Corporate museums are places that adults and children alike can enjoy. Not only can you learn about a company's history and how its popular products are made, but many facilities also offer hands-on experiences, such as product creation. In this article, ICONIA HOSPITALITY staff have personally visited and selected some of the best interactive corporate museums. If you find a facility that interests you, be sure to check it out!*Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information.
Hokkaido
Royce's Cacao & Chocolate TownTobetsu Town, Ishikari District, Hokkaido
Royce', a popular chocolate brand known nationwide as a classic Hokkaido souvenir, has a large experiential facility attached to its factory. Visitors can learn about everything from cocoa cultivation to chocolate manufacturing using all five senses, and the original chocolate-making experience (for a fee) is also very popular. If you're looking for souvenirs, head to the shop on the first floor, where you'll find a wide selection of over 200 kinds of limited-edition chocolates. The soft-serve ice cream, available only at this direct-operated store, is a must-try.
1-1 Roycetown, Tobetsu-cho, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido 061-3770
Approximately 40 minutes by car from central Sapporo Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (via the Hokkaido Expressway "New Chitose Airport IC" and the Sapporo-Otaru Expressway "Fushiko IC"). Approximately 7 minutes on foot from JR Roydstown Station (free shuttle bus available).Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The rose garden on the premises is open to the public free of charge from early May to mid-October.
During peak season, the roses bloom magnificently, making it a photogenic spot no matter where you look. Its beauty is such that it's easy to see why people travel from far away to visit. I highly recommend stopping by.
(General Manager HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Sapporo Park)
Shiroi Koibito Park/ Sapporo, Hokkaido
This theme park lets you experience the world of sweets as if you were traveling to a foreign city. In July 2026, the "Shiroi Koibito Factory" was renovated. New additions include the "Shiroi Koibito Big Box," which comes in a giant tin, and exhibits where little white figures funnily introduce the manufacturing process. A new Shiroi Koibito gift station has also been introduced, where you can get a limited edition small box. The "Chocotopia House," where you can learn about the history of Shiroi Koibito, the cafe where you can enjoy original menu items, and the workshops where you can try making it yourself are also must-sees.
2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052
Approximately 7 minutes walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai Subway LineRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The "My White Lover Handmade Course" (reservations preferred) is recommended for elementary school children and older, but even preschoolers can enjoy it. We visited as a three-generation family trip, and my grandparents leisurely strolled through the outdoor garden. Its charm lies in the fact that people of all ages can enjoy themselves at their own pace.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Activity Coordinator)
Tohoku
Image provided by: Iwachu Ironware MuseumIwa Cast Ironware MuseumMorioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Nanbu ironware, a traditional craft that flourished in Morioka during the Edo period alongside the tea ceremony and has been protected and developed by successive lords of the Nanbu domain, is produced at a factory operated by Iwachu, a company founded in 1902. This factory manufactures Nanbu ironware that is loved not only in Japan but also overseas. Inside the facility, visitors can closely observe the craftsmen at work, including the casting and lacquering processes. The shop boasts the largest selection in the prefecture and also offers advice on maintenance, making it highly recommended for those who want to incorporate Nanbu ironware into their lives.
2-23-9 Minamisenboku, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture 020-0863
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Morioka Minami Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Morioka Station. From JR Morioka Station, take the Iwate Kotsu bus for about 20 minutes, get off at Kawakubo bus stop, and walk for about 5 minutes.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Upon entering the building, the first thing you notice is the smell of iron. The sight of the Morioka Nambu ironware craftsmen, who are carrying on a tradition of approximately 400 years, at work is truly impressive. I found myself holding my breath, captivated by their passion and serious gaze. At ART HOTEL Morioka, we offer coffee brewed in Nambu ironware at breakfast. Please enjoy the smoother taste.
