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[Corporate Visit List] Near Kansai Airport! Discover Japan’s Technology and Business Philosophy through Industrial Tourism

[Corporate Visit List] Near Kansai Airport! Discover Japan’s Technology and Business Philosophy through Industrial Tourismの画像

Experience “Industrial Tourism” in South Osaka and Wakayama, easily accessible from Kansai Airport. Gain rare insights directly from executives on business philosophy and Japan’s commitment to SDGs. Ideal for global business leaders to deeply understand Japan’s manufacturing excellence.

2025.11.13

What Is Industrial Tourism?

Industrial Tourism is a unique travel style that allows visitors to experience and learn about local industries and manufacturing sites as cultural resources. From factory tours and traditional craft workshops to agricultural and fishing experiences, travelers can discover how products are made and witness the craftsmanship behind them. In recent years, Japan’s national and local governments have actively promoted industrial tourism, making visits to knife forges, sake breweries, and local artisan studios increasingly popular.

These experiences offer visitors the value of “Discover, Learn, and Engage”, providing deeper insights into the region’s history and culture. They are not just informative—they create memorable moments that enhance overall travel satisfaction. For those who want a more comprehensive corporate site visit, we highly recommend the Premium Plan.

The Premium Plan

Learn Directly from Executives

The “Premium Plan” for industrial tourism in South Osaka and Wakayama offers an exclusive corporate visit program for international gDuests, easily accessible from Kansai Airport. Visit long-established Japanese manufacturers with over 50 years of history and gain insights not only into on-site technology but also through direct dialogue with executives to learn about corporate philosophy and Japan’s commitment to SDGs.

The featured companies are led by visionary executives who have implemented innovative strategies, from shifting business models from B2B to B2C to overcoming financial crises. These Japanese companies combine tradition with advanced technology, offering future-oriented ideas and management philosophies that will inspire global executives and business leaders.

For inquiries, please click here (JP, EN)

Recommended for:

👔Executives & Business Leaders

Gain practical insights by visiting Japanese manufacturing sites and engaging in direct dialogue with executives. Learn about corporate philosophy, SDGs initiatives, and talent development strategies to apply to your own business and organizational growth.

🎓University Seminars & MBA Programs

For students of management, international business, or sustainability, industrial tourism offers real-world exposure beyond classroom learning. Understand corporate transformation and SDGs practices through hands-on experiences.

📋Corporate HR & Training Managers

Industrial tourism provides an excellent opportunity to deepen employees’ understanding of on-site operations. Learn about Japan’s quality control, productivity improvement, teamwork, and Kaizen culture—insights that go beyond conventional training.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑International Travelers Interested in Japanese Industry

This program offers a valuable opportunity for general groups interested in manufacturing and monozukuri to experience Japan’s technological excellence and management philosophy. English materials are available, ensuring a smooth experience for international group tours.

Voices from Participants

German Entrepreneurs & Executive Delegation

We joined the program because of our strong interest in Osaka’s global startup ecosystem and its public-private innovation initiatives. We were deeply impressed by Japan’s cultural strengths, its tradition-driven approach to innovation, and the craftsmanship spirit that defines Japanese manufacturing.

Textile Consultant from UAE

I joined this program to understand Japan’s apparel production management process and to find products I could recommend to buyers. Talking directly with local companies gave me practical insights that I can immediately apply to my work.

University Student from Malaysia

I joined this program as part of my university research on Japan’s manufacturing industry. Seeing the real operations firsthand was incredibly valuable. The experience was so inspiring that I even asked if they would accept me as an intern after the tour!

About the South Osaka Inspection Area

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.

This region is also a popular sightseeing destination and is ideal for corporate visit tours combined with Osaka city sightseeing. For business travelers and group tours using Kansai Airport, South Osaka offers an efficient and immersive industrial tourism experience.

[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 Sustainable Manufacturing

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】
At least 2 weeks in advance

[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] From Subcontracting to Independent Manufacturing

Breaking Away from Subcontracting and Transforming from B2B to B2C

Based in Sakai, Osaka, this company specializes in manufacturing and processing plastic components for automobiles and home appliances. Moving away from a single-client subcontracting model, the firm developed its own brand, CHOPLATE, leveraging proprietary technology. It has expanded its reach from B2B to B2C markets while promoting plastic recycling, cost reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Tour Details

During the president’s lecture, the content will be tailored to the audience (executives or employees). For executives, the discussion will focus on the journey of breaking away from single-client dependency, entering the B2C market, and the background behind transforming into an independent manufacturing company beyond the subcontracting model.

《For more details, click here↓》

For employees, we offer programs focused on 5S activities and internal branding to promote talent development and proactive improvement initiatives. These practical programs emphasize workplace mindset transformation, making them ideal for companies considering employee training.

《For more details, click here↓》

During the factory tour, you will observe not only the production process of our B2C products but also our use of bioplastics, recycled materials, and coating-free technology—innovative practices that combine proprietary techniques with environmental sustainability.

【Price】
57,500 yen (tax included)
*Group prices

【Group Size】
1 to 20 people

【Duration】
Approximately 120 to 150 minutes

【Includes】
Factory tour, speech by the president
*Content will be tailored to the target audience (management/employees).

【Application】
At least 1 month in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an English explanation available?

The tour is conducted in Japanese, but interpretation can be arranged if you bring an interpreter. For the Premium Plan (including the president’s lecture), specialized terminology is frequently used, so a highly skilled interpreter with relevant knowledge is required. We can also arrange interpretation upon request—please contact us via the inquiry form.

Can children join the tour?

Most facilities allow participation for elementary school-aged children and above, making it suitable for family trips.

Is photography allowed?

Some facilities have restrictions. Details will be provided in advance.

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!

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

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