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In Japan there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there's bound to be something of interest for everyone.
| Food & Drink Facilities |
The Sapporo Beer Museum
Description : Come here for details of beer history and a clear explanation of the brewing process.
Open : 9:00-15:40
Close : Dec. 29 - Jan. 5
Contact : 011-731-4368 (Japanese)
Address : Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 10 min. by bus from JR Sapporo Sta.
URL : http://www.sapporobeer.co.jp/ (Japanese/English)
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Otokoyama Sake Museum
Description : A display of various valuable items that explain the history and cultural significance of sake-brewing, a traditional Japanese technology. The exhibits include a number of documents of historical importance dating back around 330 years. Come to see not only the sake-brewing equipment, but also woodblock prints and literature featuring rice wine.
Open : 9:00 - 17:00
Close : Dec. 31- Jan. 3
Contact : 0166-48-1931 (Japanese)
Address : Nagayama 2-jo 7-chome, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 20 min. by bus from JR Asahikawa Sta.
URL : http://www.otokoyama.com/ (Japanese/English)
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Furano Wine Factory
Description : Furano is one of Japan's top winemaking areas, and the Furano Wine Factory is a key facility. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process and test taste the results. In June through August the factory is illuminated along with the adjoining lavender field, creating a beautiful and mysterious appearance.
Open : 11:00 - 20:00 (May.-Oct.), 11:00 - 19:00 (Nov.-Apr.)
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 0167-23-4155 (Japanese)
Address : Shimizuyama, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
Access : 5 min. by taxi from JR Furano Sta.
Furano Cheese Factory
Description : The cheese produced in this factory comes from cows milked on local dairy farms. Visitors can observe the process of making cheese and taste fresh samples. At a do-it-yourself facility, visitors can try their hand at making butter and ice cream.
Open : 9:00 - 17:00 (May-Oct.), 9:00 - 16:00 (Nov.-Apr.)
Close : Open every day (May.-Oct.). Closed on Sundays, and first and third Saturdays (Nov.-Apr.)
Contact : 0167-23-1156 (Japanese)
Address : Nakago-ku, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 8 min. by car from JR Furano Sta.
Yokohama Curry Museum
Description : Come here for an education in all aspects of curry, both Japanese and international. Key areas of knowledge include history, culture, and spices.
Open : 11:00 - 21:30
Close : Open every day
Contact : 045-250-0833 (Japanese)
Address : 1-2-3 Isezaki-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 2 min. walk from JR Kannai Sta.
Kirin Yokohama Beer Village
Description : Learn more about the history and production of beer in a relaxed atmosphere.
Open : 10:00 - 17:00
Close : Every Monday (Oct.-May.), Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 045-503-8250 (Japanese/English)
Address : Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory, 1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 8 min. walk from Namamugi Sta. on Keikyu Line
URL : http://www.kirin.co.jp/ (English/Japanese)
Suzuhiro Kamaboko (Fishcake) Museum
Description : Find out more about various types of fishcake and fishpaste through exhibits and panel displays. Watch the masters make kamaboko using a traditional method.
Open : 10:00 - 17:00
Close : Late Dec. - early Jan.
Contact : 0465-24-6262 (Japanese/English)
Address : 245 Kazamatsuri, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 7 min. by Hakone Tozan Tetsudo from Odawara Sta. to Kazamatsuri Sta. then about 1 min. walk
Suntory Tomi-no-oka Winery
Description : One of the largest wineries in the country. Visitors can observe winemaking, taste the wine, and go for walks.
Open : 9:30 - 16:40
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan., Every Saturday
Contact : 0551-28-7311 (Japanese)
Address : 2786 Onuta, Futaba-cho, Kitakoma-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access : 30 min. by taxi from JR Kofu Sta.
URL : http://www.suntory.co.jp/ (English/Japanese)
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Mars Wine (Factory Tour)
Description : Visitors can observe the process of making wine through to the finished product, and enjoy the taste of luxury wine.
