Vs, Dakar racers, off-roaders, Formula 1 race cars (including Sir John Surtees’ car), scooters, tourers, sports cars and even lawnmowers! Hundreds of beautiful motorcycles are shown off under spotlights, all delicately wrapped in gorgeous paint. Honda’s Collection Hall is seriously impressive and a must-do pilgrimage for motorcycle lovers.

Did you know…

Soichiro Honda built his first bike in 1948 by strapping a modified WWII radio generator engine to a bicycle to help his wife on her long bicycle rides for the weekly shop. He ended up buying a batch of them to sell on and quickly sold out. So, he began developing his own engine instead – the Honda A-Type. Honda bought a small factory and set up shop, calling it Honda Motor Company…

Yamaha Motorcycle Museum

Nippon Gakki (now known as Yamaha Corporation) was originally a musical instrument manufacturer. During WWII, the firm built aircraft propellers and the end of the war had to put its metal work machinery and expertise to use elsewhere, deciding on the motorcycle business in 1955. The YA-1 was the company’s first bike, its director, Genichi Kawakami, created Yamaha Motor Co. as a spin-off and set to work in a small wooden factory with 150 employees.

The YA-1 was immediately entered into and won Japan’s two most prestigious races. Kawakami knew he was onto a winner, cemented Yamaha’s place as a formidable newcomer in the motorcycle scene and pushed Yamaha into the forefront of sports models like the YDS-1 (nicknamed Japan’s first sports model).

Yamaha’s pristine museum is set-up to showcase its sporting lineage. Mint racers line the three floors with a complete timeline of proud YA-1s all the way up to Rossi’s YZR-M1. And to top it off, the pianist on the centre piece Yamaha piano complete with mini orchestra playing Mozart’s Seventh Symphony is a nice touch.

Suzuki Motorcycle Museum

Michio Suzuki started up a loom company in 1909, and like Honda, started building clip-on bicycle engines after the War. And, like Yamaha, was late to the game with its first motorcycle in 1953 – the Diamond Free.  The firm’s museum showcases its beginnings in the looming industry all the way through to its first motorcycle and car manufacturing facilities.

Kawasaki Motorcycle Museum

The Kawasaki Heavy Industries museum is an eye-opener… but not for its bikes. The motorcycle section is tiny compared to what else the firm showcases. While Kawasaki is the oldest of the Big Four, (dating back to 1878) it was the latest to join the motorcycle scene (in1962). The firm has always been rather busy manufacturing a long list of heavy goods, including: planes, trains, industrial robots, spacecraft, submarines, ships, tankers, helicopters, defence equipment, energy plants and so on. Luckily, they managed to find time to squeeze in the original H1, which shot Kawasaki to success… literally.

How to Visit Japans Motorcycle Museums

Honda Collection Hall Stars: 5 Where: Motegi. Click here for the exact location. Entrance fee: £10

Yamaha Communications Plaza Stars: 4 Where: Hamamatsu. Click here for the exact location.  Entrance fee: Free

Suzuki Cultural History Museum Stars: 3 Where: Hamamatsu. Click here for the exact location.  Entrance fee: Free

Kawasaki Good Times World Stars: 2 Where: Kobe. Click here for the exact location. Entrance fee: £5

Read more on motorcycle travel in Japan

Thanks for checking out our Motorcycle Travel in Japan Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Japan that we recommend you read next. 

• All Japan Guides
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• Paperwork for Motorcycle Travellers in Japan
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2 thoughts on “visit japan’s big four motorcycle museums”.

Thank you for this excellent article on the Big 4 Motorcycle Museums. I will do my best to see as many as I can in a few weeks when I visit Japan.

Hi Martin, Thanks for your comment and I’m really glad to hear you found this article helpful! And that’s brilliant to hear you’re off to Japan – what a beautiful country! My favourite was the Honda museum – so don’t miss that one! Please report back on here with how you got on 🙂 Cheers and all the best, Andy

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5 Museums for Car Lovers in Japan

Appreciate all things automotive at these 5 unique spots

If you're an automobile aficionado, there are a range of fantastic museums across Japan where you can learn more about cars and see many models up close. Here are five of the best car-related museums from across the country, and some information on what you'll find at each venue.

Shikoku Automobile Museum, Kochi

Opened back in 1990, the Shikoku Automobile Museum in Kochi is home to a range of domestic and international car models, with a specific focus on race cars and classic cars. For fans of things on two-wheels, there's also a sizeable collection of motorbikes. Some of the car models on display include the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Cobra to name just a handful.

