Lean Japan Tour – December 2026 | Lean Training in Japan
Join Shinka Management in Japan from 6–12 December 2026 for an intensive, one-week lean training program designed to connect lean principles with real operational practice.
This Lean Japan Tour takes participants beyond classroom theory. Through expert-led Toyota Production System training, practical improvement exercises and visits to Japanese organizations, you will see how lean thinking is applied on the shop floor, in management systems and in everyday problem-solving. The program combines professional development with direct exposure to the culture and business environment in which many of today’s most influential lean practices evolved.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
For program information, frequently asked questions and details of other available dates, visit our main Lean Japan Tour page. To discuss whether this lean training program in Japan is suitable for you or your team, please contact Shinka Management.
Download the Lean Japan Tour registration form for pricing, inclusions, booking details and further program information.
Delivered in English, this lean training program in Japan welcomes managers, leaders, improvement specialists and professionals from organizations around the world.
This Japan-based lean training experience is for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to lead improvement, develop people and apply lean principles in a practical setting.
During the week, participants learn directly from experienced lean practitioners, including former Toyota leaders and specialist consultants. You will visit operating sites, examine systems in their working context and take part in structured exercises that make concepts such as standard work, flow, kaizen and problem-solving more tangible.
Sample agenda based on previous Japan-based lean training programs
The December 2026 itinerary will be confirmed closer to the program, subject to host-company availability. The outline below indicates the type of learning, site visits and cultural experiences typically included in a Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour.
Sunday: Tokyo arrival, orientation and introduction to Japan
The program begins in Tokyo, allowing participants time to settle in before joining the group for an orientation, an introduction to business etiquette in Japan and a welcome dinner.
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Orientation & Japanese Business Etiquette Seminar
- Welcome Dinner
Monday: Lean leadership and the Toyota Production System
Travel to the Nagoya/Aichi region for the first program sessions and company visit. The day introduces the leadership behaviours, management systems and foundational TPS concepts that support sustained improvement.
- Travel to Aichi Prefecture
- Seminar | Lean Leadership in Japan
- Site Tour | Suzaki Industries | Toyota Supplier
- Seminar | Toyota Production System
- Group Dinner in Inuyama
Tuesday: Standard work, kaizen and learning by doing
Build on the previous day’s concepts through focused training and a practical team exercise. Participants explore how standard work creates a platform for improvement and experience the dynamics of kaizen through hands-on learning.
- Seminar | Toyota Production System Standard Work
- Hands-on Training | Kaizen Team Challenge
- Group Dinner | Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Wednesday: Observing flow and applying pull principles
Visit a Japanese operating site and continue the practical component of the program through a Kanban-based exercise. The day also provides time to experience the local area and its historical setting.
- Site Visit | Metal One Isuzu (Steel Service Center)
- Practical Training | Kanban Simulation
- Sightseeing at Inuyama Castle
Thursday: Learning from Japanese manufacturing operations
Factory visits provide an opportunity to observe different approaches to quality, people development, production control and continuous improvement. Participants are encouraged to compare what they see with the realities of their own organisations.
- Factory Tour | Auotomotive final assembly plant or supplier
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
Friday: Reflection, application and return to Tokyo
The final full program day brings together further site learning with a guided debrief. Participants reflect on the lessons most relevant to their own workplaces and consider practical next steps for applying lean after returning home.
- Factory visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Factory visit | Electronics manufacturer
- Final seminar and Tour Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
Saturday: Tokyo departure or independent exploration
The formal program has concluded. Participants may depart Japan or use the day for independent sightseeing in Tokyo, depending on their travel arrangements.
- Self-guided Tokyo Sightseeing
- Departure
For almost two decades, Shinka Management has delivered lean training programs in Japan for professionals seeking to understand continuous improvement in its original business and cultural context. Our programs have included visits to manufacturers, healthcare organisations, service providers and public-sector institutions.
Every Lean Japan Tour is developed around a proven learning framework, while the final itinerary is shaped by host availability and the most valuable opportunities available for the group. This ensures that the experience remains practical, relevant and grounded in real examples of lean implementation.
- See lean at work: Visit Japanese organisations and observe how improvement principles are translated into daily operations.
- Learn from experienced practitioners: Gain perspective from former Toyota leaders and lean specialists with practical implementation experience.
- Turn concepts into capability: Participate in exercises covering kaizen, standard work, Kanban, problem-solving and the Toyota Production System.
- Understand the wider context: Develop insight into Japanese workplace culture, communication and leadership alongside the technical content.
- Focus on learning, not logistics: Accommodation, domestic travel, selected meals and interpreter support are coordinated by the Shinka Management team.