Open : 8:30 - 17:00
Close : Open every day
Contact : 055-262-4121 (Japanese)
Address : 126 Yamasaki, Isawa-cho, Higashiyatsushiro-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Isawa-onsen Sta.
Instant Ramen Museum
Description : Panels and models illustrate the history of instant ramen, now a globally popular dish.
Open : 10:00 - 16:00
Close : Every Tuesday (or the next day, Wednesday, when Tuesday is a national holiday)
Contact : 0727-52-0825 (Japanese)
Address : 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access : About 7 min. walk from Ikeda Sta. on Hankyu Takarazuka Line
Kawachi Wine Kan
Description : A display devoted to the history of winemaking and the tools that are used. Wine-tasting is an option.
Open : 10:00-17:00
Close : Open every day
Contact : 0729-56-0181 (Japanese)
Address : 1027 Komagatani, Habikino-shi, Osaka
Access : About 8 min. walk from Komagatani Sta. on Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line
Kobe Shushinkan
Description : Four sake-making facilities including a brew house are used to offer insights into the process of producing rice wine, and into Japanese culture itself. There's also a sake-tasting area.
Open : 10:00 - 18:00
Close : Open every day except Jan. 1-3
Contact : 078-841-1121 (Japanese)
Address : 1-8-17 Mikagetuka-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo-ken
Access : About 9 min. by Hanshin Line from Sannomiya Sta. to Ishiyagawa Sta. then about 8 min. walk
Rice Gallery Ginza
Description : Come here to get a clear idea of the rice-production process. Feel free to take home and try out the rice recipes provided. Possible purchases include cosmetics, ice cream and tableware--all made using rice.
Open : 11:00-19:00
Close : Every Monday
Contact : 03-3289-7300 (Japanese)
Address : 1 & 2F, Ginza Gas Hall Bldg., 7-9-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 3 min. walk from Subway Ginza Sta.
Rice Gallery Shinsaibashi
Open : 11:00-19:30
Close : Every Monday
Contact : 06-6245-4219 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Chiyoda Seimei Midosuji Bldg., 1-5-5 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access : About 3 min. walk from Shinsaibashi Sta. on Subway Midosuji Line
Rice Gallery Tenjin
Open : 10:00 - 20:00
Close : Third Tuesday
Contact : 092-725-4841 (Japanese)
Address : 6F, IMS, 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken
Access : About 3 min. walk from Subway Tenjin Sta.
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| IT Fun Spots |
Ginza Sony Building
Description : A building filled with displays of Sony products. You can also see a studio where TV programs are made, and watch while sound and vision are recorded. Enjoy a giant screen presentation with breathtaking sound and pictures, and also some of the latest electronic games.
Open : 11:00 - 19:00
Close : Open every day
Contact : 03-3573-2563 (Japanese/English)
Address : 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access : Near Ginza Sta. on Subway Ginza Line
URL : http://www.sonybuilding.jp/ (English/Japanese) |
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Yokohama Mobile Port
Description : Here you can have fun using the latest mobile devices to send mail and surf the Internet.
Open : 10:00 - 17:00 (Mon.-Fri.),11:00 - 18:00 (Sat.-Sun.)
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 045-650-8910 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Yokohama Media Tower, 4-7-3 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 15 min. walk from JR Yokohama Sta.
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| Showcase of Motor Vehicles |
Toyota Autosalon Amlux Tokyo
Description : A display of 70 or so of Toyota's latest cars. A live-experience theatre stimulates the senses, and the other attractions include original games.
Open : 11:00 - 19:00 (B1F until 21:00)
Close : From the end of the year to the beginning of the year
Contact : 03-5391-5900 (Japanese)
Address : 3-3-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Ikebukuro Sta.
URL : http://www.amlux.jp/ (English/Japanese)
MEGA WEB
Description : Here you can see all of the cars that Toyota makes. Use a state-of-the-art simulator to go for a virtual drive. You can also enjoy the display of vintage cars from around the world. And there's a 1.4 km test-drive course.
