Toyota Automobile Museum

The Toyota Automobile Museum (トヨタ博物館), located in Nagakute just outside Nagoya, is a world-class destination for anyone intrigued by the story of the automobile. The museum showcases more than 140 meticulously preserved vehicles from Japan, Europe, and the United States, spanning from the late 19th century through the 1960s and beyond. Each exhibit highlights a pivotal moment in automotive history—whether it’s a hand-cranked Benz from 1886 or a post-war Japanese compact car that symbolized a nation’s recovery. The museum’s elegant presentation and chronological layout make it easy to appreciate the technological advances, cultural shifts, and design philosophies that shaped each era.

Beyond the cars themselves, the museum also explores automobile-related culture, with vintage posters, signage, and accessories that illustrate how cars impacted daily life and society around the world. A dedicated library and rotating special exhibitions offer deeper insight into niche automotive topics, while the on-site café and gift shop provide a relaxing space to unwind or pick up exclusive memorabilia. With clear English-language signage and thoughtful curation, the Toyota Automobile Museum invites travelers to discover not just machines—but the human stories behind them.