(General Manager ART HOTEL Morioka)
Licca-chan CastleOno Town, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture
This theme park features a museum and doll factory dedicated to the popular dress-up doll "Licca-chan" (manufactured by Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.). The museum, modeled after a Western castle, houses exhibits showcasing Licca-chan dolls throughout history, as well as a factory where visitors can observe the doll manufacturing process. Popular attractions include commemorative photos in matching dresses and doll-making workshops where you can choose your favorite hairstyle and hair color to create your own unique Licca-chan doll (dress rental is free). Why not immerse yourself in the world of the beloved Licca-chan?
51-3 Nakadori, Ono-shinmachi, Ono-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 963-3401
Approximately 5 minutes by car from the Ono Interchange on the Ban'etsu Expressway. Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Ono-Shinmachi Station.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
My daughter and I visited together. She was thrilled to wear a dress that matched Licca-chan's! She completely immersed herself in the role of Licca-chan, and we took commemorative photos all over the museum, creating lasting memories. The doll she made herself, choosing the hairstyle and dress, has become a treasured possession. As we traced Licca-chan's history, even I, as an adult, felt a sense of nostalgia.
(Spa Resort Hawaiians Staff)
Kanto
Lapoppo Namegata Farmers Village/ Ibaraki Prefecture
This hands-on agricultural theme park was built on the site of a former elementary school. It features a roasted sweet potato factory museum, a sweet potato factory, a cafe, and Restaurant. There are plenty of experiences to pique your curiosity about agriculture and food, such as vegetable harvesting events and a workshop on making the popular "potato apple pie." They also sell sweet potato sweets delivered directly from the factory, perfect as souvenirs.
1561 Uzaki, Namegata City, Ibaraki, 311-3824
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Hokota IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway From JR Itako Station, take the bus on the Rokuko Kitaura Line bound for Aso Hot springs for approximately 35 minutes, then get off at the Lake Echo, Shirahama Youth Nature House, Namegata Farmers Village Central bus stop and walk for approximately 1 minute.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
At Restaurant, you can enjoy pasta and stone-baked pizza made with local vegetables. Their signature potato apple pie features a moist sweet potato filling with apple compote that retains some of the apple's texture. It's delicious even when cold and makes a perfect souvenir.
(ART HOTEL Kashima Central Staff)
Rocket Square ©JAXAJAXA Tsukuba Space CenterIbaraki, Tsukuba-shi
This is Japan's space development hub, where artificial satellites are developed and astronauts are trained. The 50-meter-long H-II rocket towering near the main gate is the symbol of the facility and a popular spot perfect for commemorative photos. Inside the building, you can see a full-scale model of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of the International Space Station and a real rocket engine that was actually used in combustion tests, and you'll be overwhelmed by their sheer size.
2-1-1 Ibaraki Tsukuba-shi Prefecture, 305-8505
7 minutes by car from the Sakura-Tsuchiura Interchange on the Joban Expressway. Approximately 12 minutes by car from Tsukuba Chuo Interchange on the Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway. Approximately 1 minute walk from the Kantetsu Bus "National Institute for Materials Science" stop.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
During your visit, the Space Dome will be hosting a "Rocket Launch Sound Experience & Mini-Tour of the Exhibition Hall," which will be bustling with people of all ages! If the timing is right, be sure to participate. (*No reservation required, free of charge, held irregularly on weekends and holidays)
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Activity Coordinator)
[Limited to 28 people] Guided tour and Staying plan now on sale! >
Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour Center/ Chiba Choshi City
This spot allows you to tour the factory of Yamasa Soy Sauce, a historic soy sauce manufacturer founded in the Edo period. Listen to a guide's explanations as you tour the factory, which boasts an area roughly four times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The attraction is that you can learn the secrets of deliciousness through a tour of the brewery and a virtual video experience. In the sales corner, you can try the famous "soy sauce soft serve ice cream," which is characterized by the rich flavor of soy sauce.
