Kawasaki · Umami & food factory tours
A closer look at everyday flavour.
The Ajinomoto Group Umami Science Square is the starting point for Kawasaki factory tours and a place to explore the story of umami. Choose a product-specific guided visit, or stop by the first-floor exhibits and shop without a tour reservation. The two options offer different ways into the seasonings and foods found in Japanese kitchens.
- Admission / tours
- Free
- Factory tour
- Advance reservation required
- Exhibits and shop
- No reservation; reception check-in required
- Individual tour duration
- About 70–100 minutes, by course
- Guide language
- Japanese only; no interpreter provided
- Exhibition hours
- Tue–Sat 09:00–16:00; last entry 15:30
Pick a product, then a course
The Ajinomoto course lasts about 70 minutes, Hondashi about 80, and the Knorr soup course about 100. Activities and tastings depend on the course. Some involve cooking, while others focus on production and flavour. Check the current course list rather than expecting every product on one visit.
Reserve the factory route
Individual bookings cover groups of up to fourteen and normally run Tuesday to Saturday, excluding public holidays. Reserve through the official calendar. Tours start from the Umami Science Square; arrive ten minutes before your booked time. Production lines may be stopped.
Check age and language requirements
Tours are conducted in Japanese, without an interpreter service. Minimum ages vary: some admit children from age two, while cooking courses have higher limits. Younger children cannot accompany an ineligible group, and strollers cannot be used on the tour. Read the selected course’s allergy information and visitor rules.
Drop in for the exhibitions
The first-floor exhibits introduce umami, ingredients and company history. This unreserved visit does not include the factory tour. Check the exhibition calendar before travelling, as special closures apply even on normal opening days.
Location & access
Ajinomoto Kawasaki Factory
Ajinomoto Group Umami Science Square, 3-4 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0801
Neighbourhood
Suzukicho / Kawasaki
About one minute on foot from Suzukicho Station on the Keikyu Daishi Line. Follow the Ajipanda footprints to the Umami Science Square and check in at the first-floor reception, including for the unreserved exhibits. There is no general visitor car or bicycle parking; use public transport.
Keep exploring
Sources & planning links
- Official courses, unreserved exhibitions and opening calendar
- Official individual reservations
- Official age, language and visitor requirements
- Official reception address and station access
- Official FAQ — tours are free
Visitor information reviewed on 13 October 2026. This guide uses published sources. Confirm current hours, prices and availability before visiting.