Toyota Automobile Museum
About This Museum
You won't find a single Toyota in the main exhibition hall of the Toyota Automobile Museum, at least not at first. Instead, you're greeted by the spindly wheels and gleaming brass of a 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the very first car. The journey then unfolds chronologically, a breathtaking parade of global automotive history that feels more like a world's fair than a corporate showroom. It’s a surprisingly humble and scholarly approach from one of the world's manufacturing giants.
Collection Highlights
The collection is a global affair, from stately American Duesenbergs and elegant European Bugattis to quirky Japanese classics like the diminutive 1955 Toyopet Super. Don't miss the pristine Toyota 2000GT, a low-slung sports car that proved Japan could compete with the best of Italy and Britain.
Visitor Information
It's located in Nagakute, a short trip from Nagoya, and makes for a perfect half-day excursion—especially if you pair it with the nearby Ghibli Park. Just be sure to check their website for seasonal events; they often have classic cars running on their outdoor track.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a striking piece of postmodern design, all soaring white arches and vast glass walls that flood the polished floors with light, making the cars look like jewels in a giant, minimalist case.