〒288-0037 Chiba 2570 Kita Ogawa-cho, Choshi City
Approximately 7 minutes on foot from JR Choshi Station Approximately 3 minutes walk from Nakanomachi Station on the Choshi Electric Railway Approximately 1 hour by car from the Sawara-Katori IC on the Higashi-Kanto ExpresswayRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
On factory operating days, you can take a guided tour of the actual production line (reservations required). However, on weekends and holidays, only the movie screening and gift shop are open, so weekdays are the best time to visit. After the tour, you will receive a bottle of "Special Selection Soy Sauce" as a souvenir.
(KAMENOI HOTEL KUJUKURI Staff)
Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village/Odawara City Kanagawa
This is a multi-purpose facility run by Suzuhiro Kamaboko, a long-established kamaboko (fish cake) company founded in 1865. The "Kamaboko Museum" offers hands-on workshops for making kamaboko and chikuwa (fish cakes) (reservations required), as well as a workshop for making fried kamaboko. In the "Children's Job Experience," children can earn a "kamaboko wage" by working as a kamaboko craftsman, a cafe employee, or a Hakone Tozan Railway conductor, learning about the joys of working.
245 Kazematsuri, Odawara City, Kanagawa, 250-0032
Directly connected to Hakone Tozan Railway "Kazamatsuri Station" Approximately 1 minute by car from the Hakone Exit IC on the Seisho BypassRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
At the kamaboko and chikuwa making experience (reservations required, fee applies), you can sample freshly grilled chikuwa on the spot. The delicious fish flavor and aroma are irresistible. Popular items sometimes sell out by midday, so we recommend arriving early.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Newsletter Manager)
Chubu
Suntory Natural Water Northern Alps Shinano Forest FactoryOmachi City, Nagano Prefecture
This is one of Suntory's four production bases for "Suntory Natural Water," and it's a factory where you can experience the charm of natural water. On the guided tour (reservations preferred), you can relive the approximately 20-year process by which Suntory Natural Water is nurtured, and you can also enjoy a tour of the production line where the latest automated robots are at work, as well as a tasting. There is also a photo spot with views of the Northern Alps, and a stylish cafe and shop. After the tour, take some time to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
8071-1 Tokiwa, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture 398-0004
Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Azumino Interchange on the Nagano Expressway. Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Shinano-Omachi Station.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Walking from the parking lot along a forest path, you'll find yourself in a "blue tunnel" bathed in blue light. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a refreshing coolness, like stepping into a cold bath after a sauna – a complete change of pace. Even in summer, it's a place where you can forget the heat and feel truly at ease.
(AZUMINO KOGEN RESORT Staff)
Kagome Vegetable Life Farm Fujimi/ Fujimi Town, Nagano Prefecture
This is an experiential vegetable theme park surrounded by the magnificent nature of the Yatsugatake Mountains. There are plenty of experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with vegetables, such as a factory tour of Kagome's flagship product, "Vegetable Life 100," and vegetable harvesting that you can take home. At Restaurant, which serves authentic Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, you can enjoy Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. *Advance reservations are recommended.
9275-1 Fujimi, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture, 399-0211
Approximately 7 minutes by car from the Suwa Minami IC on the Chuo ExpresswayRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The tour was conducted in a tablet-based format, with explanations primarily presented on panels. It's a great opportunity to learn about vegetables and the factory in detail, making it ideal for children's independent research projects. Harvesting experiences and Restaurant require advance reservations, so don't forget to book in advance.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Web Manager)
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology/Nagoya City Aichi
Toyota, known as a global automobile manufacturer, actually started out in textile manufacturing. This museum, located on the site where the group originated, is structured to allow visitors to learn about the first half of its history in the Textile Machinery Hall and the second half in the Automobile Hall. The Textile Machinery Hall displays about 100 machines, from spinning tools to modern machinery, while the Automobile Hall, which is large enough to fit an entire factory, exhibits successive generations of Toyota vehicles and production machinery. Demonstrations of casting, forging, and machining are also a highlight.
