Lean Japan Tour – November 2025 – Lean Manufacturing Tour
The November 2025 Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour is set to run from Sunday, 9th November to Saturday, 15th November. This intensive lean manufacturing tour program includes expert-led training on the Toyota Production System, interactive kaizen workshops, exclusive factory visits with insights from senior executives, and an opportunity to experience Japan’s unique culture.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
For further details and to learn about past Japan industrial study tour programs see our Lean Japan Tour page.
Contact us to discuss participating or download the registration form to register now.
The April 2025 program is targeted at English-speaking professionals from across the globe.

The Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour offers participants an opportunity to explore lean management and kaizen practices at their source in Japan.
This professional development program is tailored for those aiming to deepen their understanding of lean principles and their practical application. Participants will engage with experienced industry leaders who have successfully implemented and sustained lean strategies across their organizations.
The lean manufacturing tour features visits to benchmark lean factories, providing firsthand exposure to lean methodologies in action and the impact of kaizen on operational performance. Hands-on training sessions focus on the Toyota Production System, offering participants practical skills and insights to implement within their own organizations.
The program is complemented by seminars and discussions with senior leaders from host companies. These sessions provide valuable perspectives on lean strategy, practical solutions to common challenges, and examples of best practices. Participants leave with actionable knowledge and tools to drive improvement and innovation in their teams and organizations.

Example agenda based on previous lean manufacturing 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
- Site visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Toyota Commemorative Museum
- Final seminar and Tour Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
- Farewell Dinner in Shibuya
Saturday: Tokyo – Recovery and Sightseeing
- Tokyo Sightseeing | Asakusa and Ginza
- Departure
Shinka Management has welcomed participants from 70 countries to its lean manufacturing tours in Japan…
The tour has given me the opportunity to understand in a practical way what I learned theoretically. I have checked that the theory is possible to put in practice. This has been the first time that I have felt the lean manufacturing philosophy first hand. Congratulations to the Shinka Team. The organisation has been perfect…
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I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn the Toyota Production System from the source. I look forward to implementing the many findings in our plant. This experience has given me a different approach to improving our plant’s lean journey. Thank you again for everything.
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During the Lean Japan Tour I came to the realization that improving an organization is not through large capital investments alone. We were completely surrounded by examples of minor investments into small improvements that produced significant savings. The clever use of visual management techniques gave a clear understanding of the current situation and Ben who…
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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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During my bachelor’s degree I studied TPS and lean extensively but having the theoretical knowledge is very different to actually seeing it and getting the chance to implement it in the practical center. I have enjoyed my time during the tour and learned a lot about how TPS is actually implemented. The tour was very…
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Learn More About Our Lean Manufacturing Tours
Held several times each year, the Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship professional development program, offering participants an immersive training experience in lean practices and methodologies. While all Shinka Management lean manufacturing tours share a common structure, each program is customized, with factory visits and content varying based on host company availability. This approach ensures every tour offers a unique and engaging learning experience, showcasing a diverse range of lean implementations and best practices.
For further information about our lean manufacturing tours, visit our lean tour page to access detailed program descriptions and explore feedback from past participants. Whether your goal is to enhance your understanding of lean principles or gain practical insights into lean manufacturing and kaizen, our tours provide a highly effective learning experience.
Past Participants in Shinka Management Lean Manufacturing Tours

















Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Speak to us about our lean manufacturing tours, or secure your position now.