9 Unique Food Factories and Attractions to Visit in Japan

Japan is a country where food culture goes far beyond dining out. For those fascinated by how favourite Japanese flavours and products come to life, the nation offers a treasure trove of quirky, immersive food-themed attractions.

From centuries-old soy sauce breweries to interactive instant noodle museums, these food experiences invite travellers to explore the craftsmanship, history and innovation behind Japan’s iconic foods. Here are 15 unique spots that food lovers won’t want to miss.

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Kewpie Mayo Terrace (Tokyo)

Kewpie’s mayonnaise is practically a Japanese pantry staple, but at the Mayo Terrace you can see how this beloved condiment is crafted. Located near Tokyo, this interactive space showcases the brand’s history and product innovations.

Visitors can taste limited-edition mayonnaise blends, learn creative recipes, and discover the science behind what makes Kewpie mayo so uniquely creamy and tangy. It’s a surprisingly fun deep dive into a simple sauce with a cult following.

Kirin Brewery (Multiple Locations)

Kirin Brewery tours offer a fascinating glimpse into one of Japan’s oldest and most popular beer brands. Whether in Tokyo, Yokohama or elsewhere, visitors can see the entire brewing process, from fermentation tanks to bottling lines.

Guided tastings allow you to sample fresh brews and seasonal varieties not often found outside Japan. It’s a must for beer aficionados and curious travellers alike. And best of all, tours are free!

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Kikkoman Soy-Sauce Factory (Noda, Chiba)

Kikkoman is synonymous with soy sauce worldwide, but its factory in Noda reveals the centuries-old traditions behind this essential seasoning.

The factory tour includes visits to fermentation warehouses, workshops on soy sauce tasting, and explanations of natural brewing techniques that have barely changed since the Edo period. For lovers of umami and culinary heritage, this is a captivating journey into one of Japan’s culinary cornerstones.

CupNoodles Museum (Yokohama & Osaka Ikeda)

For instant noodle enthusiasts, the CupNoodles Museum is an interactive playground. The museum traces the invention of instant ramen and its global impact, with quirky exhibits such as the ‘History Cube’ displaying milestones in packaging and flavours.

isitors can create personalised Cup Noodles by choosing broth, toppings and packaging design, making it a unique souvenir. There are two branches: the original in Yokohama and another in Osaka’s Ikeda city.

Shiroi Koibito Park (Ishiya Chocolate Factory, Hokkaido)

This whimsical chocolate factory and theme park in Sapporo is named after the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies: white chocolate sandwiched between two langue de chat biscuits.

Beyond factory tours showing cookie production, the park features gardens, confectionery workshops, and a charming café. It’s an enchanting destination for sweet lovers and families alike.

Mentai Park (Kanefuku, Various Locations)

Mentai Park celebrates mentaiko, the spicy marinated pollock roe beloved across Japan. The factory tours reveal how mentaiko is processed, and visitors can sample snacks such as rice balls filled with this umami-packed delicacy.

For the adventurous, some locations even offer spicy mentaiko soft-serve ice cream, a daring treat that captures the local flavour perfectly.

Unagipie Factory (Hamamatsu)

Unagipie are eel-shaped pastries that are a speciality of Hamamatsu. At the Unagipie Factory, you can watch these unique sweets being made on conveyor belts and learn about their history.

The adjacent café serves freshly baked pies and other seasonal desserts, making it a lovely stop for both foodies and curious travellers exploring Shizuoka Prefecture.

Akagi Ice Cream Factory (Gunma)

At the Akagi Ice Cream Factory, visitors can watch soft-serve ice cream and frozen desserts being made. The factory is known for creating innovative flavours exclusive to Japan, with seasonal variations that showcase local tastes.

It’s a cool and refreshing stop, especially during Japan’s humid summers.

Meiji Chocolate Factory (Saitama)

Meiji is one of Japan’s most beloved chocolate brands, and their Saitama factory offers tours revealing the making of their famous chocolates and sweets.

Exhibits cover the history of chocolate in Japan, manufacturing techniques, and ingredient sourcing. Visitors can enjoy samples and purchase exclusive factory-only products.

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Planning your visit

Many of these food-themed destinations require advance booking, especially for hands-on workshops and tours. While most tours are conducted primarily in Japanese, several offer English guides or materials, and translation apps can help bridge the gap.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, or simply curious, these experiences will add unique stories and tastes to your Japan journey.