4-1-35 Noritake-shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 451-0051
Approximately 5 minutes by car from the Meidocho exit of the Nagoya Expressway Route 6 Kiyosu Line. Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Marunouchi exit of the Nagoya Expressway Inner Ring Road. Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Sakae Station on the Nagoya Railroad Nagoya Main Line. Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Nagoya Station.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Inside the building, "Technoland" offers a game-like experience where you can learn about the workings of textile machinery and cars. There are over 10 different physical activities available, making it accessible even for preschoolers and elementary school children (a numbered ticket is required in addition to the admission ticket). We were completely engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves for 1-2 hours.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Web Manager)
Mizkan Museum/Handa City Aichi
This is an experiential museum where you can learn about Mizkan's dedication to vinegar making. The museum is divided into five areas, and you can choose between a guided "Full Tour" or a "Mini Tour" that allows you to freely explore two areas. There are plenty of ideas to entertain both adults and children, such as attractions that stimulate curiosity and large screen viewing. You can also enjoy making your own original "My Ajipon."
2-6 Nakamuracho, Handa City, Aichi, 475-8585
13 minutes walk from Chita Handa Station on the Meitetsu Kawawa Line 3 minutes walk from Handa Station on the JR Taketoyo Line Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Handa Chuo IC or Handa IC on the Chita Peninsula RoadRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The museum offered plenty of interactive exhibits that allowed visitors to enjoy themselves hands-on, making it enjoyable even for families with young children. The surrounding area retains the charming atmosphere of Handa, a town that once flourished as a company town, allowing visitors to fully enjoy a stroll after their visit.
(KAMENOI HOTEL CHITAMIHAMA Staff)
Provided by: INAX Live MuseumINAX Live Museum/Tokoname City Aichi
This museum, run by LIXIL, is located in Tokoname City, Aichi, a historic town known for its Six Ancient Kilns. Comprised of seven buildings, it offers a chance to learn about the history and culture of ceramics, from clay to tiles and architectural ceramics. Experience classes such as mosaic art and tile painting allow you to rediscover the charm of ceramics by touching them with your own hands. You can also enjoy wood-fired pizza at the attached Restaurant.
1-130 Okueicho, Tokoname City, Aichi, 479-8586
From Tokoname Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line, take the Chita Bus bound for Chita Handa Station for approximately 6 minutes, then get off at the INAX Live Museum bus stop and walk for 2 minutes. Approximately 7 minutes by car from Tokoname IC on the Chita Crossing Road/Centrair Line Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Handa Chuo IC on the Chita Peninsula RoadRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Two adults tried their hand at making "glowing mud balls" (reservations required, fee applies). We were so focused on polishing and coloring that the finished product was surprisingly beautiful. It was a very satisfying experience that adults can thoroughly enjoy.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Web Manager)
Glasses Museum/ Fukui
Located in Sabae City, Fukui, Japan's largest glasses production center, this museum is a vast space devoted to glasses. The Glasses Museum displays valuable documents, rare glasses, and glasses collections of celebrities. In the hands-on workshop, the Glasses Handmade Class, you can create your own one-of-a-kind pair of glasses, as well as experience making key chains, a casual experience that allows you to experience the craftsmanship of artisans.
Megane Kaikan, 2-3-4 Shinyokoe, Sabae City, Fukui, 916-0042
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Sabae Station on the Hapi Line Approximately 2 minutes by car from the Sabae IC on the Hokuriku ExpresswayRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The adjoining shop stocks over 3,000 of the latest models from approximately 50 companies within the prefecture, including some glasses that can only be bought here. Many people come from far away to visit. You can participate in the keychain making experience even on the day if there are openings. It's also fun to see the "glasses" motifs scattered throughout the town, from vending machines to benches.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Newsletter Manager)
Kinki
Yanmar Museum/ Shiga Nagahama City
This is an interactive challenge museum run by engine manufacturer Yanmar. It offers a variety of attractions, including the "Excavate! Excavator Challenge" where you can become an excavator operator, and the "Wake Surfing Boat Race" where you can operate a pleasure boat. There are also manufacturing workshops and an experiential farm, allowing you to experience the joy of taking on challenges.
