[Experiences] South Osaka & Wakayama Factory Tours｜Learn Japanese Craftsmanship Through Hands‑On Experiences

• Table of Contents
• Why Corporate Visits and Factory Tours in Southern Osaka Are Gaining Attention
• What is the Standard Plan?
• Recommended for:
• [Experience Introduction] Tenugui Making
• [Experience Introduction] High-precision spinning top making workshop
• [Experience Introduction] Umeshu-Making Experience in Wakayama
• [Experience Introduction] Japanese Tea
• [Experience Introduction]Wagashi Making Experience
• [Experience Introduction] Knife-making tour
• [Experience Introduction] Precision Metal Bending 
• How to contact us
• Recommended Articles

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.

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.

These experiences offer visitors the chance to learn, discover, and actively engage with local industries, deepening their understanding of the region’s history and culture. They also add meaningful value to any trip by providing memorable moments beyond ordinary sightseeing. For travelers who want to enjoy industrial tourism more casually—such as factory tours or simple craft workshops—the Standard Plan is an ideal option, offering hands‑on access to authentic Japanese manufacturing.

For inquiries, please click here (Japanese/English)

What is the Standard Plan?

Experience Authentic “Made in Japan”Craftsmanship”

The Standard Plan offers an accessible way to experience Japanese manufacturing in South Osaka and Wakayama. Participants can visit local companies, observe real production lines, and try hands‑on craft activities guided by skilled artisans—an opportunity to discover the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship up close.
Partner companies range from traditional crafts and metalworking to food production, allowing visitors to use the same tools and machinery employed by local artisans. These interactive sessions provide a deeper understanding of Japan’s commitment to quality and the techniques behind its manufacturing culture.

Thanks to convenient access from Kansai International Airport, this program is ideal for educational trips, corporate training groups, and general sightseeing tours.
It offers a perfect blend of learning and cultural exploration, making it one of the most rewarding experiences in South Osaka and Wakayama.

For inquiries, please click here (Japanese, English)

Recommended for:

✈️ Airport Travelers & Short‑Stay Visitors
Perfect for travelers who want to make the most of the time before or after their flight at Kansai International Airport.
With excellent access to South Osaka and Wakayama, even a short visit allows you to enjoy meaningful factory tours and hands‑on craft experiences.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families Wanting to Explore Japanese & Osaka Culture
Ideal for families seeking educational and fun activities to enjoy together.
Children can easily understand the craftsmanship and traditional culture found in South Osaka and Wakayama, making it an excellent choice for memorable family trips.

🎓 Student Groups Seeking an Educational Trip
Great for student groups wanting to learn about Japanese industries and SDGs.
University and high‑school seminar trips can gain valuable “real‑world learning” by observing actual manufacturing sites.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Those Looking for Safe, Authentic Traditional Industry Experiences
Recommended for travelers wishing to interact with local artisans and companies.
With friendly support from each facility, even first‑time visitors to industrial tourism can participate with confidence.

🌱 Travelers Interested in Sustainable Tourism
Ideal for those who want to understand sustainability through local industries.
You can learn about environmentally friendly practices and efforts to preserve traditional industries—perfect for travelers who value sustainable tourism.

📸 Culture & Photography Enthusiasts
For those seeking “real Japan” beyond ordinary sightseeing spots.
Craftsmen at work, factory interiors, and production scenes offer many photogenic moments, making this a great choice for photography lovers.

[Experience Introduction] Tenugui Making

Sakai 's "Washarashi"

Japanese bleaching is a traditional industry that has been in existence in Sakai , Osaka for over 400 years.

"Wazarashi" is a type of fabric that has been bleached to remove impurities from cotton, and has been produced in large quantities along the Ishizu River, which has abundant water, since the early Edo period. The fabric is cooked in a large cauldron for approximately 28 hours.

It has a gentle feel without losing the natural texture of cotton. The more you wash it, the softer it becomes, making it ideal for bedding.

It is a safe and reliable fabric that has long been used for gauze, baby underwear, diapers, and more.

Tour Details

Why not try making your own original tenugui that is one of a kind?

We will start by folding the original Tenugui cloth into a triangle. We have about six colors of dyes available, so you can choose your favorite color and try your hand at dyeing.

Takeaway on the day is OK! Children are welcome too!

Our staff will provide thorough, direct instruction, so even if you have no experience, there is no need to worry. We hope you will experience the joy of dyeing and the joy of holding a dyed tenugui cloth in your hands.

≪Fee≫
Starting from 2,300 yen per person (tax included)
*Prices vary depending on the course.

≪Number of people≫
From 1 person

≪Time≫
30-60 minutes

≪Contents≫
Tenugui tie-dyeing experience
*In addition to the trial course, we will also guide you around the factory for an additional 1,300 yen per person.

