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Visit to the Toyota factory

See the manufacturing processes that have made Toyota the world’s most successful carmaker up close with a tour of its main plant.

Only One Travel highly recommends visiting Japan’s largest automaker, Toyota. The company’s headquarters are located in Toyota City, just outside Nagoya, and tours in English of the high-tech plants are available on most days. During the tour, you will be shown the complete process of the production line, including Toyota’s revolutionary multi-model system that enables the production of all vehicle models on the same production line. The pneumatic seat used by assembly line workers is also a must see in operation and was amazingly the result of a staff entry in the suggestion box. The seat is now a key element in all Toyota production lines around the world.

The Toyota Factory Tour is a must-see for all car fans and anyone interested in Japan’s industrial development.

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How to Take a Free Toyota Factory Tour – Nagoya, Japan

Note that the Toyota Factory tour is currently suspended (2024). We have retained this overview of our visit to the Toyota Factory Tour and will update this information when the factory tours re-open. Read on for details on when that will be and also for alternatives to the Toyota Factory Tour.

It’s one of the iconic things to do in Japan – take a factory tour, especially as most of the Japanese factory tours are free.   Japan is the birthplace of just-in-time manufacturing, so a visit to a factory should be fascinating! Toyota is Japan’s biggest car manufacturer.  Toyota plant tours take place at the Toyota headquarters in Toyota City just outside Nagoya and is easy to reach.  So here’s all you need to know about visiting the Toyota Factory in Japan.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

There’s more information here on the closure of the Toyota Factory Tour.

You can read further information below about what it was like on the Toyota Factory Tour, and we have alternatives, but if you want to take a car factory tour, then you should head to Mazda. And I wrote about that here.

About the Toyota Factory Tour Nagoya

The Toyota plant tour in Nagoya includes seeing the full production line process at Toyota Nagoya.  This also includes their amazing multi-model systems which allow for the production of all models of vehicle on the SAME production line.

The tour is free, but you must book in advance, there are details below on how to book your place on Toyota’s free factory tour.

No photographs are allowed in the production area, although you can take photographs in the Toyota museum and showroom.

How long does the Toyota Factory Tour Last?

The tour takes place once a day from Monday and Friday and is offered in Japanese and English.   You must pre-book your tour.    The Toyota Factory tour lasts 2 hours.

How to visit the Toyota Factory Tour Japan

The Toyota Factory Japan Tour is free at the Toyota City / Nagoya plant, but you must pre-book your tour.  Tours usually start at around 11:00 but you must be present at the Kaikan museum 30 minutes prior to that.

How to Book a Toyota Factory Tour

You can book a tour up to 3 months in advance of the date that you wish to visit. 

Where is the Toyota Japan Factory Tour?

The Toyota Nagoya Tour is located at Toyota City, close to Nagoya.   You can reach the plant and museum within around 50 minutes from central Nagoya on the Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyota-shi station.

How much is the Toyota Factory Tour and Museum Japan?

The Nagoya Toyota tour and visit to the museum at the Toyota headquarters is free.  The tour is conducted in both Japanese and English on separate schedules.  The Toyota Kaikan Museum at the Toyota plant is also free to visit.

The Toyota Kaikan Museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Who should take the Toyota Factory Tour Japan?

If you’re a car fanatic then you’ll love the Toyota Nagoya Plant tour.  If you’re interested in just-in-time production methods then this is a fabulous place to visit.  If you like free things to do in Japan then this is also a great experience.

Experience the Toyota Factory Tour Japan

Visiting the Toyota plant in Japan is not difficult.  The Nagoya Toyota factory is easy to reach from Nagoya, so we did it as a day trip – and arrived there at 10 am, ready for our 11 am tour.  The Toyota Factory Tour even has its own train station (so if you’ve got a JR Pass it’s EASY to get to).

Be sure to pick up your JR Pass BEFORE you get into Japan – it will save you a FORTUNE on trains and make life very easy.  You can buy a 7, 14, or 21-day pass and get it shipped to your home address for free.  