P.O. Box 526-0055 Shiga 6-50 Sanwa-cho, Nagahama City
10 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from JR Hokuriku Main Line "Nagahama" Station 10 minutes by car from Nagahama IC on the Hokuriku ExpresswayRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
I visited with my two sons, one in elementary school and the other in kindergarten. My older son was engrossed in the rides, treating them like a game, and tried them again and again. Although there are restrictions on some experiences, preschool children can enter for free. My younger son also thoroughly enjoyed himself and was very happy.
(KAMENOI HOTEL HIKONE Staff)
Kirin Beverage Shiga PlantTaga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture
Learn about the making of Kirin Afternoon Tea in a fun way at Kirin Beverage's manufacturing plant. The "Afternoon Tea Tour" (reservations required) allows you to see the production line in operation and learn by actually operating recreated equipment and mechanisms for the tour. Finally, you can sample Afternoon Tea. Experience the tea leaves and unique manufacturing method with all your senses. After the tour, you can also enjoy souvenir shopping at the shop, which offers limited edition products.
1600 Minmanji, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture 522-0342
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Hikone Interchange on the Meishin Expressway. About 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR "Minami Hikone Station" Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Omi Railway's "Screen Station"Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The premises also include a Kirin Beer factory, and they offer a tour (reservations required, fee applies) where you can learn about the manufacturing process of "Kirin Ichiban Shibori." After the tour, you can enjoy Ichiban Shibori straight from the factory. Combined with afternoon tea, it made for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
(KAMENOI HOTEL HIKONE Staff)
FukujuenKyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture / Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
This is an experiential facility run by Fukujuen, a long-established Uji tea shop founded in the Edo period. The Kyoto main store on Shijo Street is an entire building dedicated to tea. In addition to shopping and Food, you can enjoy matcha tea brewing and tea preparation experiences in the tea room. Meanwhile, at the Uji Workshop along the Uji River, you can also try your hand at making hojicha (roasted green tea), grinding matcha with a stone mill, and painting on Asahi-yaki pottery. Why not immerse yourself in the profound world of tea at this leading tea hub in Kyoto?
Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store
600-8005 Shijo-dori Tomikoji-kado, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Hankyu "Karasuma Station" and Subway "Shijo Station". Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Keihan "Gion-Shijo Station"Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop
10 Ujiyamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021
Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Keihan Uji Station. Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Uji Station.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Most of the experiences require reservations, but it seems that they may accept walk-ins on the day if there are openings. The day I visited, it was relatively quiet, and I was able to relax. If you have any concerns, it's best to check by phone in advance.
(HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo staff)
© NintendoNintendo Museum/ Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nintendo, known for Hanafuda cards and the Famicom, has been creating a variety of entertainment since its founding. In addition to exhibits of past products, the museum also features hands-on exhibits that show how the various forms of entertainment Nintendo created have been reborn with modern technology, including a game where two players can play cooperatively using a giant controller. At the Hatena Burger cafe, you can enjoy an original hamburger where you can choose your favorite toppings from over 270,000 possible combinations. *Advance reservations (lottery) are required for admission.
Address: 56 Kagurada, Ogura-cho, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, 611-0042
5 minutes walk from the east exit of Kokura Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line 8 minutes walk from the north exit of JR Kokura Station on the JR Nara LineRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
Because it's such an extremely popular facility, admission is by reservation only, and it's often booked up two months in advance, making it virtually impossible to visit on short notice, like today or tomorrow. I felt that the most reliable options were to apply for the lottery or try to get one of the first-come, first-served tickets as soon as they went on sale for the month in question.
(HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo staff)
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda/Ikeda City Osaka
This is an experiential food education facility located in Ikeda City, Osaka, the birthplace of instant ramen. In addition to exhibits on the history of Nissin Foods founder Momofuku Ando and the ramen's packaging, there are also plenty of hands-on exhibits. The attraction is that you can choose your soup and ingredients and create your own original cup noodles, one of a kind in the world, from a total of 5,460 possible combinations (*To participate, you will need a numbered ticket, which will be distributed on-site on the day). Through this hands-on experience, you can learn about the importance of invention and discovery, and why instant ramen is loved around the world and has come to be called a "global food."
