T is for Toyota

As an avid automotive (and history) enthusiast, Toyota MegaWeb and History Garage in Tokyo had long been on my bucket list to check off. But alas, it was not meant to be, with its closure a few years ago after a fruitful run of over 20 years.

I don’t think anything truly replaced those two attractions, but during my research for this trip I came across Toyota’s trio of museums located in Nagoya, less than an hour by bullet train from Osaka. It was the perfect intermission between my visit to Osaka and Tsukuba, up north. With only a day (more like an afternoon) in Nagoya proper, I made the decision to visit the automobile-focused museum on the outskirts of the city. I very much enjoy visiting museums and art galleries, and can (and do) spend a whole day perusing them, checking out every exhibit and reading every word of every plaque so constraining myself to a couple of hours to explore this one was a challenge.

I went in with zero expectations, but in typical Japanese fashion the displays were laid out in a logically chronological order and every car was immaculately presented. And while Toyotas did feature prominently, it felt like a celebration of motoring culture from all perspectives rather than a purely Toyota- or Japanese-centric one. Everything from Japan’s earliest personal transport vehicles to the DMC DeLorean and beyond shown in better than showroom condition.

The other great feature of this museum is that outside there’s an expansive parking lot where gatherings of owners clubs and other enthusiast engagements are regularly held. A few years ago there was one specific to AE86s that I periodically encounter photos from across social media. I’ll endeavour to return for it next time.

Where: Toyota Automobile Museum, 41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118, Japan