Lean Japan Tour – September 2026 – Japan Study Tour
The September 2026 Japan study tour by Shinka Management will take place from Sunday, 6 September 2026 to Saturday, 12 September 2026.
This week-long Japan study tour program delivers an insightful exploration of lean thinking at its source – with expert-led sessions on the Toyota Production System, practical kaizen workshops, and curated visits to lean-focused companies in Japan. Participants will engage directly with industry leaders and deepen their understanding in an environment that blends professional learning with Japanese cultural context.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Visit our main Lean Japan Tour page for FAQs and other dates, or contact us to register.
Download the Japan study tour registration form for further details.
The September 2026 program will be conducted in English and is open to professionals from across the globe.
Shinka Management’s Japan study tours are designed for professionals aiming to build practical lean capability within their organizations.
Throughout this week, you will interact with experienced practitioners – including former Toyota managers – observing lean systems firsthand, participating in factory visits, and acquiring skills through hands-on kaizen workshops.
Sample agenda based on previous Japan study tours
Sunday: Arrive Tokyo
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Orientation & Japanese Business Etiquette Seminar
- Welcome Dinner
Monday: Site Visits & Training
- Travel to Aichi Prefecture
- Seminar | Lean Leadership in Japan
- Site Tour | Suzaki Industries | Toyota Supplier
- Seminar | Toyota Production System
- Group Dinner in Inuyama
Tuesday: Seminars & Practical Training
- Seminar | Toyota Production System Standard Work
- Hands-on Training | Kaizen Team Challenge
- Group Dinner | Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Wednesday: Site Visit & Practical Training
- Site Visit | Metal One Isuzu (Steel Service Center)
- Practical Training | Kanban Simulation
- Sightseeing at Inuyama Castle
Thursday: Site Visits
- Factory Tour | Auotomotive final assembly plant or supplier
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
Friday: Site Visit & Debriefing
- Factory visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Factory visit | Electronics manufacturer
- Final seminar and Tour Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
- Farewell Dinner in Shibuya
Saturday: Tokyo – Recovery and Sightseeing
- Tokyo Sightseeing | Asakusa and Ginza
- Departure
Over close to two decades, our Japan study tours have featured visits to a diverse array of factories, hospitals, service providers, and government organizations. Each itinerary is thoughtfully tailored considering host company availability and tour focus, ensuring meaningful, practical learning experiences. Program features include:
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Factory and site visits: Learn lean practices where they are most developed.
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Guided training: Led by former Toyota professionals and expert consultants.
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Hands-on learning: Workshops in kaizen, TPS, Kanban, and more.
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Cultural immersion: Japanese etiquette training, meals, and local exploration.
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Comprehensive support: Accommodation, in-country transport, meals, interpreters – all arranged for a seamless learning journey.
Shinka Management has had the privelege of hosting clients from over 70 countries to date on our Japan study tours…
Denver, Colorado, United States
This was my third visit to Japan with Shinka Management and it is difficult for me to find the right words to express my gratitude for such a well-organized tour and my appreciation for the high quality and on-target content. In my previous visits I received very valuable information related to continuous improvement principles and…
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Shanghai, China
The overall experience on the Lean Japan Tour is great with a lot of learnings from the trainings, workshops and company and factory visits. The accommodation and meals were also well arranged with the schedule and agenda organized in a great manner. Really appreciate Ben and Paul making everything comfortable and efficient during the whole…
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Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Had the pleasure to accompany Ben and clients on the 2007 Lean Japan Tour. I had worked with many Japanese, ASEAN, UK and US firms and as such have participated in benchmarking assignments and tours of their operations. Some involved attending and presenting at various strategy, productivity and quality management conferences. In that context, I…
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Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for organizing such a fantastic tour. From the seamless logistics to the thoughtfully curated, authentic Japanese experience, everything was meticulously planned, making for an unforgettable trip. Your team’s professionalism, and passion for what you do really shone through, and it truly enhanced the entire experience. I appreciate…
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Bowhill, South Australia, Australia
A great mix of Japanese Business Etiquette, site visits show-casing lean principles, Japanese Culture and networking with the other members of the group. Both Ben & Paul were professional yet relaxed and friendly. Their relationships with key personnel in strategic lean businesses is impressive and their ability to translate quickly & accurately minimised the language…
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Learn More or Register to Join
Run several times each year, the Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship professional development program – an immersive Japan study tour focused on lean practices and methodologies. Each tour follows a proven framework while incorporating site visits and content selected to match the expertise and availability of our host companies. This approach ensures every program delivers a distinct learning experience, showcasing a range of lean applications and kaizen success stories.
For more details on upcoming Japan study tours, visit our Lean Tour page for program details and participant insights. Whether your goal is to strengthen your understanding of lean principles or gain practical tools for improvement, our tours provide a focused and hands-on learning opportunity.
Past Participants on Shinka Management’s Japan Study Tours
Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Speak to us about our study tours, or secure your position now.