8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda City, Osaka, 563-0041
5 minutes walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line 15 minutes from the Toyonaka IC or Ikeda IC on the Chugoku Expressway 10 minutes by car from the Kawanishi Obana exit on the Hanshin Expressway Route 11 Ikeda Line extensionRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The container design, the soup, the ingredients... After much trial and error, I created a one-of-a-kind cup of noodles, and I feel a deep attachment to it. It's become such a special memory that I almost don't want to eat it.
(HOTEL MYSTAYS Shin Osaka Conference Center Staff)
Provided by: Duskin Co., Ltd.Duskin Museum/Suita Osaka
This is an experiential facility divided into two areas: the Mister Donut Museum and the Cleaning Hall. At the Mister Donut Museum, you can try a handmade experience where you can taste freshly fried donuts (*lottery system with advance registration), and create your own original donuts by topping donut balls to your liking. At the Cleaning Hall, you can learn about cleaning from a new perspective through games that teach you how to visualize dust and use a mop efficiently. (*Some experiences require a fee)
5-32 Yoshinocho, Suita City, Osaka, 564-0054
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Exit 8 of Esaka Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Kita-Osaka Kyuko LineRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
If you want to make donuts from scratch, we recommend "Mister Donut Kitchen," or if you want to have some fun easily, try the "Donut Ball Topping Experience" (first-come, first-served basis on the day). After your tour and experience, you can also enjoy a relaxing cafe time at the adjacent Mister Donut.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Newsletter Manager)
Nakata Foods Kishu Ume no Sato Nakata/Tanabe Tanabe-shi Wakayama
This is the official store of Nakata Foods, a top brand of Kishu plums with a history of over 120 years. From the factory's viewing corridor, you can observe the process of how Kishu plums are made into pickled plums and plum wine, as well as the packaging line. Handmade plum wine and plum syrup experiences are also popular (※Reservations can be made on the day, fee applies). In addition, there is a plum orchard on the premises where you can admire about 15 varieties of plums, and a gallery with plum-themed artworks, so be sure to visit those as well.
1475 Shimomisu Tanabe-shi Wakayama 646-0216
Approximately 24 minutes by car from "Nanki Tanabe IC"Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The direct sales store offers a wide variety of products, from plum wine and pickled plums to juices and desserts. Of course, you can sample the products. The staff provides detailed explanations, so I was able to find a product I liked. They also offer shipping, making it convenient for gifts.
(KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE Staff)
Ibonoito Museum Somen Village/ Hyogo
This facility allows you to learn about the history and manufacturing process of hand-stretched somen noodles, a traditional industry in Nishiharima. In the demonstration area, you can see the artisan's skill in stretching somen noodles from about 50cm to about 160cm. The somen tasting area and the somen-making observation area are also must-sees. There is also Restaurant where you can enjoy somen dishes, allowing you to see, taste, and experience the charm of somen noodles.
56 Okumura, Kamioka-cho, Tatsuno City Hyogo, 679-4101
15 minutes walk from Higashi-Hashizaki Station on the JR Kishin Line 7 minutes by car from Sanyo Himeji Nishi IC on the Sanyo Expressway, or 10 minutes by car from Tatsuno ICRecommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
You can watch a demonstration of hand-stretching somen noodles by artisans up close, and even try hand-stretching yourself. The opportunity to sample freshly boiled somen noodles is also a major draw. We also recommend visiting the castle town of Tatsuno, about an 8-minute drive away, and the Usukuchi Tatsuno Soy Sauce Museum.
(ICONIA HOSPITALITY Newsletter Manager)
Chugoku
Otafuku Sauce Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Museum/ Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
This is a complex facility run by Otafuku Sauce, a leading sauce manufacturer in Hiroshima. The unique egg-shaped building is a beloved local landmark. The museum inside showcases the history and culture of okonomiyaki, as well as the company's dedication to its sauce. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on classes to learn tips for making delicious okonomiyaki and tours of the adjacent factory (reservations required). Why not experience Hiroshima's food culture by seeing, cooking, and tasting it?
