[Company Visit List] Learn from Japanese Business Leaders: Factory Tours & Corporate Visits in Southern Osaka Featuring Manufacturing Technology and Management Philosophy

• Table of Contents
• Why Corporate Visits and Factory Tours in Southern Osaka Are Gaining Attention
• What is the Premium Plan?
• Recommended for:
• Voices from International Participants
• [Featured Visit] Developing Young Talent Through 3S Activities
• [Featured Visit] SDGs and manufacturing * Acceptance is suspended for the time being from April 2026
• [Featured Visit] Business Succession in Long-Established Companies
• [Featured Visit]Tourism Growing Together with the Local Community
• Recommended Articles
• Contact Us

Why Corporate Visits and Factory Tours in Southern Osaka Are Gaining Attention

What Is Industrial Tourism? (Company Visits & Factory Tours)

Industrial tourism refers to travel experiences that allow visitors to learn directly from local industries, manufacturing sites, and business leaders. Through factory tours, craft demonstrations, and conversations with executives, participants can gain deep insights into:

・how products are made
・on-site craftsmanship and manufacturing technologies
・continuous improvement culture (Kaizen)
・corporate philosophy and SDGs-driven initiatives

In recent years, industrial tourism has been actively promoted by Japan’s national and local governments, with programs such as knife‑forging workshops, sake brewery tours, and artisan studio visits becoming increasingly popular.
For international executives, MBA groups, and business travelers, corporate visits offer learning experiences that go far beyond classroom study.

A Region Rich in Long‑Established Manufacturers: Southern Osaka & Wakayama

Southern Osaka and neighboring Wakayama are home to clusters of long‑standing manufacturing companies known for preserving and innovating traditional techniques.
Industries such as towel production, metal processing, and fabric bleaching offer visitors a unique opportunity to understand Japan’s cultural roots and industrial history.
The region also features companies that have successfully:
・transformed their business model from B2B to B2C,
・achieved V‑shaped recovery after financial crises,
・integrated sustainability and SDGs into their core management practices.

This makes Southern Osaka one of the best places for overseas visitors to learn what drives the resilience and global competitiveness of Japanese companies.

Outstanding Accessibility from Kansai International Airport

The area sits conveniently between Kansai International Airport and central Osaka (Namba).
With minimal travel time, visitors can efficiently visit multiple companies—even during short stays, on arrival days, or just before departure.
Industrial tourism in this region offers meaningful “learn, observe, and experience” opportunities that help visitors understand Japan’s history, culture, and business mindset.

For participants seeking a deeper experience, programs that include direct discussions with company owners and executives—known as the Premium Plan—are highly recommended.

For inquiries, please click here (Japanese, English)

What is the Premium Plan?

Learn Directly from Japanese Business Leaders

The Premium Plan is an exclusive industrial tourism program in Southern Osaka and Wakayama designed for international visitors.
With convenient access from Kansai International Airport, the program offers visits to long‑established manufacturing companies—many with over 50 years of history.
Participants gain high‑value learning experiences through:
・on-site manufacturing technology
・direct dialogue with company owners and executives
・sustainability and SDGs initiatives
・human resource development approaches
・core management philosophy and leadership insights

The featured companies are led by executives who have successfully implemented transformative strategies such as shifting from B2B to B2C models, achieving V‑shaped recovery after financial crises, and driving innovation while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Their forward‑thinking ideas and leadership philosophy provide exceptional inspiration for international business leaders and entrepreneurs.

For inquiries, please click here (JP, EN)

Recommended for:

👔Business Executives & Corporate Leaders

・Learn management philosophy, SDGs initiatives, and talent development directly on site
・Gain actionable insights applicable to your own strategy and organization
・Experience practical corporate visits beyond standard factory tours

🎓University Seminars & MBA Programs

・Study real‑world cases in management, international business, and sustainability
・Understand not only operations but also executive decision‑making processes
・Ideal for academic fieldwork with high educational value

📋Corporate HR Teams & Training Managers

・Learn productivity improvement and Kaizen practices on the ground
・Observe Japanese quality control and organizational management
・Enhance training programs with authentic, experience‑based learning

🧑‍🤝‍🧑General Travel Groups Interested in Industry

・Experience Japanese technology and manufacturing processes up close
・English materials and interpreter services available for overseas groups
・Perfect for combining learning with sightseeing

Voices from International Participants

Why Global Business Leaders Are Paying Attention to Manufacturing Tours in Japan

Southern Osaka and Wakayama have become key destinations for industrial tourism, offering high‑level manufacturing technology and authentic insights into Japanese corporate culture.
Executives, MBA groups, training managers, and general visitors consistently rate the program highly for its deep learning value and unique access to on‑site business knowledge.

