Ishii Food's Yachiyo Factory in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, offers factory tours where visitors can taste freshly fried meatballs before they are packaged. Admission is ¥800 for junior high school students and older, and the approximately 90-minute tour also includes a look at the manufacturing process.
Ishii Food's Yachiyo Factory in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, offers factory tours that provide an up-close look at the manufacturing process for the Ishii Obento-kun Meatballs enjoyed every day. Visitors can learn about the process from the addition of raw materials through to completion, and view the production line at various points along the tour.
A highlight of the tour is a tasting of freshly fried meatballs before they are packaged, allowing visitors to enjoy the flavor of the meatballs themselves. The manufacturing process for this product, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 during the factory tour's long history, is also included in the tour.
Tour dates are irregular. Tours for individuals and families are limited to 30 people per session, with participation determined by lottery following advance web reservations. Admission is ¥800 including tax for junior high school students and older, ¥300 for elementary school students, and free for preschool children. Advance credit card payment and payment on site are available.
The factory is approximately a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Yachiyo-Midorigaoka Station on the Toyo Rapid Railway. Start times vary by day, so the latest information should be checked on the reservation page of the official website. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes including the tasting, and photography and video recording of the production line are prohibited, among other restrictions.