The best way to travel around Japan is by train – and you can save a fortune on train travel in Japan by buying the JR Pass BEFORE you get to Japan. You can buy the JR Pass from a number of outlets. We recommend: Get your JR Pass from KLOOK here. – estimate 2 weeks for delivery of the exchange order Buy a JR Pass from JRAILPASS here – get it Fedexed within 24-48 hours to any location including a Fedex office or your hotel in Japan.

There is a cafeteria at the Toyota Kaikan museum where you’ll check in, so if you arrive early there are places to sit, get a drink, and eat snacks.

What Tours to Take in Nagoya

As well as the Toyota Factory tour in Nagoya there are a host of other activities and places to see in Nagoya.

• You can take a day trip from Nagoya to Magome and experience this ancient post town –  with a guide – Get details here
• If you like hiking, then hike the Magome – Tsumago trail under your own steam or take a guided tour here
• Enjoy a maid cafe experience in Nagoya – check details here
• Take a train trip to Inuyama Biyori and dress in a Kimono from Nagoya – check prices here
• Have great family fun with a robot experience – with robots serving you tea!
• Take a guided walking tour of Nagoya – with an included subway ticket for the day – Prices and booking details here
• Visit Legoland Nagoya – for a great family day out – pre-book tickets for Legoland here
• Visit the Nagoya Aquarium – pre-book your tickets for Aquarium Nagoya here

Visit the Toyota Factory Tour Museum

The Toyota Factory museum is free to enter and you do not need a guide to explore it.  As we had arrived early for our tour we spent an hour exploring.

You also get to look around at all the cars that Toyota hopes you will buy. The best was the car fitted for those with disabilities.  It’s possible to sit in most of the cars and really check them out while you’re here.

One of the best things about the Toyota Museum Japan is the fact that they have a robot that has an artificial lung that plays the trombone. And it is pretty damned cool.

Our Experience of the Toyota Factory Tour in Japan

As on the Mazda tour , there are no photos allowed on the tour of the Toyota plant. And when we head off we’re bussed between various parts of the plant, which is impressive and incredibly efficient.

We see several parts of the production line. We learn about just-in-time manufacturing and how quality is valued over quantity and speed.

It’s interesting that I thought it would be groundbreaking and look like it.  But it looks like a regular production line until you look a little closer.  Their multi-model lines are designed to build multiple models on the same line, which is pretty awesome.

There are way more people involved in the production lines than I expected (there are 7,500 people employed here in the Nagoya factory), and many fewer Toyota factory robots than I anticipated.

Perhaps I’m missing something, but the Mazda factory tour beats it hands down.  However, if you’re in Nagoya, then you shouldn’t miss this tour.  And yes, a reminder, it’s free.

It was good. But was it great? No. So I left Toyota, the car in front, feeling like it was definitely the brand behind after my trip to their factory.

And that’s interesting (to me at least). That in my trip to Japan, I’ve had my brand perceptions turned on their head.  Mazda , who I felt pretty ho-hum about – I’m now gung ho about. Toyota is the opposite. Those instant noodle packets that I saw in shops and thought, pah, no, looks cheap and nasty are now the ones that I will buy above all others. Yup, I’m definitely sold on Cup Noodles. Oh, and Asahi beer. Yup, I’ll take that and the  Asahi free brewery tour  and tasting over a poor Sapporo beer and tour and expensive beer hall experience any day.

Just goes to show, that when you dig in a little, perception differs wildly from reality. Now, if only I were in the market for a car… I suppose I’ll make do with cup noodles and beer!

The last word, though goes to the robot… he’s not quite  Asimo , but he plays a mean tune…

Alternatives to the Toyota Factory Tour

As the Toyota Factory Tour is currently CLOSED, then we recommend the following alternatives

The Mazda Factory Tour

Another free car factory tour, this is easy to get to and also close to Nagoya.  You can read more about it here .

The Toyota Techno Museum

This is also known as the Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, or the Toyota Museum Nagoya.  It is located in central Nagoya.  There is no factory here but you’ll find a lot of exhibits on the car production process.

The Toyota Techno Museum is easily reached from Sako station and is close to Nagoya station.  The museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00, the last entry is 16:30 and admission is 500 yen.  The museum is closed on Mondays and also on Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday.

The Toyota Automobile Museum

This museum displays cars from the late 1800s onwards from Europe, Japan, and America.  You will find it close to Geidaidori Station.   The museum is open from 09:30 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:30.  The museum is closed on Mondays, and also Tuesdays if the Monday is a National Holiday.  Entrance is 1000 yen.

Other Free Factory Tours in Japan

The Toyota Factory tour is just one of those available when you visit Japan.  Here are other factory tours that we recommend for your visit to Japan.

The Mazda factory tour:  Another great free car factory tour – perhaps even better than the Toyota Factory Tour.

The Asahi Brewery tour : Available at 8 locations throughout Japan this tour not only provides an understanding of Asahi’s history but also gives you free beer tasting at the end – and they’re not small measures!

The  Cup Noodle factory – There are several places where you can visit a cup noodle museum in Japan, but for us visiting the birthplace of noodles in Ikeda was on the list.  Make your own cup noodles here.

If you’re looking for unique experiences in Japan, then I highly recommend heading to watch Sumo practice in Tokyo and experiencing a Maid Cafe in Akihabara too.

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Sarah Carter

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2 thoughts on “ How to Take a Free Toyota Factory Tour – Nagoya, Japan ”

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I like to see live your factory and museum

My son dreams to see the Toyota Factory. He is about 7 years old now and he wishes to work and serve your factory one day. He is a very intelligent kid who is very thoughtful. I wish if I can help him to achieve his dreams.

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Toyota Plant Tour

Visit a real assembly line of the famous car company

Toyota is not only famous for its cars. The company’s lean and optimisation standards created a new industrial philosophy. Companies would later integrate them into their own organizations to improve processes, final products and customers' experiences. Visiting a Toyota plant in Japan and observing this philosophy being applied is not only an amazing educational experience but also an eye opener into the technology, quality, and standards of Japanese industry.

Located very close to Nagoya (Aichi’s prefectural capital), the city of Toyota is an important hub of the company. Several manufacturing plants and corporate buildings are here. Toyota’s Kaikan museum is in the city as well and it’s from here that the company’s plant tours begin.

The perfectly well organised tour starts with a fifteen minutes bus shuttle from the museum to one of the plants. The group walks into the plant and observes the production of cars and components from a platform that goes around all the assembly line. The guide walks with all visitors while explaining important philosophies of Toyota. All of them can be observed being applied just below.

Two of the most important pillars of Toyota’s production system are “Just in Time” and “Jidoka.” The objective of the first one is to eliminate all possible waste by producing what is needed, when is needed, and in the amount needed. The second pillar’s objective is to build quality in each of the process. Both of this pillars are explained and observed in real life during the plant’s tour.

The visit inside the plant lasts one hour. It is extremely interesting to observe the different production stages. The tour guides the visitors from the very beginning of the assembly of a car to a completed one.

There is a strict no photography or video policy inside the plant. You must leave all electronic devices in the locks at the Kaikan museum or at the bus.

Although the tour is free, you must make a reservation first. Every day, several Japanese tours are offered, but only one in English. Plan ahead because spaces are limited and fill up fast. To make a reservation, go here.

A small but interesting note about Toyota is that the founder's last name was actually 'Toyoda'. If written in katakana (one of the Japanese writing systems along with hiragana and kanji), Toyoda needs ten strokes. Toyota instead, needs only eight strokes. This number is a lucky number because when written in kanji, the bottom is wider. It indicates that something or someone is growing.

Hope you enjoy the Toyota tour!

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By José Manuel Zardain

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1 Toyota-cho, Toyota, Aichi, 471-0826 Japan ( Directions )

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How To Take A Free Toyota Factory Tour – Nagoya, Japan

Published: September 9, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Mellie Loya

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Introduction

Are you an automotive enthusiast fascinated by the intricate manufacturing processes behind your favorite vehicles? If so, a visit to the Toyota factory in Nagoya, Japan is a must-do experience. As one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, Toyota offers free factory tours that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their cutting-edge production facilities.

Located in the Aichi Prefecture, the Toyota factory offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the meticulous craftsmanship and advanced technology that goes into creating their renowned automobiles. From the assembly line to the quality control stations, you’ll get an up-close view of how a car goes from raw materials to a finished product.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, engineering student, or simply curious about the manufacturing process, the Toyota factory tour offers an educational and immersive experience. Witnessing the precision and efficiency of Toyota’s production methods can be both inspiring and eye-opening, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the automotive industry.

Not only is the tour informative, but it also allows visitors to explore the rich history and legacy of Toyota. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality can be traced back to its roots, and the factory tour provides a deeper understanding of Toyota’s evolution over the years.

But before you rush off to book your Toyota factory tour, there are a few important details to consider. In the next sections, we’ll dive into the location, requirements, reservation process, tour schedule, and what you can expect from this unforgettable experience.

Location and Requirements

The Toyota factory is conveniently located in Nagoya, Japan, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. Nagoya is the capital city of Aichi Prefecture and is well-connected by various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and flights.

To participate in the Toyota factory tour, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. First, all visitors must be at least 13 years old. While there is no upper age limit, it’s important to note that the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods, so a certain level of fitness and mobility is necessary.

Additionally, it is mandatory for all visitors to wear closed-toe shoes during the tour. This is to ensure safety standards are met in the factory environment. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, as the tour can last up to two hours.

If you’re an international visitor, it’s important to note that the tour is conducted in Japanese. However, audio guides in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, are available. These audio guides provide detailed explanations about the various stages of the production process, allowing non-Japanese speakers to fully engage with the tour.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the Toyota factory tour is only available on weekdays. It’s always best to check the official Toyota website or contact the factory directly to verify the tour availability and timings.

Now that you’re familiar with the location and requirements, let’s move on to the next section: the reservation process. It’s important to secure your spot in advance, as the tour can be quite popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. So, let’s explore how to reserve your seat and secure your place on this exclusive tour.

Reservation Process

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, it is highly recommended to make a reservation for the Toyota factory tour. Reserving your spot in advance guarantees that you won’t miss out on this fascinating opportunity to witness automotive manufacturing at its finest.

The reservation process is straightforward and can be completed online through the official Toyota website. Simply visit their website and navigate to the factory tour section. There, you will find all the necessary information, including available dates, time slots, and requirements.

Once you have selected your preferred date and time, you will be prompted to provide some basic information, such as your name, contact details, and the number of people in your group. It’s important to double-check all the information before submitting your reservation to avoid any issues.

After completing the reservation process, you will receive a confirmation email containing your booking details. Make sure to save this email as you may be required to show it when checking in for the tour.

It’s worth noting that reservation slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. It is advisable to book your tour well in advance to secure your desired date and time.

If you encounter any difficulties or have specific inquiries, you can reach out to the Toyota factory directly through the contact information provided on their website. Their helpful staff will assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the reservation process.

Now that you know how to reserve your spot for the Toyota factory tour, let’s move on to the next section: the tour schedule. Understanding the timings and duration of the tour will help you plan your visit accordingly.

Tour Schedule

The Toyota factory tour operates on weekdays, excluding public holidays. It is important to check the schedule in advance to ensure that the tour is available on your preferred date.

The tour schedule typically consists of several time slots throughout the day, allowing visitors to choose a time that best suits their itinerary. The duration of the tour is approximately two hours, including both the factory visit and a visit to the Toyota Museum.

It’s important to arrive at the Toyota factory at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This will give you enough time to check-in, receive any necessary instructions, and prepare for the tour.

During the tour, you will be guided through different sections of the factory, where you can observe the various stages of automobile production. From the initial stamping and welding processes to the final assembly line, you’ll witness the intricate steps that transform raw materials into a fully functional vehicle.

Each stage of the production process is carefully explained, either by the guide or through the audio guide if you’ve chosen to use one. This allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing techniques employed by Toyota.

After the factory tour, visitors are given the opportunity to explore the Toyota Museum, located on the same premises. The museum showcases the history, innovations, and iconic models that have shaped Toyota’s success over the years. It’s a fantastic way to delve deeper into the legacy of one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers.