German Entrepreneurs & Executives: “Inspired by Innovation Rooted in Japanese Culture”

A group of German business leaders joined the tour to explore Osaka‑based startup ecosystems and public‑private innovation models.
Through on‑site visits, they gained powerful insights into:
・corporate philosophy
・SDGs initiatives
・approaches to human resource development
・Japan’s craftsmanship mindset

They noted that the experience offered practical ideas they could apply directly to their own business strategies.

UAE Textile Consultant: “Learning Japanese Production Management Strengthened My Proposal Skills”

A consultant from the UAE participated to study production processes in the Japanese apparel industry and identify products to propose to overseas buyers.
Direct discussions with factory staff provided practical knowledge on:
・quality standards
・workflow management
・real operational practices

The visit was described as highly relevant to day-to-day business.

Malaysian University Student: “An Academically Stimulating Field Experience”

A university student researching Japanese manufacturing joined the program to deepen their understanding of real operations.
After the tour, they even asked whether internships were available—demonstrating how the experience significantly enhanced their academic and professional interest in Japanese industry.

The Premium Plan’s inspection area is located between Kansai International Airport and Osaka’s central district, Namba, making it highly accessible and convenient for international visitors.

[Featured Visit] Developing Young Talent Through 3S Activities

Outstanding Management Philosophy and Organizational Development

Visit our factory, capable of producing a wide range of gears. Through rigorous implementation of 3S activities (Sort, Set in Order, Shine) and the adoption of advanced process management systems, we demonstrate our commitment to quality and efficiency.

We actively hire young staff, fostering a workplace full of fresh ideas and energy.

Tour Details

During the factory tour, you will observe our manufacturing processes up close. Our company president will personally share insights on management philosophy and organizational development.You will also learn about our approach to skill enhancement and digital transformation (DX) in process management, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how we efficiently produce high-quality products.

Take this opportunity to experience our innovative initiatives and passion firsthand.

【Price】
63,300 yen (tax included)

【Group Size】
1–20 participants

【Duration】
Approximately 120 minutes

【Includes】
Factory tour and a lecture by the company president

【Application】
Please contact us

《For more details, click here↓》

[Featured Visit] SDGs and manufacturing * Acceptance is suspended for the time being from April 2026

Learning Experience at an Eco-Friendly Towel Factory

Located in Izumisano City, Osaka—the birthplace of Japan’s towel manufacturing—this small company is taking on the challenge of transforming the history of towel production through innovative and sustainable practices.

Throughout the history of towel manufacturing in this region, the industry has had a significant impact on the local natural environment, including pollution. To pass on this traditional craft to future generations in a better way, we have conducted extensive research to develop towel production methods that do not harm the planet, people, or nature.

In 2015, they developed a stress-free, circular towel production process, earning recommendations from numerous industrial and ecological experts. This achievement led to the Japan Water Award in 2017 and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award in 2018.

Through towel manufacturing, they have embraced a circular economy and fully integrated sustainability into our factory operations, creating a next-generation towel factory—“Nature Towel Factory.” By 2024, this initiative has evolved into a model where resources circulate completely, forming a holistic “Living Space” concept.

Tour Details

During the factory tour, you will gain insights into the contrast between traditional manufacturing driven by economic priorities and a new value system created by sustainable manufacturing that balances economy and environment. This is a learning experience designed to spark awareness and inspire fresh perspectives.

We offer flexible plans and optional activities to suit those seeking an in-depth learning experience or a shorter visit, ensuring the perfect factory tour for your needs.

