Visiting Car Museums in Tokyo, Shizuoka & Nagoya

A Journey Through Japan’s Automotive History
Japan isn’t just the birthplace of iconic brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda — it’s also home to some of the world’s finest car museums. Whether you're exploring the sleek showrooms of Tokyo, the motorsport-rich region near Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka, or the industrial heart of Nagoya, these museums offer rare glimpses into the country’s automotive soul.
🏙️ Tokyo and Yokohama: Nissan Crossing & Nissan Global HQ Gallery
1. Nissan Crossing – Ginza, Tokyo
Located in the heart of upscale Ginza, Nissan Crossing is a futuristic showroom more than a traditional museum. But it still showcases Nissan’s rich history and latest technology, including concept cars, GT-R models, and occasionally historic vehicles like the Datsun 240Z or Skyline GT-R.
- 📍 Google Maps
- 🌐 Nissan Crossing Official Site
- 🕒 Open daily, free entry
Tip: Grab a coffee at their futuristic café while viewing the rotating car display.
2. 🚗 Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery – Minatomirai, Yokohama
This is Nissan’s flagship showroom and brand experience center in Yokohama. It features:
- A rotating display of historic Nissan vehicles (Fairlady Z, GT-R, Skyline, etc.)
- The latest EVs and production models including Leaf, Ariya, and more
- Interactive exhibits like simulators and digital configurators
- A Nissan boutique gift shop for official merchandise
- Occasional displays from the Zama Heritage Collection
📍 Google Maps
🌐 Official Site
🕒 10:00–20:00, open daily
🎟️ Free entry
Located just outside Yokohama Station’s East Exit, it’s an easy and worthwhile stop even on a short visit.
🏞️ Shizuoka: Fuji Motorsports Museum (near Fuji Speedway)
3. Fuji Motorsports Museum – Oyama, Shizuoka
Located at the foot of Mt. Fuji and directly attached to Fuji Speedway Hotel, this museum opened in 2022 and is a must-visit for race fans. It covers motorsport history from both Japan and abroad, featuring cars from Formula 1, WRC, Le Mans, and more — with deep representation from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and even international giants like Mercedes-Benz and Ford.
- 📍 Google Maps
- 🌐 Fuji Motorsports Museum
- 🎟️ ¥1,800 adults (discounts for hotel guests)
- 🕒 10:00–17:00, Sunday-Thursday
- 🕒 10:00–19:00, Fridays and Saturdays
Bonus: You can stay overnight at the Fuji Speedway Hotel, which offers track views and race car-themed rooms.
Bonus II: Check out Rookie Racing just down the street from Fuji Speedway Hotel!
🏭 Nagoya: Toyota Automobile Museum & Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry
4. Toyota Automobile Museum – Nagakute, near Nagoya
This is Toyota’s flagship museum — and one of the most comprehensive automotive museums in Japan. It doesn’t just showcase Toyotas, but also rare foreign marques from every era. Think Bugatti Type 35, Ford Model T, and the Toyota 2000GT in perfect condition.
- 📍 Google Maps
- 🌐 Toyota Automobile Museum
- 🎟️ ¥1,200 adults
- 🕒 9:30–17:00, closed Mondays
The museum layout is chronological — starting from the birth of the car to modern hybrids.
5. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology – Nagoya City
Focused more on Toyota's manufacturing roots, this museum dives into the transition from textile machinery to automotive production. Perfect for engineering fans or anyone curious about Toyota’s rise as an industrial power.
- 📍 Google Maps
- 🌐 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
- 🎟️ ¥500 adults
- 🕒 9:30–17:00, closed Mondays
Interactive exhibits for kids and adults alike — great for families.
🛣️ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a motorsport fanatic, a car collector, or simply love Japanese engineering, these museums offer deep dives into the stories and machines that shaped not only Japan — but the world. From the neon lights of Ginza to the tracks of Fuji Speedway, each stop on this journey offers a different chapter of Japan’s automotive legacy.