896 Otani, Noichicho, Konan City, Kochi Prefecture 781-5233

Motorcar Museum of Japan, Ishikawa

The Motorcar Museum of Japan is located in Ishikawa Prefecture, and boasts an impressive collection of around 500 different vehicles. There are Japanese, European, and American models at the venue, with many of them being extremely rare. One of the most noteworthy cars on display is the Rolls-Royce that transported Princess Diana during her visit to Japan.

40 Ikkanyama, Futatsunashimachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa, 923-0345

Toyota Automobile Museum, Aichi

Possibly the most well-known of Japan's car-related museums, the Toyota Automobile Museum aims to highlight the evolution and culture of automobiles from around the world. The museum prides itself on the fact that the vehicles here are pristinely maintained, and almost all of them are still in roadworthy condition. Free guided tours are also available in English at the museum, making it easy for those who may not speak Japanese.

41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118

Honda Collection Hall, Tochigi

The Honda Collection Hall in Tochigi spans three floors, with sections dedicated to regular and racing motorcycles, racing cars, and car parts. There's also a reading room which has a wide variety of car-related books, videos, and pictures to peruse, and the museum shop has a host of limited edition goods that you can't find anywhere else - perfect for collectors!

120-1 Hiyama, Motegi, Haga District, Tochigi 321-3533

Nissan Engine Museum, Kanagawa

The Nissan Engine Museum is located in Yokohama, and has a range of displays including historic engines and vehicles. There are 28 different engines on display, each of which had an important role in Nissan's engine development. The engines are grouped into "eras", such as engines from the 1960s and 1970s when full-scale motorization began in Japan, and engines from the 1980s and 1990s when Japanese automobile production grew rapidly.

2-番地 Takaracho, Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8623

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120-1 Hiyama, Motegi-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi-ken

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10 Best Factory Tours in Japan

Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!

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Japan is a country of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, where the art of manufacturing is revered. If you’re a curious traveler eager to delve into the heart of Japanese culture, factory tours offer a unique and immersive experience. From tea plantations to whiskey distilleries , and even a knife factory, Japan’s factory tours showcase the nation’s dedication to quality and precision. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best tours that provide an insightful glimpse into Japan’s industrial prowess. So, let’s grab our safety goggles and embark on an adventure through the fascinating world of Japanese manufacturing!

1. Matcha Green Tea Plantation and Matcha Factory Visit

2. special food & sake factory tour in takayama, 3. learn about and try the production of tatami, 4. soy sauce making experience tour, 5. whiskey distillery and beer factory tour in chitose and naganuma, 6. shizuoka tea picking private experience, 7. full day mud dyeing experience & hydrangea flowers viewing, 8. knife factory and craft walking tour, 9. ramen cooking class at ramen factory in kyoto, 10. exploring nada sake breweries kobe private tour with government-licensed guide, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might enjoy.

Nestled in the serene city of Kyoto , this tour takes you to the enchanting world of Matcha green tea at one of the oldest plantations in the country. Immerse yourself in the lush green tea fields and witness the intricate process of Matcha production. From the cultivation of tea leaves to the finely ground powder, you’ll learn the secrets behind Japan’s iconic tea. Enjoy sampling a variety of freshly brewed cups of Matcha as well as some traditional sweets as you admire the picturesque surroundings. 

Enjoy a pleasant tour to learn about the production of sake as well as senbei (rice crackers) in the history-rich area of Takayama ! Visit a sake distillery as well as a rice cracker factory. Japan is well known for rice , of course, and for a good reason. There are many different delicacies that can be made from rice, and this tour is perfect for learning in-depth about a couple of them. This tour is a great balance between history, walking, snacks, and sake!

For a truly immersive cultural experience, head to Saitama Prefecture and explore the world of Tatami. Witness the craftsmanship behind these traditional woven mats and discover the significance they hold in Japanese homes . Engage in a hands-on experience, learning the art of Tatami making from skilled artisans. Enjoy a nice cup of tea included at the end of the tour, which is also a great time to shop for souvenirs!

Venture to Shizuoka Prefecture and uncover the savory secrets of Soy Sauce production. This tour takes you through the production process, allowing you to make your own bottle to take home and enjoy! Immerse yourself in the rich aromas and taste the authentic flavors of this beloved condiment. This tour is also great for those fascinated by history as the store, Meijiya, has been around for more than 100 years! What’s more is that the master of the store will be the one to guide you on the tour.

Calling all whiskey and beer aficionados! Embark on a journey to Hokkaido , more specifically  Chitose and Naganuma and explore the world of Japanese spirits. Visit a renowned whiskey distillery in the Maoi area of Naganuma, where master blenders create exquisite blends using time-honored techniques. Discover the intricate process of brewing beer at the Kirin brewery in Chitose and indulge in a tasting session of their Ichiban shibori. There’s also a tasty meal included in the tour to keep your palate ready for more refined beverages! 