【Price】
Basic fee: 63,300 yen / group (10 people or less) → 6,400 yen per person for 11 people or more Additional options: 1,300 yen each / person

【Group Size】
1- 20 pax　*Depends on the course

【Duration】
90 - 120 min　*Depends on the additional options

【Includes】
Tour of Nature Towel Factory　*Depends on the additional options
Additional options
1."Manufacturing discussion" at "Satarou Residence," a building related to the founding family
2. Handmade cotton paper workshop
3. Learning about Uganda at the UGANDA HOUSE
4. Souvenir (towel)

【Application】
Up to two weeks in advance. * Reservations will be suspended from April 2026 (Reservations can be made up until March).

[Featured Visit] Business Succession in Long-Established Companies

Solution-Oriented Sales Approach

We meet customer needs in the development and processing of metal components. Our precision processing technology, cultivated over many years, enables one-stop solutions for bending, pressing, welding, polishing, and surface treatment. With advanced technology and decades of accumulated expertise, we provide innovative proposals to solve manufacturing challenges and deliver tailored solutions.

Tour Details

During the tour, the company president will personally share insights on business succession and new ventures. After graduating from university and gaining experience in production technology at a major heavy industry company, he joined the firm in 2007 and became president at the age of 31 following the sudden passing of his predecessor in 2014.

Starting with no guidance—even unaware of where the company seal was kept—and burdened with significant debt, he aggressively pursued new business development and bold challenges. As a result, the company has transformed into a highly dynamic enterprise over the past decade.

【Price】
57,500 yen (tax in)

【Group Size】
2-20 pax *The above price apply for up to 20 people.

【Duration】
Approximately 90 minutes

【Includes】
Factory tour, metal processing experience, speech by the president

【Application】
At least 2 weeks in advance

《For more details, click here↓》

[Featured Visit]Tourism Growing Together with the Local Community

Tsutenkaku, the Tower Standing at the Heart of Osaka’s Shinsekai

Tsutenkaku is a landmark that stands in the center of Osaka, Osaka, and its name means "a tall building that reaches the heavens." The current tower is the second generation, rebuilt in 1956; the original was built in 1912 but was lost in a fire. However, thanks to the strong desire of the local community, it was restored and is now a beloved symbol of Osaka. The observation deck, about 90 meters above ground, and the statue of Billiken, the god of good fortune, are popular, and it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2007. The building also features historical exhibits, shops, and attractions, making it a comprehensive tourist facility that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Tour Details

This tour will discuss the behind-the-scenes of urban development and business reforms in collaboration with the local community. Tsutenkaku has long been a beloved symbol of Osaka's downtown area, but has now grown into a popular spot visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Behind this growth lies reforms to keep up with the times and urban development in collaboration with Shinsekai. Having overcome a crisis of declining visitor numbers, the tower has now made a major recovery, with over 1.2 million visitors. In 2024, it became a subsidiary of a major railway group.
The tour will provide a special opportunity to hear about the business, such as what goes on behind the scenes of these reforms and the company's vision for the future, which you would not normally hear.

≪Contents≫
Executive lecture + facility tour *Optional extras: Experience the attractions "DIVE & WALK" and "TOWER SLIDER"

≪Price≫
57,500 yen (tax included)/group

≪Number of people≫
1 to 10 people

≪Time≫
Approximately 120 to 150 minutes

≪Application≫
Up to one month in advance

Tsutenkaku, which developed alongside the bustle of Shinsekai, has now evolved into more than just an observation deck; it's a comprehensive tourist spot with a wide range of attractions. It offers a full range of facilities, from hands-on attractions like "DIVE & WALK" to historical exhibits and souvenir shops, allowing you to enjoy thrills, learning, and shopping. Furthermore, "Shinsekai," which spreads out at the base of Tsutenkaku, is an international area visited by tourists from all over the world, retaining the atmosphere of the Showa, yet also offering a safe and enjoyable experience for families and women. Come experience the vitality and energy of Osaka to the fullest.

《For more details, click here↓》

Recommended Articles

Overview of Industrial Tourism

How to Book Your Tour

Enjoy Japan’s Traditional Culture

Contact Us

1. Please fill out the necessary information in the form below and contact us.
2. We will contact you from "industrial.tourism@nankai.co.jp" within 3 business days.

For inquiries, please click here (JP, EN)

Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries from available dates to detailed tour information!