First ever Black Thunder factory tour opens in Japan – find out how to book your spot
Yuraku Confectionery, the company behind the wildly popular Black Thunder chocolate bar, is set to open its first-ever factory tour facility, the “Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory”.
Set to open on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, the new facility is located within their Toyohashi Yume Factory.
This highly anticipated opening comes in response to overwhelming public demand for factory tours.
Alongside the factory tour, the adjacent direct sales store will also undergo a renewal, reopening as the Waku Zaku Shop.
This exciting initiative is a key part of the “30 no Rakurai” (30 Bolts of Fun) project, a year-long celebration featuring 30 electrifying events to commemorate Black Thunder’s 30th anniversary.
Black Thunder, a beloved chocolate bar known for its distinctive crunchy texture (the “zaku zaku” sound in Japanese), was first launched in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, in 1994.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we wanted to help our customers understand the charm of Black Thunder even more and deliver even more excitement,” said a representative from Yuraku Confectionery.
“We’ve received numerous requests for factory tours over the years. While Black Thunder’s manufacturing process has been featured on many TV programs, it has never been open to the public. With the expansion of the Toyohashi Yume Factory, we are now able to open a public visitor pathway. You can experience the secret of Black Thunder’s unique crunchy texture up close.”
Let’s take a look at what chocolate fans can expect from the new Black Thunder factory tour!
Factory Tour Highlights
The “Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory” promises an immersive experience, divided into nine distinct areas, including a massive, one-of-a-kind attraction right at the entrance:
Super Black Thunder Welcome!
Visitors will be greeted by a Super Black Thunder bar over 300 times the size of a regular one, standing over 3 meters tall!
This impressive replica perfectly captures the biscuit’s rugged texture, conveying its signature crunch. It also features four cutouts for fun photo opportunities, allowing visitors to become part of the world’s largest Black Thunder.
Become Part of the Crunch! Projection Mapping Experience
Step into a unique projection mapping exhibit that makes you feel like you’re one of the ingredients of a Black Thunder bar.
Factory footage projected onto curved walls and the floor offers a simulated experience of the chocolate bar’s manufacturing process.
The Production Line Up Close
A dedicated factory tour pathway, stretching approximately 71.5 meters, runs parallel to the manufacturing line.
Through 14 windows, visitors can observe the actual production process. Along the way, interactive quizzes and secrets about Black Thunder are displayed, revealing the dedication behind its deliciousness and distinctive crunch.
The Smile Cacao Project
The tour also sheds light on Yuraku Confectionery’s Smile Cacao Project, an initiative addressing child labor issues in chocolate production.
This provides an opportunity for visitors to consider SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through the context of a familiar chocolate snack.
Collect Your Memories
The tour pathway features six stamp stations. Collecting all the stamps on a special sheet (included in the facility pamphlet) will complete a unique illustration, serving as a memorable keepsake from the visit.
Please note: Advance reservations are required for entry to the factory tour pathway.
Factory Tour Shop
Adjacent to the factory tour, the direct sales store has been revamped and renamed the Waku Zaku Shop.
Boasting the largest collection of Black Thunder series products in Japan, beyond the standard Black Thunder bars and various souvenirs, the shop will also launch new commemorative products, including a “Black Thunder Car Can,” “Black Thunder Mini Bar Bucket,” and “Black Thunder Cup Ice.”
Exclusive Black Thunder merchandise will also be available only at the Waku Zaku Shop.
All-You-Can-Stuff Black Thunder Event
A fan-favorite activity, the Black Thunder all-you-can-stuff event, has also been renewed!
For ¥1,100 (tax included), visitors have three minutes to stuff as many Black Thunder bars as they can into a bag, even allowing them to overflow!
This popular challenge will be held every 30 minutes starting from 10:10 AM, with tickets available at the register from 10:00 AM, limited to 12 participants per session.
How to reserve the Black Thunder Factory Tour
If you’re a fan of Black Thunder and would love the opportunity to visit the first ever factory tour dedicated to the iconic Japanese chocolate snack, you can follow the below instructions to reserve your visit:
- Factory Tour Reservation Steps:
- Access the “Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory” special website: https://www.yurakuseika.co.jp/wakuzaku-factory/
- Click on “工場見学の予約はコチラ” (Click here to reserve a factory tour).
- Select your desired date and time from the calendar and make a reservation.
- Scan the QR code sent via email at the visitor pathway entrance for admission.
- Reservations are required for the factory tour pathway. Reservations are free. Tours are possible even when the factory is not operating, but you may not be able to see the inside of the factory in operation. The Waku Zaku Shop and Super Black Thunder can be entered without a reservation.
Facility Information
- Name: Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory
- Address: Yuraku Confectionery Co., Ltd., 88 Kurasha, Haramachi, Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, 441-3111, Japan
- Phone: 0532-35-6620 (Direct to Waku Zaku Shop)
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Shop area only)
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays, Obon period.
- Access:
- Train: Approx. 9 minutes from Toyohashi Station on the Tokaido Main Line (local train bound for Hamamatsu Station). Approx. 24-minute walk (1.7km) south from Shinjoppara Station South Exit.
- Car: Approx. 30 minutes from Toyohashi Station; approx. 28 minutes from Mikatagahara IC.
Source: PR Times
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