Toyota-related attractions

What to know

Japan's leading car manufacturer, Toyota, has its headquarters and many domestic production plants in the Nagoya region. The company's headquarters are in Toyota City, less than an hour east of central Nagoya. Next to the headquarters, the Toyota Kaikan Museum showcases new models and technologies to the public.

The Kaikan Museum used to be the meeting point for plant tours, but these were discontinued during the coronavirus pandemic.

A great alternative to a plant tour is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in central Nagoya. This museum covers Toyota's history from its origins as a textile machinery maker and features exhibits on automotive technologies and car production.

Car enthusiasts should also visit the Toyota Automobile Museum, which displays Japanese, European, and American cars from the late 1800s to the 1960s.

From central Nagoya, take the Tsurumai Subway Line to Toyota-shi Station (50 minutes, about 830 yen; many trains on the Tsurumai Line continue on the Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyota-shi Station). From there, take a bus bound for Toyota Kinen Byoin (トヨタ記念病院) and get off at Toyota Honsha-mae (トヨタ本社前, 20 minutes, 340 yen). Alternatively, take the Aichi Loop Line to Mikawa-Toyota Station, then walk 15 minutes to Toyota Kaikan.

The museum is a short walk from Sako Station, one stop north of Nagoya Station on the Meitetsu Railway (2 minutes, 180 yen one way). It is also the first stop after Nagoya Station on the Meguru loop bus line (10 minutes, 210 yen per ride or 500 yen for a 1-day pass). Alternatively, you can walk from Nagoya Station in about 20 minutes.