Escape the city bustle and embrace the tranquility of Shizuoka’s tea fields. Engage in a private tea-picking experience, plucking fresh leaves under the guidance of tea masters. Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings as you learn about the various tea varieties and the traditional cultivation methods. Afterward, enjoy and savor the delicate flavors of freshly brewed tea, as well as take home a variety with you to enjoy!

If you plan to stay in Shizuoka any longer, especially in the summer, be sure to check out the beaches !

Unleash your creativity and try your hand at the intricate mud dyeing techniques. Join this hands-on workshop in Tokyo, where you’ll learn the art of mud dyeing, known as Dorozome. Create unique patterns on cloth using natural pigments and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. In addition, explore the enchanting beauty of 10,000 hydrangea flowers in full bloom on Mt. Hydrangea (yes, translated from Japanese, that is actually the name!), adding a touch of nature to your cultural experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy a traditional Kaiseki-style lunch!

Discover the ancient craft of knife making in Sakai, a city renowned for its exceptional blades. This walking tour takes you through the process of forging and sharpening traditional Japanese knives. Meet skilled craftsmen who have honed their craft for generations and witness their meticulous attention to detail. You’ll have the chance to order your own custom blade and watch it be prepared in front of you! Visit the local museum afterward to learn more about knife history, as well as more about Sakai. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy the regionally famous sweet, Yatsuhashi , which also makes for a great souvenir . 

Delve into the world of Japan’s most beloved comfort food— Ramen ! Or is it just our favorite? Let’s not argue… anyways, Join a cooking class at the Ramen Factory in Kyoto and learn to make this iconic dish from scratch. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, craft your own noodles, simmer flavorful broths, and assemble your personalized bowl of Ramen. Unleash your culinary creativity as you experiment with toppings and seasonings. Savor the satisfaction of devouring a steaming bowl of your own creation. Slurp away! 

Complete your manufacturing tour adventure in the city of Nada, the sake capital of Japan, where sake breweries teem and await your exploration. Embark on a private tour with a knowledgeable guide and dive into the world of Nada Sake. Learn about the intricate sake brewing process and discover the nuances that define each brew. With a variety of 8 different breweries to choose from, it will be no problem to savor the flavors of different sake varieties through tastings and gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of sake production. 

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

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• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Honda Kumamoto

Introduction

A major earthquake in Kumamoto in April 2016 damaged the plant, and it reopened and scaled up production again during the summer of 2016.

The plant includes casting, welding, stamping, machining, and painting operations, but my visit focused on the engine and final assembly lines. There are around 3,300 employees in the plant, 8% of them being women.

Honda Kumamoto has multiple assembly lines for engines and motorbikes. The main lines are dubbed the “ Fun Line ” for the big motorcycles and the “ Multi Line ” for the small vehicles and scooters. It also has a line for the generators and other products.

All lines produce in lot sizes of around thirty to fifty vehicles. The takt time is around 2:30 minutes for vehicles, and around five minutes for the other products (generators, power garden tools, etc.). Each motorbike line has a capacity of around four hundred bikes per day. The motorcycle lines had powered carts on tracks going around.

The Fun Line was around 150 meters long with thirty workstations. This line also had fancy monitors at each station tracking process time and often also had details like counting the number of screws tightened to prevent a missed screw. The other lines did not have these digital displays. The Fun Line was actually split into two loops with different types of carts. The first segment had around sixteen workstations and the second segment around twenty to twenty-five stations. They used an overhead crane to move the parts from one segment to the next. The Multi line had only one segment. They use a running changeover , where they simply keep two carts empty for the five-minute changeover process.

Overall Impression

The plant was squeakily clean. Quite a contrast to Honda Sayama . In Kumamoto, the white uniforms were actually white! It was much more organized and seemed to have much less material. The different shifts and functions were indicated by pins and labels on the sleeves and caps. For example, the first shift had an orange “1,” and the second shift a blue “2” label on the hat or sleeve. Also, while the workers in Honda Sayama were in a good mood, the workers at Honda Kumamoto were outright cheerful!

Information Flow

While Sayama did not use kanban, all material in Kumamoto was kanbanized and they used pull systems . Very good! However, like Sayama they also have no andons or andon stop lines or buttons. The only visual indicators were red/green stack lights on some selected machines. Hence it was difficult to understand how much was produced, or if they were on track.

Unlike Toyota, Honda does not stop the line in case of problems. All quality issues continued to be assembled and moved through the lines to be sorted out at the end. These issues were fixed in a separate repair area. This repair area was about half as large as the entire line. When I visited, there were about sixty motorcycles in the repair area, or around two hours’ worth of production, on top of another forty or so motorcycles that were also parked around there, blocking walkways. Altogether, the repair area was the most chaotic section of an otherwise reasonably well-organized plant. Toyota does this much better.

