Tokyo: Giant Robot Ingram Factory Tour

Experience the World of Mecha at the Tokyo: Giant Robot Ingram Factory Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside a giant robot or controlling an anime icon, this tour offers a rare chance to do just that — right in the heart of Tokyo. For $24 per person, you’ll spend about 30 minutes immersed in the world of Mobile Police Patlabor, with close-up views of the 5-meter tall Ingram robot and even the opportunity to operate its hand.

What makes this tour especially engaging? First, you’ll love the hands-on control of the robot’s hand using cutting-edge technology — it’s less of a static display and more of an interactive experience. Second, for fans of the anime or robotics, the exhibits and memorabilia like signed artwork and pilot seats add a layer of authentic charm. We also appreciate that the experience is accessible in English and Japanese, making it welcoming for international visitors.

However, a potential consideration is that full piloting of the Ingram is an additional experience with a separate fee, and availability can be limited. Plus, the lab’s location might be somewhat remote for some travelers, requiring a quick taxi or local transit ride.

This tour suits anime enthusiasts, robotics fans, and curious travelers looking for a unique, memorable experience in Tokyo. If controlling a real-sized mecha and exploring Japanese manga culture appeals to you, this visit is well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic control experience: Operate the robot’s hand with advanced robotic technology.
• Unique memorabilia: Exclusive Patlabor merchandise and signed artwork.
• Educational insights: Learn about the Patlabor series and the development of Ingram.
• Limited but immersive: Short, 30-minute sessions packed with interactive fun.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for fans and those comfortable with the physical restrictions.
• Extra experiences: Options to pilot full Ingram or sit in the cockpit for additional fees.

A Close Look at the Tokyo: Giant Robot Ingram Factory Tour

What is the tour all about?

This experience, run by MOVeLOT.,inc, takes you inside Japan’s only human-operated robot research facility dedicated to the Ingram, the iconic mecha from the Mobile Police Patlabor anime. For just $24, your 30-minute visit offers a rare peek at this giant robot, which is about 5 meters tall and appears in the anime series as a police mech.

You’ll start with a viewing of the robot, getting an up-close look at its detailed design, which many visitors find impressive even in its modified form (the legs are removed to fit into the lab). Then, the highlight: controlling the robot’s hand using state-of-the-art robotic technology. This is a rare chance to see how Japanese innovations in robotics can translate into real-world applications for entertainment.

What makes this experience stand out?

First, the interactive element is genuinely engaging. Several reviews highlight how accurately they could control the robot’s movements — “the controls were far more precise than I expected,” said a Singaporean visitor. The ability to move the robot’s fingers or operate its hand makes this more than just a static display; it’s a genuine, tactile experience.

Second, the authentic memorabilia and exhibits elevate the tour beyond a simple robot photo-op. Visitors rave about the signed artwork by Akemi Takada, the pilot seats, and even the props and weapons from the anime, which add a layer of depth for fans and collectors alike.

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What to expect during your visit

The itinerary kicks off with a briefing about the Patlabor series and the development of Ingram. You’ll learn about the AVX-S30 prototype, designed to gather piloting data and upgrade its CPU. The tour includes a viewing of the robot in its lab setting, although the legs are removed to fit inside — which is a minor point but worth noting for visual authenticity.

Next, you’ll have the chance to operate the robot’s hand, which takes about 10 minutes per session. For those interested, additional experiences are offered: full piloting, seat elevation, and controlling the entire Ingram, each with their own fees and limitations.

Group size and booking

Most tours are limited to 12 participants, providing a comfortable, less crowded atmosphere. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the full control experiences, which are quite popular. A lottery system is used to select the pilot for the full Ingram experience — so arriving late could mean missing out.

Location and logistics

The tour takes place at Taihei 1-17-6, Sumida City, with coordinates (35.70191955566406, 139.80865478515625). The site is accessible but not directly next to major subway stations, so plan for a short taxi or local transit ride. The lab’s environment is clean, professional, and dedicated to robotics research, giving a real sense of authenticity.