≪Booking≫
Up to 2 months in advance

≪For more details, click here↓≫

[Experience Introduction] High-precision spinning top making workshop

About Metal Processing Company

We receive a wide variety of requests from our customers every day.

We have been in business for over 40 years, and while inheriting the recipes of our manufacturing over the past 40 years, we are constantly pursuing profound manufacturing by creating "one size fits all" products.

We put our heart into each and every product.

Workshop Details

Why not try making your own traditional Japanese toy using metal?

In this experience, you will attempt to create a high-quality top with an accuracy of 1/100 mm, where even the slightest deviation is not allowed. Experience the joy of creating an amazing top that appears to be still even though it is moving. Come experience making a one-of-a-kind traditional toy with your own hands!

≪Fee≫
2,300 yen

≪Number of people≫
1 to 10 people

≪Time≫
Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

≪Contents≫
Factory tour and toy making experience

≪Booking≫
Up until one week before

≪For more details, click here↓≫

[Experience Introduction] Umeshu-Making Experience in Wakayama

A Historic Brewery Sharing Wakayama’s Umeshu Culture with the World

This long-established brewery has been making plum wine for many years in Wakayama, a famous plum producing region, and is currently producing authentic plum wine while promoting the charm of the region both domestically and internationally. Its predecessor was a soy sauce brewery, and it has a unique history. Utilizing the fermentation and brewing techniques cultivated there, the brewery produces plum wine and health foods using ingredients from Wakayama Prefecture, including Nanko plums.

Tour Details

In this program, you can enjoy the unique plum pickling experience and tour of the sake brewery.

During the pickling experience, you can make your own plum wine or plum syrup using Nankou plums from Wakayama Prefecture, and you can take the bottle you make home with you on the same day!

You can make your own original plum wine at home while observing the aging process for six months.

During the brewery tour, you can see the plum wine production process up close, and also enjoy tasting and shopping. This is the perfect experience for those who want to learn more about Wakayama's plum culture.

≪Contents / Fee≫

①Plum wine making experience course (including tour of the sake brewery) 2,600 yen (tax included) per person

②Plum syrup making experience course (including tour of the sake brewery) 1,900 yen (tax included) per person

*Overseas customers can only make reservations for the plum wine making experience course.

≪Number of people≫

1 to 80 people *Please contact us for groups of 81 or more.

≪Time≫

Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

《Regular Holiday》

Every Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following Tuesday)

≪Booking≫

Up to one week before

≪For more details, click here↓≫

[Experience Introduction] Japanese Tea

Our goal is to always serve delicious tea.

Experience the profound world of tea at this long-established tea shop, founded over 170 years ago in Sakai, the hometown of Sen no Rikyu, where tea culture flourished. Tea masters will carefully select tea leaves from various regions, roast them, and blend them together in a clear and easy-to-understand guide. After roasting tea leaves, you will learn how to brew delicious tea. Afterward, enjoy a tea porridge lunch, condensed with the flavor of tea.

In particular, their "Nanko Ume Plum Wine" is a highly acclaimed masterpiece, the first liqueur in Japan to receive Geographical Indication (GI) certification. The brewery has also attracted attention from overseas, and is a symbol of the region, where tradition and innovation live on.

Experience Overview

This company was founded in Sakai in 1850 (Kaei 3) at the end of the Edo period. For over 170 years, based on the belief that "tea connects people," they have been providing high-quality, fresh, safe, secure, and affordable tea as "tea for everyday life." Furthermore, based on the belief that tea contributes to health, they were one of the first to independently research deep-steamed tea and oolong tea, and are supported by customers not only in Sakai but throughout the country.

≪Fee≫

9,200 yen (per person/tax included)

≪Number of people≫

1-8 people

≪Time≫

Approximately 90 minutes of experience + tea porridge lunch and dessert

≪Contents≫

Experience, tea porridge lunch, dessert

≪Booking≫
1. It may be difficult to hold the event on Thursdays and Fridays. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible.
2. Please note that it will take some time for your order to be finalized.

[Experience Introduction]Wagashi Making Experience

Carrying 130 Years of Craftsmanship and Flavor into the Future

Founded over 130 years ago, this long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop has over 20 stores, mainly in Osaka and Wakayama. Crafting both Japanese and Western sweets, they have carefully preserved their traditional methods and artisanal techniques while adapting to the changing times. What has been honed over their long history is the unchanging deliciousness and a constantly evolving approach to craftsmanship. The experience is held at a company facility along the Nankai line, and is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport. You can participate immediately after arrival, making it the perfect place to start or end your trip.