Material Flow

The material flow was overall good. All of the carts with frames were height adjustable and adjusted their height to match the ergonomic height of the particular assembly. For the smaller Multi Line, they could also be rotated. One particularly short employee also had a raised platform about 10 cm high, 4 meters long, and 1.5 meters wide to work more comfortably.

Honda uses kitting extensively, where workers prepare a kit of parts for the motorcycle. Some material is also supplied by shelves along the line. They said that they do not have issues with mixing up the kits (i.e., not a kit too much or too little during the batch changeover).

The interesting part, however, was the line layout. This line had lots of zigzags as shown below in a top-down view. The advantage of this is that due to the curve the rolling shelf and the cart with the motorcycle are closer together. Thus it is less walking distance for the operator to go and get a cart. This also meant that operators were working on both sides of the line. Please note that if my Japanese serves me right, they told me that they patented that idea.

The second part of the Fun Line also used kits, but these were prepared on the floor above. These kits were provided hanging from an overhead railing on both sides moving along with the cart. There was always one shelf hanging, and a separate hanger for the larger front module. These hanging kits were also height adjustable separate from the motorbike carts. Hence, the parts in the kit were always at an ergonomic height for the operator. This is illustrated below. Please note that these hanging kits were actually on both sides along the motorbike (about 1.3 meters away so the worker could move between kit and bike), rather than between the bikes as shown below.

Besides these hanging and pulling kits and the carts themselves, all of the material transport that I have seen was by hand, pushing movable shelves around the factory. There was not too much material around, and the ratio of material and assembly area was good (except of course for the rework area, and one spot where seventy Goldwing fronts – three hours of production – were waiting).

In some spots they also used karakuri kaizen tricks. I also noticed that all the power tools hanging from overhead were hanging quite low, almost at knee height of the operators. Here they sacrificed ergonomics for quality, to prevent these hanging tools from banging into, scratching, and denting the product.

Shift Change

I was also able to observe the shift change. The plant runs in two shifts from 7:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and from 3:35 PM to 12:00 AM, and yes, there is a ten-minute overlap.

• Most workers from the second shift arrived shortly before 3:30.
• At 3:30, music starts to play for the typical exercise that is very common in Japan. It is called “Rajio Taiso” （ラジオ体操) for radio calisthenics, which was introduced in 1928. Every kid in Japan learns these. Most but not all of the employees of the second shift participated, although some did it very sloppily, moving only the hands rather than the entire arm. The exercise ends at 3:35.

• From now on, it is paid time. Between 3:35 and 3:40, the team leader has a meeting with his team. A team leader at Honda Kumamoto is in charge of around ten operators (Toyota: only four), and the team leader I observed had a team of twelve people.
• At 3:40, the second shift walks to the line.
• Between 3:41 and 3:43, the line stops completely for the handover. The workers of the first and second shift exchange information.
• At 3:43, the line starts again. From now on the second shift is working.
• At 3:45, the work time of the first shift is over, and people were leaving (although some put in a few more minutes to count and arrange materials).

If You Want to Follow in My Footsteps …

… then you would need to speak Japanese or at least have an interpreter. They do tours also for individuals (in my case, I was the only one on my tour). You also need to apply through their website , but it is much less hassle than for Sayama. I got a very personal tour and was able to influence what I could see. Many thanks to Honda for the tour! Their address is 1500 Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Pref. , Japan .

Also many thanks to Honda for allowing me to visit and observe their plant. In both cases, I got a very personalized tour, and the tour guides were able to accommodate the special requests of curious me to see this and see that.

I learned a lot and got quite a few ideas especially from Kumamoto. I hope writing about this also gives inspiration for your work. Now, go out, get your material flow in order, and organize your industry!

Series Overview

• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Overview and Toyota
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Nissan
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Honda Sayama
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Mitsubishi
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Mazda
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Suzuki
• The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Subaru

6 thoughts on “The Grand Tour of Japanese Automotive – Honda Kumamoto”

I really wanted to get my dad into a tour but I was told they need a group of a minimum of 10 people with a translator.

Could you share how and/or what application you used to do the tour alone?

Any information would be soooo appreciated!

HI Cynthia, i do speak Japanese, hence I was able to book a tour for 1 person. Language is often a problem in Japan. Only Toyota and Mazda offer english tours.

Could you please share an email to contact the factory. We would like to visit the factory.

Hi Pirjo, the website is in Japanese, and could be translated using google translate. However, you would need to speak Japanese or have a translator in order to visit.

I live in US and love Honda bikes, I do have 4 of them and plan to ship all in Europe, the problem is that EU custom ask for emission numbers, actually which EURO category EURO I,II,III,or IV these bikes fell (cause they will charge me for that) can you help me I can e mail to you VINs and models (GOLD WING, FURRY,SHADOW,VFR 1200)

I have had over 40 motorcycles in my life and still got 10, the goldwing is a fantastic bike for long trip, i just wanted to know where it was manufactured. long range fuel-comfortable-handling is above average. funny enough i had a honda 4 (750) in 1975 and never had another honda until 2021..

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Factory Tours in Japan - 5 of the best

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Japan is well known for its platinum standard of product craftsmanship, but many consumers may not realize that this applies to more than just what we see on the shelves. Pull back the curtain and explore the workings of a Japanese factory for a whole new level of appreciation for your favourite things. Tours are cheap (or often free), and come with special perks like the chance to get hands-on and try making something for yourself or indulging in that holy grail of consumer incentives: free samples.

Sapporo Beer Museum in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Sapporo is Japan’s oldest beer brand, and its Sapporo, Hokkaido factory is one of Japan’s only beer-related museums. At over 100 years old, it also has the distinction of having been declared a Hokkaido Heritage site. Indulge in its sudsy history with a free self-guided tour featuring signage support in English, Korean, and simplified Chinese, or upgrade to a 500-yen guided premium tour, which ends with a flight of three beers–including a tour-exclusive reproduction of Sapporo’s original brew. How’s that for value? After a trip to the gift shop, end your day with a meal at the Sapporo Beer Garden, serving up–you guessed it–Sapporo’s full line of beer and Hokkaido mainstays like local lamb dish Genghis Khan.

Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distilleries

Japanese whisky magnate Nikka operates two distilleries, one of which is only several hours north of Tokyo in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture. Using a process brought to Japan from Scotland by chemist Masataka Taketsuru at the turn of the 20th century, Nikka produces everything from low-cost convenience store mixer whiskies to award-winning single malts. Try them all at Nikka’s Miyagikyo Distillery, a lush, red-brick estate that uses water from nearby Nikkawa River to craft the company’s exclusive blends. Though free tours are in Japanese, English commentary is available using a downloadable smartphone app. No matter which language you listen to, the 70-minute tour culminates in a tasting of two types of whiskies and a tangy swig of apple wine.

Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Yoichi Distillery

Nikka’s castle-esque Hokkaido distillery offers the perfect winter warmers to get your blood flowing after a snowy day on the island’s western coast. Its locale and climate were chosen by Nikka’s founder for their similarity to Scotland–including fresh ocean air, whose presence gives the distillery’s whiskies a crisp salt-water finish. But it takes more than good ingredients to make good whiskey. Yoichi Distillery’s tour allows you to observe its unique coal-fired distillation process, a bit of a unicorn in modern-day production due to the difficulty it presents to its workers. Guided tours are in Japanese, but English-speaking visitors can get by with video displays spread throughout the factory explaining each step of manufacturing. As with any good tour, all of your studying is rewarded by a smoky sample at the finish line.

Yoichi LOOP

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Kirin Yokohama Beer Village

This factory’s close proximity to Tokyo makes it ideal for a boozy day trip from the bustling metropolis. Kirin’s Yokohama factory, the largest and oldest brewery in Japan (and with a website claiming it cranks out more than 2000 cans per minute), offers an extensive multimedia tour teaching participants about the special brewing process that has made Kirin one of Japan’s top-four beer manufacturers. It’s a bit heavy on chemistry, but entertaining enough that it never feels like a lecture. In fact, depending on your interests, you can opt for one of three tour varietals: the standard factory tour, a “nature-themed tour” for the eco-minded, and a family alternative which probably swaps some of the molecular science for a couple of cute mascots (though just how “family-friendly” a beer-based tour can be is debatable). Thankfully, all roads lead to a free tasting, and–if you’re feeling peckish–a meal at in-house restaurant Spring Valley. Tours fill up fast, so best to reserve your spots in advance.

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Pottery Kiln Tour at Kouraku in Arita

Though its population certainly drinks its fair share, Japan produces much more than alcohol. For a little something different, head to Arita in Saga Prefecture to see what a century and a half of craftsmanship looks like via Kouraku’s Pottery Kiln Tour. It’s brief (an average tour takes only 30 minutes), but the best part comes afterwards: an all-you-can-take 90-minute pottery hunt. Kouraku lets you go full-Indiana Jones, digging through piles of pottery with gloves and a flashlight in a search for buried treasure. If it fits in your basket, it’s yours!

Azamiya Minsah Craft Center

If you find yourself in Okinawa, head to Ishigaki Island (a sorely-overlooked vacation destination) to check out Azamiya Minsah Craft Center. Visitors can watch the dyeing and weaving of traditional Minsah textiles, whose pattern of alternating rectangles symbolizes eternal love and is said to have supernatural qualities. Depending on availability, you might also opt to pull up a chair and weave your own masterpiece via paid workshops lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. Though these are offered only in Japanese, wily participants could probably follow along with a careful eye and a lot of patience.

