Looking for a unique and educational family experience while traveling in Tokyo? Skip the usual tourist crowds and explore one of Tokyo’s hidden gems: a waste-to-energy plant tour!
It’s free, family-friendly, and surprisingly fun — especially for curious kids who love machines, big trucks, or learning how the world works.
What Happens During the Tour?
You basically need to be a resident or a worker of Tokyo, however anyone can visit the waste incineration plants for free by making a reservation. You can find the upcoming tour dates from the official website.
There are approximately 20 waste management factories in Tokyo. It depends on which one you visit, but the tour often starts with a short video (available in Japanese, but with English brochures provided), explaining how Tokyo processes its household waste.
Then came the exciting part — walking through the actual facility! We watched huge mechanical claws lifting and moving garbage, saw how the incinerators work, and learned how Tokyo uses the heat to generate electricity.
Children were fascinated by the high-tech monitors and the sheer scale of the operation. Our guide was kind and accepted all sorts of questions from tourists and child participants.
What Kids Learn
This isn’t just a “garbage tour” — it’s a real-life science lesson! Kids can learn about:
- How waste is separated and processed
- The role of incineration in generating electricity
- Why recycling and reducing waste is important
- How Japan turns trash into energy and reuses ash for construction
The experience is hands-on, visual, and thought-provoking — a perfect way to mix fun and education during your travels.
The heat produced by burning waste is used to generate electricity. In Setagaya, for example, this energy powers the incineration plant itself, as well as nearby facilities like the Setagaya Art Museum. Any extra electricity is even sold to power companies.
We also had the chance to visit a recycling plant that day. Glass bottles are sorted by machines according to color, and then further sorted by hand. It reminded me how important it is to separate our waste properly.
Why This Tour is Perfect for Families Visiting Japan
✅ Free of charge
✅ English materials often available (some facilities may offer English-speaking staff)
✅ Indoor activity — great for rainy days or hot days
✅ Great for children aged 4 and up – my 4yo son said he enjoyed every part of the tour, and he learned a lot about how to properly recycle waste!
✅ Unique insight into Japanese culture and infrastructure
Plus, some facilities even offer small souvenirs like eco-themed stickers or brochures!
In Japan, most elementary schools require students to work on a theme-free study projects, and many parents struggle with having their kids choose an interesting yet educational theme. This tour is a perfect fit for the project, and that is why there were kids accompanied by their parents joining the tour.
How to Join
Reservations are required, and some facilities allow you to request English support in advance.
🕐 Duration: 90-120 minutes
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 Website: https://www.union.tokyo23-seisou.lg.jp.e.de.hp.transer.com/somu/koho/kengaku/kojin.html (English Version)
English and Foreign language information are (usually) available
Final Thoughts
Touring a waste treatment plant may not sound glamorous, but it offers a unique window into how Japan deals with everyday life — and how it educates future generations to care for the planet.
For traveling families, this is a wonderful opportunity to turn your Tokyo trip into a meaningful memory. Your kids will go home talking about more than just sushi and sumo — they’ll also remember how Tokyo turns trash into treasure!
If you’re planning a visit during the hot summer months, don’t forget to check out our tips on handy heat-beating items you can find at local drugstores.
▶ Stay Cool This Summer: Must-Have Items from Japanese Drugstores
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