Tour Details

In the wagashi-making experience, you can watch a demonstration by a skilled wagashi craftsman, and then try your hand at making three types of wagashi. These high-quality fresh confections delicately express the beauty of nature and the scenery of each season through their colors and shapes. Finished with skill and ingenuity, they are truly "edible works of art." During the demonstration, you will be given an explanation of how seasonal scenes are incorporated into wagashi, and you will also be able to learn about the background to the creation of wagashi and the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship. After the demonstration, you will be able to try making your own wagashi with the support of the craftsman. You can take home your finished wagashi on the same day, making them a great memento of your trip or a truly Japanese souvenir.

≪Contents / Fee≫

Japanese sweets making experience

(1-3 people) 23,000 yen/group

(4 to 10 people) 5,800 yen/person

≪Number of people≫

1 to 10 people

≪Time≫

Approximately 60 to 120 minutes

≪Booking≫

Up to 10 days in advance

*This event may not be held during busy periods.

≪Health & Safety Notice≫

To ensure your safety, we may refuse to allow you to participate in the experience if you are not feeling well on the day.

≪For more details, click here↓≫

[Experience Introduction] Knife-making tour

Experience craftsmanship at a blacksmith's shop - Visit the world-renowned Sakai cutlery workshop

Osaka, Sakai, is a "town of manufacturing" with a long history as one of Japan's leading cutlery production centers. Blacksmithing techniques that have been passed down over the years are still kept alive by artisans today. On this tour, you'll not only get to see the blacksmithing process up close, but you'll also get to try your hand at a full-scale forging experience, swinging a hammer and striking heated iron. Your guide will be Eric, a blacksmith from France. The unique appeal of this experience is that you'll get to experience the appeal of Sakai cutlery from a global perspective and learn about the reasons why Japanese craftsmanship is so highly regarded, all while experiencing the immersive experience of being on-site.

Tour Details

Guided by Sakai blacksmith Eric, you can learn about the blacksmithing techniques and their appeal that have been passed down in Sakai, while also trying your hand at forging with a hammer. This program's unique appeal is that you can hear from a craftsman about how to choose charcoal and determine the temperature of the iron, as well as experience the entire process from starting the fire to forging right before your eyes. In addition to the blacksmithing experience, you can also learn about Sakai's history and take a thorough tour of the entire facility, making it a popular experience with overseas visitors. Eric, who is fluent in Japanese, English, and French, will guide you, so even first-time visitors can participate with confidence.

≪Contents≫
Blacksmithing experience + on-site observation (experience：up to 2 participants)(Example)For 4–7 participants：approx. 2 hours / JPY 50,600 per group
Observation only：up to 20 participants  
≪Fee≫ 
 From JPY 25,300 / group (approx. 1 hour)

Blacksmithing experience + observation (Experience: up to 2 people per hour)

≪Number of people≫
1 to 20 people

≪Time≫

Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

1 to 20 people

*For observation only, a maximum of 20 people can be accommodated.

≪Time≫

Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

≪Booking≫

At least 1 month in advance

*Guidance is available in English, French, and Japanese (no interpretation required).

≪For more details, click here↓≫

[Experience Introduction] Precision Metal Bending 

Transforming a Flat Sheet Into a Functional Component — Precision Craftsmanship at 0.1 mm

This long-established company in Osaka, Kawachinagano, has been engaged in precision sheet metal processing and press working for over 50 years and offers factory tours where you can learn about Japan's advanced manufacturing technology up close. The parts manufactured here are essential for the interiors of electronic and industrial equipment. They are used in many products as the "unsung heroes" that support our daily lives.
The company uses skilled techniques to cut, bend, and assemble metal sheets, and boasts the technical capabilities to precisely process metal sheets as thin as 0.1 mm. Behind what may appear to be simple processes lies the company's many years of accumulated experience and advanced know-how.

Tour Details

First, the president will give an introduction to the company's history and its commitment to manufacturing. Afterwards, you will observe how metal sheets are transformed into products along an actual production line. At this precision sheet metal processing site, which you don't normally get to see, you will be able to hear directly from the on-site engineers about the ingenuity behind the processing and key points for maintaining precision.

After the tour, you can experience metal bending. You can operate the actual machines and feel the sensation of metal bending as it is shaped. The realistic reaction of the metal as the machine moves is truly the "joy of manufacturing." At the end, you can try your hand at making a miniature forklift car using the parts you have processed yourself. This is a valuable experience program that allows you to experience both the delicacy of precision sheet metal processing and the joy of manufacturing.

≪Contents≫
Factory tour + metal bending experience

2,600 yen (tax included) per person

≪Number of people≫
4 to 20 people

≪Time≫
Approximately 120 minutes

Up to two weeks before

《For more details, click here↓》

How to 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 (Japanese, English)

Please feel free to contact us for any enquiries about available dates or detailed tour information!

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