Factory Tours for Free: Five Must-Visit Facilities in Tokyo

By MOOK Travel Editorial Team
 
Tokyo is the top overseas travel destination for Taiwanese, but if you want to have fun in this expensive city without breaking the bank, joining free factory tours is the way to go. Japan has many well-known companies that set up sightseeing factories or memorial halls, allowing visitors to learn about the history and culture behind their products. Not only can you peek into the manufacturing process, but you also get to enjoy samples and cute souvenirs at the end — a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Below are five free sightseeing factories located in Tokyo. Add them to your Tokyo itinerary right away!
 
1. ANA Aircraft Maintenance Factory

As one of Japan’s two major airlines, All Nippon Airways’ “ANA Aircraft Maintenance Factory,” located next to Haneda Airport, offers four tour sessions every weekday. Visitors can closely observe the maintenance and repair processes of large and medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Boeing 767, and receive a lovely souvenir from ANA at the end.
 
[Info]
ANA Aircraft Maintenance Factory
Transportation: 15-minute walk from Shintanimotojo Station on the Tokyo Monorail
Hours: Weekdays 10:00–11:30, 13:00–14:30, 14:00–15:30, 15:00–16:30
 
2. Kewpie Mayonnaise Factory

The newly opened Kewpie Mayonnaise Factory in 2014 is just a 17-minute drive from Shinjuku. In the spacious exhibition hall, you can learn more about the mayonnaise production process, and there’s also an experimental kitchen where you can taste mayo you made yourself — a big hit with visitors. Reservations open daily at 9:30 AM (10:30 AM Taiwan time) for the same date two months later.
 
[Info]
Kewpie Mayonnaise Factory
Transportation: Take the Keio Line (Rapid) from Shinjuku Station, get off at Sendagaya Station, and walk about 7 minutes
Hours: Weekdays 10:00, 11:50, 13:40, 15:30