Practical considerations

• Duration is 30 minutes, so pace yourself accordingly.
• Price at $24 is quite reasonable considering the level of interaction and exclusive access.
• Comfortable shoes and timeliness are essential, as late arrivals cannot extend their time.
• Safety forms a key part of the experience, with participants required to sign safety agreements and follow staff instructions.
• Physical restrictions apply, so those with certain health conditions or mobility issues should review the guidelines carefully.

What are the reviews saying?

The consensus among visitors is overwhelmingly positive. Many describe the experience as “living a childhood dream” and praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff. One reviewer from Germany called the robot “impressive” and highly recommended it, especially for fans of Patlabor.

Multiple reviews emphasize the value for money, with “great staff and location” and the ability to control a full-sized robot as highlights. Some mentioned that the full piloting experience is pricey, but most felt the viewing and control of the hand alone was worth the visit.

Extra experiences and souvenirs

For those wanting more, additional piloting options are available, including full arm control and cockpit sitting, though they come with extra fees and limited slots. The Patlabor merchandise sold in the lab is another draw, especially for collectors. Many visitors appreciated the special memorabilia, which makes for memorable souvenirs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for anime fans, robotics enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want an interactive glimpse into Japanese technology and pop culture. It’s ideal for families with older children, geeky couples, or solo travelers eager to tick off a childhood dream. It’s also a fantastic choice if you enjoy learning about the intersection of entertainment and real-world engineering.

While accessible for many, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or visitors with mobility restrictions due to the physical nature of the experience and safety requirements. The lab’s location and short duration make it an easy add-on to a day exploring Tokyo’s other manga or anime sites.

The Sum Up

The Tokyo: Giant Robot Ingram Factory Tour offers a rare blend of technology, anime fandom, and authentic Japanese innovation. For $24, you get a genuine chance to control and photograph a life-sized robot, along with insights into the development of mecha technology. The interactive hand-control alone makes this a memorable highlight, especially for fans of Patlabor or robotics.

The tour’s friendly guides, authentic memorabilia, and impressive robot design create a fun, engaging experience that’s worth the time and money. It’s a good value for those who want a unique, hands-on encounter that’s unlike most typical Tokyo activities.

However, keep in mind that full piloting experiences entail extra costs and limited slots. The location might require some planning to reach, and timeliness is crucial, as late arrivals are not accommodated.

All told, if you’re after a memorable, authentic slice of Japan’s mecha culture and want to live out a childhood fantasy, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s a rare chance to get close to a legendary anime icon, and you’ll leave with photos, souvenirs, and stories to tell.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is generally aimed at older fans and those comfortable with physical activity and safety procedures. Children over 3 feet 6 inches (110 cm) are permitted, but very young children or those with mobility issues should consider restrictions.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 30 minutes, including viewing and operation time. Additional piloting experiences are available at extra cost.

Can I control the robot’s full body?
Full piloting is an extra experience that involves controlling the entire Ingram using advanced motion technology. It requires a separate booking and is limited to one pilot per session.

What is included in the basic tour?
You will see the life-sized Ingram, take photos, learn about its development, and operate its hand. Merchandise and memorabilia are available for purchase.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance reservation is highly recommended, especially for the full piloting experience, as slots are limited and a lottery system might be used.

Is there an age limit?
Participants should be over 3 ft 6 in (110 cm), and the experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with recent surgeries, or severe health conditions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Costumes matching the Patlabor theme are allowed if not overly revealing.

Where is the location?
The lab is at Taihei 1-17-6, Sumida City, with coordinates (35.70191955566406, 139.80865478515625). It’s best to check transportation options ahead of time.

Is there merchandise available?
Yes, exclusive Patlabor merchandise, including signed artwork and pilot seats, is sold in the lab — perfect for fans or collectors.

What other experiences are nearby?
You might enjoy other Tokyo attractions like robot-themed parks, manga workshops, or anime pilgrimage tours, which can complement your visit.

Living a childhood fantasy may sound like a cliché, but this tour makes it a reality — even if just for a brief 30 minutes. For anyone with a passion for mecha, anime, or Japanese tech, it’s a quaint yet impressive stop that offers a genuine taste of Japan’s love for robotics and storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here: