The Unagi Pie Factory in Hamamatsu City is offering visitors a tour featuring fresh tastings and a timed candy-packing experience [1].

This initiative highlights the shift toward experiential tourism in Japan, providing families with an affordable, indoor activity that remains unaffected by weather conditions [2].

Operated by the confectionery company Shunkado, the facility is located in Shizuoka Prefecture [1]. The company has a long history in the region, with the Unagi Pie Factory tracing its origins back to 1887 [1].

Visitors to the site can sample freshly baked Unagi Pie, a regional specialty. In addition to the tastings, the factory provides a specific interactive activity involving Black Thunder candies [2].

Participants in the activity are permitted to pack as many Black Thunder candies as possible into a container within a three-minute time limit [2]. The experience is designed to appeal to both children and adults, emphasizing a sense of excitement and value [2].

TBS NEWS DIG said the activities appeal because of the "unlimited" nature of the packing challenge during the short window [2]. The tour serves as a way for the company to engage the public while showcasing its production environment in Hamamatsu [1].

“a three-minute unlimited Black Thunder candy-packing experience”

By combining traditional regional products with gamified experiences like the Black Thunder challenge, Shunkado is leveraging 'experience economy' trends to attract younger demographics and tourists. This strategy transforms a standard industrial tour into a destination attraction, helping to maintain the relevance of a brand with roots dating back to the late 19th century.