Trusted by professionals from more than 70 countries
Shinka Management has welcomed leaders and improvement professionals from around the world to Japan to study lean, kaizen and the Toyota Production System.
Göteborg, Sweden
I would like to give my deepest thanks for helping us end the executive program on a high note. This week has summarized TPS / VPS in a very practical and eye-opening manner. The lean journey has become real and exemplified through the many visits we have done. The coaching by Hattori Sensei, and by David and Paul has helped to demystify what needs to be done to become successful. Also, by including a bit of Japanese culture, it made the week extra memorable. We had full support with everything from hotels, meals, tickets, etc. and this made us all relax, and focus on the learning and reflection of what we have seen.
read more
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Paul Smith and the team at Shinka Management, in particular Eri Dennis, did an incredible job planning and leading our tailored Japan Study Tour in March 2024. Our team of construction and training professionals learnt and more importantly experienced so much about lean management and Japanese construction, manufacturing and factory practices. Without the expertise and knowledge that Paul and Eri brought to our tour we would not have had the exposure and depth of learning that we had. It was an incredible study trip and we are bringing back so many important learnings that we will implement into our modular homes project. Having Paul with us throughout the tour to interpret and lead was invaluable – his understanding of Japanese business practices and culture was critical to the success of our trip. Eri’s connections to factories and businesses in Japan ensured that we were able to get tailored factory and plant tours which enabled us to experience lean management in practice. Our tour had an excellent blend of theory, practice and exposure. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Shinka Management. I can recommend Shinka Management to other organisations who seek to understand and experience lean management practices in Japan.
read more
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
We would just like to take a moment to thank you for such a wonderful tour. You exceeded all our expectations for a week long journey – from your very professional approach and even more personal service. The week was extremely insightful, and we could not stop talking about what we were going to do when we returned home.
Each plant tour, Q&A and debriefing were all very professional and informative. These taught us so much to help us move forward on our lean journey. Not only were the days very enjoyable but the nights were fantastic and fun. We learned so much about lean as well as experiencing the Japanese culture and the wonderful people.
Since we have been back the four of us have been very quick and extremely effective in rolling out many Kaizen improvements, setting takt times, 5s’ing many areas and much more (fantastic work). I’ve had much time to reflect and think about the tour and our next steps. We’ve written a training manual in 4 modules and have just completed the first module of training through the entire company.
We certainly have a new buzz flowing in and around the company and looking forward to this wonderful journey. Full credit to all of you. This has been the best tour we have ever been a part of and we will be sending more of our team in the future.
read more
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
I attended the Shinka Management / Ai Group / JMAC Lean Japan Study Tour in 2010 – outstanding, highly recommended. (I don’t have this much fun when I go on holiday.) To see the cultural home of Lean Manufacturing is an experience you will never forget. Ride on a bullet train, walk the factory floor in Toyota plants and talk to the production people, see modular housing being produced on a Lean Production line. Eat in a different Japanese restaurant every night, practice your Karaoke, see Tokyo – amazing! The Japan Lean Manufacturing tour is a “must do” for anyone serious about understanding world class manufacturing!
read more
Sydney, NSW, Australia
This tour with Shinka Management in Japan was an incredible experience and one of the most eye-opening opportunities in my professional career.
Seeing the Toyota Production System firsthand and learning directly from experts about Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 5S provided insights that simply can’t be gained from books or seminars alone. Visiting world-class factories and observing how continuous improvement is embedded into daily operations was both inspiring and highly informative.
It’s clear why Toyota remains one of the most efficient and successful manufacturers in the world.
The Shinka team delivered an extremely well-organised program, combining factory visits, expert seminars, and cultural insights that made the learning practical and immediately applicable.
I highly recommend the Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour to any leader, manager, or business owner looking to truly understand Lean thinking and operational excellence.
Overall, it is a well-organised tour focused on Lean Manufacturing that enables participants to hit the ground running, with strong support and encouragement to learn and develop.
Reserve your place on the December 2026 Lean Japan Tour
The Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship lean training program in Japan. It is run several times each year for professionals who want more than a high-level introduction to lean: they want to observe it in context, learn from experienced practitioners and return with ideas they can apply.
The December program will follow Shinka Management’s established blend of site visits, expert instruction, practical exercises and guided reflection. While the host companies and detailed agenda may vary, the purpose remains consistent: to help participants build a clearer, more practical understanding of lean management and continuous improvement.
Visit our Lean Japan Tour page for further program information, participant feedback and other scheduled dates, or contact us to discuss registration.
Organisations represented on Shinka Management’s Lean Japan Tours
Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Discuss the December 2026 program with our team, request registration information or secure your place on this lean training experience in Japan.