Knowing the origin story of what you buy imbues it with a whole new sense of meaning. The next time you’re looking to pick up your favourite made-in-Japan goods, why not skip the shops and head straight to the source?

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How to Take a Free Toyota Factory Tour – Nagoya, Japan

Note that the Toyota Factory tour is currently suspended (2024). We have retained this overview of our visit to the Toyota Factory Tour and will update this information when the factory tours re-open. Read on for details on when that will be and also for alternatives to the Toyota Factory Tour.

It’s one of the iconic things to do in Japan – take a factory tour, especially as most of the Japanese factory tours are free.   Japan is the birthplace of just-in-time manufacturing, so a visit to a factory should be fascinating! Toyota is Japan’s biggest car manufacturer.  Toyota plant tours take place at the Toyota headquarters in Toyota City just outside Nagoya and is easy to reach.  So here’s all you need to know about visiting the Toyota Factory in Japan.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

There’s more information here on the closure of the Toyota Factory Tour.

You can read further information below about what it was like on the Toyota Factory Tour, and we have alternatives, but if you want to take a car factory tour, then you should head to Mazda. And I wrote about that here.

About the Toyota Factory Tour Nagoya

The Toyota plant tour in Nagoya includes seeing the full production line process at Toyota Nagoya.  This also includes their amazing multi-model systems which allow for the production of all models of vehicle on the SAME production line.

The tour is free, but you must book in advance, there are details below on how to book your place on Toyota’s free factory tour.

No photographs are allowed in the production area, although you can take photographs in the Toyota museum and showroom.

How long does the Toyota Factory Tour Last?

The tour takes place once a day from Monday and Friday and is offered in Japanese and English.   You must pre-book your tour.    The Toyota Factory tour lasts 2 hours.

How to visit the Toyota Factory Tour Japan

The Toyota Factory Japan Tour is free at the Toyota City / Nagoya plant, but you must pre-book your tour.  Tours usually start at around 11:00 but you must be present at the Kaikan museum 30 minutes prior to that.

How to Book a Toyota Factory Tour

You can book a tour up to 3 months in advance of the date that you wish to visit. 

Where is the Toyota Japan Factory Tour?

The Toyota Nagoya Tour is located at Toyota City, close to Nagoya.   You can reach the plant and museum within around 50 minutes from central Nagoya on the Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyota-shi station.

How much is the Toyota Factory Tour and Museum Japan?

The Nagoya Toyota tour and visit to the museum at the Toyota headquarters is free.  The tour is conducted in both Japanese and English on separate schedules.  The Toyota Kaikan Museum at the Toyota plant is also free to visit.

The Toyota Kaikan Museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Who should take the Toyota Factory Tour Japan?

If you’re a car fanatic then you’ll love the Toyota Nagoya Plant tour.  If you’re interested in just-in-time production methods then this is a fabulous place to visit.  If you like free things to do in Japan then this is also a great experience.

Experience the Toyota Factory Tour Japan

Visiting the Toyota plant in Japan is not difficult.  The Nagoya Toyota factory is easy to reach from Nagoya, so we did it as a day trip – and arrived there at 10 am, ready for our 11 am tour.  The Toyota Factory Tour even has its own train station (so if you’ve got a JR Pass it’s EASY to get to).

Be sure to pick up your JR Pass BEFORE you get into Japan – it will save you a FORTUNE on trains and make life very easy.  You can buy a 7, 14, or 21-day pass and get it shipped to your home address for free.  

The best way to travel around Japan is by train – and you can save a fortune on train travel in Japan by buying the JR Pass BEFORE you get to Japan. You can buy the JR Pass from a number of outlets. We recommend: Get your JR Pass from KLOOK here. – estimate 2 weeks for delivery of the exchange order Buy a JR Pass from JRAILPASS here – get it Fedexed within 24-48 hours to any location including a Fedex office or your hotel in Japan.

There is a cafeteria at the Toyota Kaikan museum where you’ll check in, so if you arrive early there are places to sit, get a drink, and eat snacks.

What Tours to Take in Nagoya

As well as the Toyota Factory tour in Nagoya there are a host of other activities and places to see in Nagoya.

