The Garigari-kun factory tour at Akagi Nyugyo in Saitama, Japan, offers a unique and exciting experience for ice popsicle enthusiasts. This tour is particularly special due to its Willy Wonka-esque lottery system used to determine who can attend during the peak summer months of July and August. The tour provides an all-you-can-eat experience of their popular Garigari-kun ice popsicles, a treat loved nationwide since its debut in 1981.
Tour Details and Highlights
Lottery System:
The factory employs a lottery system for its summer tours to manage the high demand. Participants enter a lottery, and winners receive a golden ticket-like email confirmation.
Tour Experience:
Check-In: Upon arrival at the factory, visitors check in at reception and proceed to the waiting area on the second floor, where the anticipation builds with displays like the “Garigari-kun Flavour Encyclopaedia” and a themed sofa.
History and Production: The tour includes an overview of Garigari-kun’s history, showcasing its origins as a handheld version of the popular Akagi Shigure shaved ice dessert. Visitors can look through windows to see the lab and production line, including how the winning sticks are randomly inserted into popsicles.
Popularity Rankings: The tour highlights the most popular Garigari-kun flavors, with Soda, Pear, and Kyushu mikan (a type of mandarin) topping the charts in 2023.
All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream
One of the tour’s main attractions is the 20-minute all-you-can-eat ice cream session at Garigari-kun Square. Participants can enjoy one ice cream at a time, with the option to return for more after finishing each treat.
Masanuki, the reporter, enjoyed the Legendary Premier Caramel Soft-kun, a rare and rich caramel ice cream with bitter caramel on the outside and milk caramel inside, highlighting the unique offerings available during the tour.
The Garigari-kun factory tour is a delightful and informative experience, especially for fans of the iconic ice popsicle. The combination of a fascinating behind-the-scenes look, the chance to indulge in unlimited ice cream, and the opportunity to purchase exclusive souvenirs makes this tour highly recommended for both locals and tourists alike. Mark your calendars for the first of the month to secure a spot, and enjoy a unique slice of Japanese ice cream culture.
