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I was wondering if anyone had been on a Mazda (especially MX-5) factory tour and if it was worthwhile. We find ourselves in Japan in 2019 and would like to do it if possible.

Top Tip, book well in advance and don't do my trick of planning to be in Hiroshima over the weekend (when it's shut).

yes, ours was booked a few months in advance as well. I did like the tour, but it's honestly a bit rushed. There's sh*t loads to read and see, you sort of get pushed through pretty quickly. I would have liked to stroll through at my own pace a bit more. I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing it.

Just a tip to add on to the above info. Japan is very busy on the weekends. So the main tourist places like Hakone, Kamakura, Kyoto and Hiroshima should be dodged if possible.

On my trips to Japan, I always plan little for the weekend days so I can go slow due to increased numbers. Or just use them as a rest or shopping day. A lazy day walking around Akihabara or Dotonbori for example never hurt.

I went on a tour of the Mazda factory a couple of years back. It was quite interesting. The nearest train station is not far from the centre of town. One thing of interest is that the production line makes all models. So, there might be an MX-5 then a Mazda 3, etc. It is better to have variety for the workers. It is worthwhile visiting Miyajima Island - I stayed in a hotel on the outskirts of Hiroshima opposite Miyajima Island.