• You can take a day trip from Nagoya to Magome and experience this ancient post town –  with a guide – Get details here
• If you like hiking, then hike the Magome – Tsumago trail under your own steam or take a guided tour here
• Enjoy a maid cafe experience in Nagoya – check details here
• Take a train trip to Inuyama Biyori and dress in a Kimono from Nagoya – check prices here
• Have great family fun with a robot experience – with robots serving you tea!
• Take a guided walking tour of Nagoya – with an included subway ticket for the day – Prices and booking details here
• Visit Legoland Nagoya – for a great family day out – pre-book tickets for Legoland here
• Visit the Nagoya Aquarium – pre-book your tickets for Aquarium Nagoya here

Visit the Toyota Factory Tour Museum

The Toyota Factory museum is free to enter and you do not need a guide to explore it.  As we had arrived early for our tour we spent an hour exploring.

You also get to look around at all the cars that Toyota hopes you will buy. The best was the car fitted for those with disabilities.  It’s possible to sit in most of the cars and really check them out while you’re here.

One of the best things about the Toyota Museum Japan is the fact that they have a robot that has an artificial lung that plays the trombone. And it is pretty damned cool.

Our Experience of the Toyota Factory Tour in Japan

As on the Mazda tour , there are no photos allowed on the tour of the Toyota plant. And when we head off we’re bussed between various parts of the plant, which is impressive and incredibly efficient.

We see several parts of the production line. We learn about just-in-time manufacturing and how quality is valued over quantity and speed.

It’s interesting that I thought it would be groundbreaking and look like it.  But it looks like a regular production line until you look a little closer.  Their multi-model lines are designed to build multiple models on the same line, which is pretty awesome.

There are way more people involved in the production lines than I expected (there are 7,500 people employed here in the Nagoya factory), and many fewer Toyota factory robots than I anticipated.

Perhaps I’m missing something, but the Mazda factory tour beats it hands down.  However, if you’re in Nagoya, then you shouldn’t miss this tour.  And yes, a reminder, it’s free.

It was good. But was it great? No. So I left Toyota, the car in front, feeling like it was definitely the brand behind after my trip to their factory.

And that’s interesting (to me at least). That in my trip to Japan, I’ve had my brand perceptions turned on their head.  Mazda , who I felt pretty ho-hum about – I’m now gung ho about. Toyota is the opposite. Those instant noodle packets that I saw in shops and thought, pah, no, looks cheap and nasty are now the ones that I will buy above all others. Yup, I’m definitely sold on Cup Noodles. Oh, and Asahi beer. Yup, I’ll take that and the  Asahi free brewery tour  and tasting over a poor Sapporo beer and tour and expensive beer hall experience any day.

Just goes to show, that when you dig in a little, perception differs wildly from reality. Now, if only I were in the market for a car… I suppose I’ll make do with cup noodles and beer!

The last word, though goes to the robot… he’s not quite  Asimo , but he plays a mean tune…

Alternatives to the Toyota Factory Tour

As the Toyota Factory Tour is currently CLOSED, then we recommend the following alternatives

The Mazda Factory Tour

Another free car factory tour, this is easy to get to and also close to Nagoya.  You can read more about it here .

The Toyota Techno Museum

This is also known as the Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, or the Toyota Museum Nagoya.  It is located in central Nagoya.  There is no factory here but you’ll find a lot of exhibits on the car production process.

The Toyota Techno Museum is easily reached from Sako station and is close to Nagoya station.  The museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00, the last entry is 16:30 and admission is 500 yen.  The museum is closed on Mondays and also on Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday.

The Toyota Automobile Museum

This museum displays cars from the late 1800s onwards from Europe, Japan, and America.  You will find it close to Geidaidori Station.   The museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:30.  The museum is closed on Mondays, and also Tuesdays if the Monday is a National Holiday.  Entrance is 1000 yen.

Other Free Factory Tours in Japan

The Toyota Factory tour is just one of those available when you visit Japan.  Here are other factory tours that we recommend for your visit to Japan.

The Mazda factory tour:  Another great free car factory tour – perhaps even better than the Toyota Factory Tour.

The Asahi Brewery tour : Available at 8 locations throughout Japan this tour not only provides an understanding of Asahi’s history but also gives you free beer tasting at the end – and they’re not small measures!

The  Cup Noodle factory – There are several places where you can visit a cup noodle museum in Japan, but for us visiting the birthplace of noodles in Ikeda was on the list.  Make your own cup noodles here.

If you’re looking for unique experiences in Japan, then I highly recommend heading to watch Sumo practice in Tokyo and experiencing a Maid Cafe in Akihabara too.

