JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED RESEARCH LABSVisiting research labs in Japan
Japan's company research labs include some of the country's most interesting recent architecture. Most are working sites closed to the public, but a few have spaces you can visit. This page explains what you can and cannot do.
What you can visit
These labs have a space open to the public, according to their official pages. Hours and rules change, so check the official page before you go.
- Shiseido Beauty Park, Yokohama — on the ground and 2nd floors of the Shiseido Global Innovation Center. Free admission; closed on Mondays.
- Innovation Road, Hamamatsu — Yamaha's corporate museum at its head office site. Free, by booking, in two-hour slots.
- Mayo Terrace, Sengawa, Tokyo — Kewpie's mayonnaise museum inside Sengawa Kewport. Free, by booking; closed at weekends.
- NOVARE Archives, Shiomi, Tokyo — Shimizu Corporation's construction history museum. Free, by online booking; open on Thursdays.
- Morinaga's Tsurumi site, Yokohama — facility tours by booking.
Visiting etiquette
- Do not enter a research site without an invitation. Gates are staffed, and the labs handle confidential work.
- Photos. Take photos only where allowed, and do not photograph people or security areas. Many sites ask you not to photograph from the gate.
- Bookings. Visitor spaces that need booking usually take bookings online in Japanese. Booking opens weeks or months ahead and can fill up.
- Children. Some museums do not admit pre-school children; check before you book.
Words you will see
| 研究所 | Research institute or lab (kenkyūjo) |
|---|---|
| 見学 | Visit or tour (kengaku) |
| 予約制 | By booking only (yoyaku-sei) |
| 入館料 無料 | Free admission |
| 休館日 | Closed days |
| 守衛所 | Security gate (shueijo) |
| 撮影禁止 | No photography |
