Grown Up Factory Tours That Everyone Can Enjoy!
If the words "factory tours" call to mind school outings, then think again! These days, there are as many options for inquisitive adults as there are for kids when it comes to learning about the Japanese products, foods, and beverages you enjoy every day.
In the west Tokyo area, consider a tour of the Suntory Musashino Brewery, easily accessible in under an hour from the city center by train and free shuttle bus. This free tour and tasting session is a snapshot of the production process behind Suntory's famed The Premium Malt's beer.
Seeing the Suntory-themed bus pull into the terminal of Bubaigawara Station on the JR Nanbu Line and Keio Line really does take you back the excitement of setting out on a youthful field trip.
Soon you can dive into the history of Japanese beer and whisky, which is especially interesting from a foreigner's perspective and makes you realize that there are always fresh discoveries to be had.
Beyond learning how the beer-making production process took a turn in Japan, the most striking thing--right from the start of the tour--was how important the location of the brewery actually is to Suntory. It may seem obvious, but, while malt and hops are important for developing the rich and aromatic taste of beer, at the end of the day it is mostly water, making it the key to quality beer.
With this in mind, Suntory places all four of its Japanese beer breweries at sites that enjoy quality, pure, natural water. This also helps bring out the umami, or savory taste, from the beer's ingredients.
Suntory also does conservation work at its Natural Water Sanctuary sites to ensure that these important sources are preserved for generations to come.
As you learn about the ingredients and how they are brewed, you might also be surprised by how much of the production process is hands-on. No machine alone can decide better than a human's five senses which ingredients are the best or when the beer is ready!
Throughout the tour, in addition to the explanations from the staff and detailed exhibits, you have the option of a foreign language audio guide so you won't miss out on any details. As a result, you are sure to come away as something of an expert--not least as to what makes Suntory's famous brand The Premium Malt's so distinctive.
POUR A GLASS
Once you are ready to appreciate the results, you can enjoy a satisfyingly extensive tasting of the key members of the Suntory beer family in a relaxed setting. Soft drinks and snacks are also available free of charge.
Finally, if you are intrigued by related products including beer, snacks and sweets, then check out the gift shop as you wait for the shuttle bus to take you back to the station.
The tour is free and can be booked over the phone in Japanese or online. An appointment for your whole group is necessary, and be sure to book well in advance if you want to visit on a weekend as all the tours are very popular. Also be sure to let the staff know if you require a foreign language audio guide at the time you make an appointment.
Needless to say, those under the age of 20 are strictly prohibited from drinking any of the alcoholic beverages on the tour or purchasing alcoholic products in the gift shop. If any of your group are driving or cycling then they will not be able to participate in the tasting session, but soft drinks are available.
MORE TO SEE
There are many alternative factory tours in the Tokyo area, but, at present, most only conduct tours in Japanese. If that is not an issue for you and your family, then consider a visit to Kewpie's MAYOTERRACE in Chofu, western Tokyo. Their free tour is likewise open to all with advance reservation. The bright educational space is sure to be a hit with younger visitors and--whatever your age--you will leave with a fresh appreciation for the tasty mayonnaise that is most likely not far from your dinner table.
For more information and reservations, please visit the links below:
Suntory Musashino Brewery Tours
https://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/musashino/
(Foreign language audio guides are available, but the website is only in Japanese.)
MAYOTERRACE
https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayoterrace/
(Tours and website are only available in Japanese.)
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on October 9, 2018.