Travel Tips for Exploring Japan

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Japan
• Take the right POWER ADAPTER to Japan
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Japan > discount coupon here
• Read our guide to the Japan Rail Pass here
• You can buy JR Passes from Klook > check details here
• Or buy JR Passes from JRailPass here with delivery in 24-48 hours (including to your hotel in Japan)
• Want to know what its like at a Maid Cafe ?
• Read about experiencing Sumo Practice in Japan
• Read about staying in a Ryokan town in Japan
• Learn to cook Japanese food in Chef’s kitchens in Japan
• Read about ATM fees in Japan here.
• Save money in Japan with a Wise debit card
• Find the right accommodation for you via Booking.com
• Book an incredible ryokan experience in Japan

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Sarah Carter

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2 thoughts on “ How to Take a Free Toyota Factory Tour – Nagoya, Japan ”

• 2 comments

I like to see live your factory and museum

My son dreams to see the Toyota Factory. He is about 7 years old now and he wishes to work and serve your factory one day. He is a very intelligent kid who is very thoughtful. I wish if I can help him to achieve his dreams.

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HONDA The Power of Dreams .cls-1,.cls-2{stroke-width:0px;}.cls-2{fill:#c00;}

Honda to open “honda racing gallery” at suzuka circuit as a center for honda motorsports communications.

TOKYO, Japan, March 21, 2024 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled details about the new Honda RACING Gallery, a facility Honda has established at Suzuka Circuit primarily as a showcase for the succession of Honda F1 machines. The Gallery will serve as a center for Honda communications about its motorsports activities, including the introduction of challenges Honda has taken on to become “number one in the world,” as well as various race technologies. The Gallery will open on April 5, 2024 *1 , the first day of the Japanese Grand Prix *2  of the FIA *3  Formula One World Championship (F1) to be held at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Honda RACING Gallery official website: https://global.honda/jp/racinggallery/  (Japanese only)

Hoping to see it become a center for Honda communications about its motorsport’s activities, the Honda RACING Gallery was designed as a facility where visitors can “experience” Honda’s determination to win and technologies amassed through racing activities. The exhibits include successive generations of Honda race machines, engines and power units that actually competed in races, mostly in F1 races for which this year marks the 60th anniversary of Honda’s very first competition in a F1 race *4 .

The Gallery is designed with black as a basic color tone and places spotlights on each machine on display, enabling the visitors to see and feel the functional beauty of racing machines filled with the cutting-edge technologies of each era.

Honda has been introducing its products and corporate activities, as well as the thoughts and passion put into them, from historical, global and motorsports perspectives at multiple exhibit and hands-on experience facilities. This includes Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama (Minato-ku, Tokyo) and the Honda Collection Hall (in Motegi, Tochigi).

Honda will continue to offer high-quality brand experiences and communication opportunities at all points of contact with its customers, striving to make Honda a brand that will continue to be beloved by customers and fans around the world.

*1 Advance reservation (free of charge) is required from Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7, 2024. The Gallery visitor needs to present a ticket to the F1 Japanese Grand Prix for admission. Advanced reservations can be made at the following website starting March 29, 2024. URL:  https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/park/attraction/gallery/

*2 The F1 MSC Cruises Japanese Grand Prix

*3 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile

*4 The 60th anniversary of the Germany Grand Prix held in August 1964, the very first F1 race Honda competed.

<Overview of the Honda RACING Gallery exhibition areas>

Main Hall (Area for the permanent exhibit, 1F) 

After entering the Gallery, visitors walk through the “speed tunnel” that generates a sense of speed and excited anticipation, before entering the main hall, which is designed as a black-toned space with no outside light, so that the colors and shapes of race machines stand out under the spotlights.

On display in the center of the main hall are the two F1 machines that came together transcending time: the Honda RA272 which brought about the first ever F1 race win for Honda at the Mexican Grand Prix in 1965, and the Red Bull Racing Honda RB16B Max Verstappen drove to the World Drivers' Championship in 2021. Looking at these two F1 machines side by side, visitors can sense the tremendous advancements made to F1 machines to date.

Moreover, a group of F1 machines that represent Honda F1 victories are exhibited at the back of the main hall, showcasing the history of Honda challenges and victories in F1 racing. The panel behind each machine has a large display with a number that leads to the　story of the machine, enabling visitors to enjoy the “story of victory.”

Also on display are the Honda F1 engines and power units of the past, which were developed and perfected in the pursuit of becoming the world’s number one in each era. Visitors can see the essence of technological excellence in each item.

Special exhibit area (B1) 

In the special exhibit area on the B1 floor, race machines associated with a specific race held at the Suzuka Circuit will be exhibited. The F1 Japanese Grand Prix Special Exhibit will start on the opening day, Friday, April 5, 2024. Special exhibits of race machines for various other races, including SUPER GT, Japanese Super Formula Championship (SF) and Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race, are also being planned for the future. 

<About the F1 Japanese Grand Prix Special Exhibit>

Dates:          From April 5, 2024 through mid-June 2024 Overview:    In commemoration of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, the special exhibit will highlight Japanese F1 drivers who have fought for victory together with Honda. The exhibit will showcase the F1 machines, as well as other items such as the venerated helmets of F1 drivers.  

List of items on display *5