Factory tours are fascinating, as you can learn about things you can't see every day, including the manufacturing process and a company's dedication.
Consider experiencing a fun, intellectually inspiring factory tour for adults.
*Please check with each factory for tour pricing

Learn about industrial sites and industry, and experience a factory tour in Takamatsu.

【Kamaboko】Kumano Kamaboko

Kamaboko has long been produced from fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea in Kanagawa Prefecture. The fried version of this food is called "tempura," and it is a regular accompaniment to Sanuki udon noodles.

First, minced fish and seasoning are worked together using a large mortar.

Next, a metal mold is filled with the minced fish using a special knife, and the surface is smoothed. It is then placed in a wooden frame and put in a steamer.

For tempura, the minced fish is molded into an oblong shape using a machine and then dropped in oil.

The artisan checks each piece of tempura as it moves along the line as if swimming in the ocean.

Fish used in cooking are in decline due to the effects of climate change and as the demand for fish globally has increased. Kumano Kamaboko uses fish from properly managed fisheries with care so as not to be wasteful.

The shop features standard kamaboko as well as a variety of seasonal products.

【Aji-stone】Aoishima Inc. and Ninomiya Sekizai Factory

Aoishima designs aji-stone products to become a part of everyday life and works to share information about the production site. Guests tour the quarry and processing plant, with the entire production site acting as a single, large factory.

Aji-stone is a type of granite mined in Takamatsu's Aji and Mure districts. This high-quality stone material features beautiful patterns and a hardness that rivals quartz. Because of its quality, it was seen as being used for gravestones and was not a part of everyday life.

Aoishima CEO Chikara Ninomiya says that it is important to first educate people about aji-stone.

Employing directors and designers, Aoishima designs products from perspectives previously unheard of. They are creating new value for aji-stone.

They also offer special tours where you can select a rock from the quarry and have an artisan craft it into a bookend called a "ROCK END."

Next to Aoishima is the Ninomiya Sekizai Factory. Here, they carve text or images into the stone using a fine particle spray, and you can tour this factory, as well.

▼Worth Seeing If You Have Half a Day! Takamatsu Stone Culture and Stone Sculpture Artwork
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-439.html

【Sustainable clothing manufacturing】Naka Shoji & Co.・AJI CIRCULAR PARK

Apparel company Naka Shoji designs, produces, and sells clothing.
Everything from knitting to sewing knit products is handled in their knit factory, and during a tour, you can see the process from yarn to product and from knitting to finishing.

There are various yarn thicknesses and strengths depending on the product. For knit products, consideration must also be given to shrinkage after washing.

Artisans can show off their skills by determining yarn characteristics and adjusting the fineness and dimensions of the stitching.

Linking is a process by which different pieces are combined, and it requires a high level of skill to connect each knitted piece with yarn.

Domestically produced clothing accounts for only 2% or less of the total clothing supply in Japan, and only a few manufacturers remain, mostly found in rural areas.

Mr. Naka, the CEO, says that the region itself will fall into decline if local manufacturers decline." I want to create a future for the region through the textile industry."

AJI CIRCULAR PARK is a retail store connected to the Naka Shoji headquarters and factory. They sell recycling-themed products and surplus materials, working to address the issue of clothing waste. (Open Saturday through Monday, 10 am to 5 pm)

Check this out, too! Introducing companies offering factory tours

【Futons】Shikoku Seni Hanbai Co., Ltd.　Ohno Futon Factory

Shikoku Seni Hanbai operates a leading futon factory in Japan in terms of volume and technology.
At the factory, guests can see the processes of cotton molding, fabric cutting and sewing, cotton padding, and feather stuffing.
The large machines are quite impressive!
Each process is carried out by hand, producing a finished product dedicated to comfort.

【Embroidery】Orchid Co., Ltd.　Takamatsu Factory

Orchid specializes in embroidery processing for clothing and household items.
You can see various embroidery machines at the factory.
One of these machines is a proprietary Orchid technology called SetoShiori®. It offers detailed coloring and a three-dimensional feel by printing on top of embroidery. You can also enjoy shopping at the connected Setoshiori Museum & Shop.

Tour of Kagawa Craftwork Studio

【Kagawa lacquer art】Kagawa Urushi Lacquerware Institute

The Kagawa Urushi Lacquerware Institute aims to preserve Kagawa lacquer art techniques and train craftspeople. Through glass windows, guests can witness research students learning through practice as they study each and every day.
Regular rotating exhibitions are held in the hall on the first floor, and you can see valued lacquer pieces.
*Small children and people at risk of developing a rash from lacquer may not be allowed to join the tour.

▼“KAGAWA LACQUER WARE”, unique culture has blossomed with carving techniques and color lacquer.
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-596.html

【Sanuki Aji-stone Glass】Rie Glass Garden

Sanuki aji-stone glass has a unique, light blue color similar to the Seto Inland Sea. This type of glass was created when Rie Sugiyama melted and incorporated aji-stone powder into glass. The green color is glass incorporated with melted olive tree foliage.
The gallery and shop are lined with glass pieces wrapped in the calm air of the Seto Inland Sea. Schedule permitting, you can take a tour to see production.

【Botaori】Iwabu Botaori Honpo

Botaori is a silk fabric that was developed in the Edo Period for the purveyor of the Takamatsu Clan. Starting in the Meiji Period, cotton yarn began to be used for weaving, spreading to ordinary people.
The waffle-like surface produced through the unique weaving produces a soft touch.
Many of the products are made using machinery, but you can also see weaving done by a handloom in the shop *.
*Demonstrations are available when the owner is in the store.

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▼Today, 800 shishimai teams remain active. Visit the land of shishimai, the traditional lion dance that has undergone a unique evolution.　Okawahara Senshokuhonpo(A studio that makes numerous yutan cloths for Sanuki Shishimai.)
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▼Consider the wood and make George Nakashima-branded furniture.　George Nakashima Memorial Gallery (Sakura Seisakusho Co., Ltd.)
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▼Traditional craftworks to support Japanese-style confectionery culture the wooden mold　Ichihara Ltd., Wooden Mold Studio
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