Open : 11:00 - 21:00
Close : Please call to check
Contact : 03-3599-0808 (Japanese/English)
Address : Aomi 1-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Access : Near Aomi Sta. on Yurikamome Line
URL : http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/ (English/Japanese) |
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Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama
Description : In addition to enjoying a display of Honda's latest models, here you can buy a variety of goods and gather the latest news about motor sports.
Open : 10:00 - 18:00(Sep.-Apr.), 10:00 - 19:00 (May-Aug.)
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 03-3423-4118 (Japanese)
Address : 2-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 2 min. walk from Aoyama 1-chome Sta. on Subway Ginza Line |
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Jetro Imported Car Showroom Tokyo
Description : A permanent display of imported cars, representing a number of global manufacturers.
Open : 11:00 - 19:00
Close : Every Monday (or the next day, Tuesday, when Monday is a national holiday)
Contact : 03-5232-3100 (Japanese)
Address : 3-9-6 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Tamachi Sta.
Jetro Imported Car Showroom Nagoya
Open : 10:00 - 19:00
Close : Every Monday (or the next day, Tuesday, when Monday is a national holiday)
Contact : 052-963-7700 (Japanese)
Address : 3-25-20 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken
Access : Near Sakae Sta. on Subway Higashiyama Line
Jetro Imported Car Showroom Osaka
Open : 11:00 - 19:00
Close : Every Monday (or the next day, Tuesday, when Monday is a national holiday)
Contact : 06-6373-8400 (Japanese)
Address : Umeda Center Bldg., 2-4-12 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access : About 9 min. walk from JR Osaka Sta. |
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| Great Locations for Cosmetics Fans |
Shiseido Cosmetic Garden [C] Omotesando
Description : A showroom featuring Shiseido's cosmetic products. You can refer to monitors for guidance on technique as you explore the product range. Specialist staff are on hand to offer further advice.
Open : 11:00 - 19:30
Close : Every Monday, second Tuesday
Contact : 03-5474-1534 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Harajuku Piaza Bldg., 4-26-18 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 7 min. walk from Omotesando Sta. on Subway Ginza Line |
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Shiseido Kamakura Factory
Description : The Shiseido Kamaura Factory includes the Shiseido Gallery. Here there is an area for trying out cosmetics.
Open : 9:00 - 16:00
Close : Every Saturday and Sunday. National holidays
Contact : 0467-44-6141 (Japanese)
Address : 1-2-3 Iwase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Ofuna Sta.
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Menard Cosmetage
Description : As well as trying out cosmetics, you can also help yourself to a leisurely cup of tea. Staff can offer advice about how to care for skin.
Open : 11:00 - 19:30
Close : Every Sunday and national holidays
Contact : 0120-194362 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Shinjuku L-Tower, 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 5 min. walk from JR Shinjuku Sta.
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| TV Studios and Other Broadcast Facilities |
NHK Broadcast Museum
Description : The world's first museum dedicated to broadcasting. Clear exhibits cover the history of broadcasting, broadcasting equipment, scripts, and examples of broadcast sound and vision. A visitor can conduct a search for a specific radio and TV program, and watch or listen to it. You can also watch videos of NHK programs, enjoy HDTV presentations and consult a library of broadcasting.
Open : 9:30 - 16:30
Close : Every Monday, and Dec 26 - Jan. 3
Contact : 03-5400-6900 (Japanese)
Address : 2-1-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 10 min. walk from Kamiya-cho Sta. on Subway Hibiya Line
URL : http://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/index-e.html
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Fuji Television
Description : Studio Promenade on the 5th floor offers visitors a chance to see a recording studio, including sets and props.
Open : 10:00 - 20:00
Close : Every Monday
Contact : 0180-993-188 (Japanese)
Address : 2-4-8 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access : Near Daiba Sta. on Yurikamome Line
URL : http://www.fujitv.co.jp/en/
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