Aokishofuan Tsukigesho Factory

Aokishofuan’s Milk Manju Tsukigesho, loved as a classic Osaka souvenir, is a popular product with total cumulative sales surpassing 160 million pieces. Tsukigesho Factory is where you can see its manufacturing process up close.

The factory tour is made up of areas such as the “Theater Room,” which introduces the story behind Tsukigesho’s creation through video, and an “Exhibition Area,” which explains the ingredients and production methods used. Above all, the “Tour Corridor”-where you can watch Milk Manju Tsukigesho being made through glass-is the highlight of the tour. At the end of the “Tour Corridor,” there is also a tasting where you can try freshly baked Tsukigesho, which is another part of the fun. The tour is free, and Tsukiro-kun and Mirumo-chan, the facility’s mascot characters, guide you along in a fun way.

The facility also has an attached directly operated shop, offering a wide lineup-from the classic Milk Manju Tsukigesho to seasonal limited items, factory-exclusive fresh sweets that change daily, and gift items. The selection is the largest among all directly operated stores, and it includes Tsukiro Monaka (available only at the factory), Milk Manju Tsukigesho in a factory-exclusive outer box, and goods featuring Tsukiro-kun and Mirumo-chan-items you can only find here. Another appeal is being able to shop right after your tour.

In addition, confectionery classes (advance reservation required via the website) are held every week. There are sessions for cake-making and for Japanese sweet-making, and each takes about two hours. It’s nice that, beyond touring and shopping, you can also enjoy the experience of making sweets yourself.