7-4-5 Shoko Center, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 733-0833
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Itsukaichi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway. Approximately 25 minutes by car from Hatsukaichi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway. Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR "Araiguchi Station" Approximately 2 minutes on foot from the Hiroshima Bus "Shoko Center 7-chome" stop.Recommended hotels for your stay
Kyushu
Yamaya Factory Terrace/ Fukuoka Sasaguri Town
This is an experiential facility run by Yamaya, Fukuoka 's leading manufacturer of spicy mentaiko. You can take a factory tour to learn about the mentaiko manufacturing process, and enjoy the "Original Mentaiko Pickling Experience (reservations required)" where you can make your own original mentaiko. Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat mentaiko menu, and the market sells "freshly made mentaiko" delivered directly from the factory at a great price, so you can spend a time filled with mentaiko.
2F, 1-1 Irodoridai, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun Fukuoka Prefecture, 811-2498
Approximately 6 minutes by car from Fukuoka Expressway Route 4 Kasuya Line and Kyushu Expressway "Fukuoka" ICRecommended hotels for your stay
Takahashi Sohonten (Takahashi Shoten)Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Located on the Ariake Sea, famous for its nori seaweed, this is the factory outlet store of Takahashi Shoten, a long-established company known for its "Yuzusuko," a new type of liquid yuzu pepper paste made from Kyushu's specialty yuzu pepper. The adjoining workshop offers a total of six programs (reservations required for all programs), including an experience where you can make your own Yuzusuko by adjusting the spiciness and yuzu flavor to your liking, and an experience where you can make sheet nori from raw nori. Learn about Yanagawa 's unique food culture in a fun way through these experiences.
1897-1 Tarumi, Mitsuhashi-machi Yanagawa-shi Fukuoka Prefecture 832-0814
Approximately 12 minutes by car from the Miyama Yanagawa Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Tokueki Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
In the "MY Yuzusuko Making Experience," you can create two bottles of Yuzusuko, customizing the spiciness and yuzu flavor to your liking. You can also freely design the bottle labels by hand, making it a perfect souvenir of your trip. Reservations are accepted on the "Activity Page" of our hotel's official website, so please give it a try!
(KAMENOI HOTEL YANAGAWA Staff)
Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Plant/ Kumamoto
This is Suntory's hybrid factory, which produces not only beer but also drinking water. On the "The Premium Malt's" tour, you can enjoy a beer tasting in addition to a tour of the factory. There is also a tour where you can learn about the process of making "Suntory Tennensui" through experiments and videos, allowing everyone, from adults to children, to discover new charms of Suntory.
*Due to the effects of the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, we are currently closed. (As of July 29th)
478 Yawatasui, Kitaamagi, Kashima-machi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto 861-3104
Approximately 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Aso Kumamoto AirportRecommended hotels for your stay
Provided by: Satsuma Glass CraftShimazu Satsuma Kiriko Factory (Iso Craft Museum)Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
This is the Shimazu Satsuma Kiriko glass factory, located next to the scenic Sengan-en Garden. The Shimazu family revived this once-lost traditional craft, and this factory continues to produce glass by hand, carrying on its history and techniques. You can observe all processes, from melting and cutting to polishing, from a distance where you can feel the heat (no reservation required). After admiring the delicate craftsmanship that will surely captivate you, be sure to visit the adjoining gallery where you can purchase beautiful pieces made in the factory.
9688-24 Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture 892-0871
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Aira Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. Approximately 1 minute walk from JR Sengan-en Station.Recommended hotels for your stay
staffI tried it!
The gallery is housed in a Western-style building that is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Colorful Satsuma Kiriko glasswork, such as glasses and pendants, is available for purchase. Next door is a Starbucks housed in a renovated cultural property, making it a perfect place to take a break.
(Staff H OTEL MYSTAYS Kagoshima Tenmonkan Annex)
