Regarding the first part of introducing the overall of Glico Factory, continues more detail in this second part. Glico Factory offers the free factory tour and extra activities. As I mentioned earlier, I review only Glicopia East (Saitama)
Access
From Tokyo Station: Take JR Takasaki line to (50 minutes, 840 yen)
From Ueno Station: Take JR Takasaki line for Kagohara (49 minutes, 760 yen)
From Omiya Station (Saitama) : Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku line (via Takasaki line) for Kagohara or JR Takasaki Line for Takasaki (20 minutes, 320 yen).
Get off at Kitamoto Station, East Exit. Go to KEN Bus stop (The green color) as photo.
There are morning and afternoon bus timetable. Please see the below map for understanding. The morning bus is the dark blue line and the afternoon bus is red line.
Ken-chan Bus Timetable to Glico Factory (ã‚°ãƒªã‚³å·¥å ´).
Morning Bus
To
|
Glico
Factory
|
|
Weekdays
|
Weekends,
Public Holiday
|
|
6
|
40
|
|
7
|
10 40
|
10 40
|
8
|
10 50
|
10 45
|
9
|
20 55
|
30
|
10
|
30
|
10 45
|
11
|
10 45
|
25
|
12
|
15 45
|
15 50
|
Afternoon Bus
To
|
Futatsuya
|
|
Weekdays
|
Weekends,
Public Holiday
|
|
14
|
30
|
30
|
15
|
10 45
|
20
|
16
|
15 50
|
00 35
|
17
|
20 45
|
25
|
18
|
20 55
|
15 50
|
19
|
25 55
|
25 55
|
20
|
25 55
|
20
|
Ref: Bus Timetable: Ken-Chan Bus
The morning bus to and from Glico Factory, the bus stop is on the same side of Glico Factory. On the contrary, the afternoon bus to and from Glico Factory is on the opposite side. The below photo shows the bus stop location. For example, I got off the bus on the right side (I booked the time 09:30) and when went back to Kitamoto Station, got on the bus same side (right side). Please arrive the factory before the time at least 10-15 minutes.
The bus stop does not have any shelter so please prepare a cap or umbrella.
I chose the earliest time 09:30 so I took the bus at 08:45. It takes about 10 minutes. Bus fare is 200 yen for adult and 100 yen for child. Get on the bus at rear door and get off at the front door.
 |
| Ken-Chan Bus |
When arrived the entrance, a staff asked my booking name (no need to show a confirmation number if there is no problem). She pointed to the gate.
Before entering, took some photo of pocky bus. The staff near the gate asked me if I wanted to join the pocky decorating as a gift, 500 yen per person. Reservation for this activity is not required. If you don't want, you can refuse them. The toilet is the near entrance.
 |
| Pocky Decorating Photo: Glicopia East Website |
Photography in the factory is not permitted in some areas so I use the photo on Glico website to explain the detail of activities. Drinking and Eating is also not allowed in the building.
The first room is College Hall. Watching video about the history of Glico. Explanation is in Japanese and subtitle in English. After the video was end in each part, the staff called the name or group. If your name or your group is called, follow the staff. The staff separates into small group for tour. My name was not called, it meant the last group.
 |
| Photo: Glicopia East Website |
The staff took us for tour 3rd floor and 6th floor and finished at 1st floor. One floor for observing Pretz manufacturing and another floor is for Pocky manufacturing. The staff explained in Japanese. However, the explanation near the observation point also has English. The staff lets everyone try Pretz of 2 tastes.
 |
| Pocky Street Photo: Glicopia East Website |
Pocky Factory Tour Video
After seeing the manufacturing process, it's time for quiz. One table is for 2 people. In this room, my group join the activity with other group. Answering the questions, just press the button in front of you, press A B or C. The staff asked everyone to press the button gently. The questions are about what you watch from the video, manufacturing. Questions are in Japanese and have time not exceed 10 seconds for reply. Just guess and press it if you don't understand. Replies of all people showed on the board. The board showed the number of replies in A B and C choice. The one who got the highest score, got the prize from staff (A set of Pretz).
 |
| Stadium Hall Photo: Glicopia East Website |
Back to my small group again, went down to the 1st floor. You can take a photo around this zone. The shelfs display the toys. I have never seen these toys before. Then, take photo with Glico and Pretz.
You can pick up the item (i.e. giant pocky box) for photo taking around this area. The staff will help you for photography. On the right side has Giant Pocky and Pretz box as a photo spot.
 |
| Photo Studio Zone Photo: Glicopia East Website |
Finished the tour with souvenir from factory. Pretz (the box is limited design) and pocky balloon (blow it by yourself).
The shop is on the opposite side, sells pocky, pretz and etc. On the left side of shop is Ice Cream Vending Machine. I bought the souvenir after finish the tour because I don't want to carry it while going with a tour. Do not forget to check bus timetable before shopping. Otherwise you may miss the bus. The people at the factory ticket counter can call a taxi for you. Tell the taxi driver to take you to Kitamoto Station. The fare should be no more than 2,000 yen.
Ken-chan Bus Timetable to Kitamoto Station (北本駅).
Morning Bus
From
|
Glico
Factory
|
|
Weekdays
|
Weekends,
Public Holiday
|
|
6
|
47
|
|
7
|
17 47
|
17 47
|
8
|
17 57
|
17 52
|
9
|
27
|
37
|
10
|
02 37
|
17 52
|
11
|
17 52
|
32
|
12
|
22 52
|
22 57
|
Afternoon Bus
From
|
Futatsuya
|
|
Weekdays
|
Weekends,
Public Holiday
|
|
14
|
42
|
42
|
15
|
22 57
|
32
|
16
|
27
|
12 47
|
17
|
02 32
57
|
37
|
18
|
32
|
27
|
19
|
07 37
|
02 37
|
20
|
07 32
|
07 32
|
21
|
07
|
|
Ref: Bus Timetable: Ken-Chan Bus
 - Part 2, Japan){kind=link}
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