Remember, the tour schedule may be subject to change, so it’s always wise to double-check the official Toyota website or contact the factory for the most up-to-date information.

Now that you’re familiar with the schedule, it’s time to jump into the next section: the factory tour experience. Discover what you can expect during your visit to the Toyota factory.

Factory Tour Experience

The Toyota factory tour provides a captivating and immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the intricate workings of automotive manufacturing. From the moment you step foot inside the factory, you’ll be greeted with a sense of awe and fascination as you observe the state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated workers in action.

Guided by knowledgeable staff or using the provided audio guides, you’ll be taken through different sections of the factory where you’ll witness the production process firsthand. You’ll see automated machines and skilled professionals working together to create the components that make up a Toyota vehicle.

From the stamping and welding processes that shape the vehicle’s body to the assembly line where parts are meticulously put together, every step of the production process is carefully executed with precision and attention to detail.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about Toyota’s commitment to quality and innovation. You’ll gain insights into their world-renowned Toyota Production System (TPS), which focuses on eliminating waste, improving efficiency, and continuously improving processes.

One of the highlights of the factory tour is witnessing the harmony between humans and robotics. Toyota has pioneered the use of advanced automation and robotics in their factories, and you’ll see firsthand how these technologies seamlessly integrate with human workers to optimize production.

The factory tour also emphasizes Toyota’s dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. You’ll learn about their efforts to minimize environmental impact through energy conservation, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials.

As you explore the factory, don’t hesitate to ask questions and interact with the knowledgeable staff. They are always ready to share their expertise and provide further insight into the manufacturing processes.

After the factory tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Toyota Museum, where you can delve deeper into the company’s history, technological advancements, and iconic vehicles. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of automobiles, from classic models to the latest innovations.

Overall, the factory tour experience provides a unique and memorable opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, technology, and innovation that go into creating a Toyota vehicle.

With the factory tour experience covered, let’s move on to the final section: the Toyota Museum. Learn more about what you can explore in this captivating museum.

Toyota Museum

Located within the premises of the Toyota factory, the Toyota Museum is a captivating destination that allows visitors to delve into the rich history and technological innovations of one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

Upon entering the museum, you’ll be greeted by a collection of stunning vehicles that represent different eras and milestones in Toyota’s journey. From classic models that evoke nostalgia to cutting-edge prototypes that push the boundaries of automotive design, the museum showcases the evolution of Toyota’s craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

One of the highlights of the Toyota Museum is the opportunity to learn about the company’s founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, and his vision for creating reliable, high-quality vehicles. Through interactive exhibits and informative displays, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Toyoda family’s legacy and the values that continue to drive Toyota’s success.

The museum also showcases Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Exhibits highlight the company’s efforts to develop eco-friendly technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, in response to the global call for more sustainable transportation solutions.

In addition to the vehicles on display, the Toyota Museum offers a wealth of information on the company’s research and development initiatives, safety innovations, and engineering prowess. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the inner workings of engines, experiment with aerodynamics, and get hands-on with cutting-edge features.

For those interested in the future of mobility, the museum provides a glimpse into Toyota’s concepts and prototypes that push the boundaries of transportation. From self-driving cars to advanced connectivity features, you’ll witness how Toyota continues to innovate and shape the future of mobility.

As you explore the Toyota Museum, take your time to appreciate the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, and the passion that goes into every Toyota vehicle. From iconic sedans and SUVs to sporty coupes and rugged trucks, the museum showcases the diverse range of vehicles that have earned Toyota its global reputation for quality and reliability.

Before concluding your visit to the Toyota Museum, make sure to stop by the gift shop where you can find a wide range of Toyota merchandise, including miniature vehicle models, apparel, and collectibles.

With the Toyota Museum tour complete, you’ve now experienced the full wonder of the Toyota factory tour in Nagoya, Japan. The combination of the factory tour and the museum visit provides a comprehensive understanding of Toyota’s heritage, manufacturing processes, and commitment to excellence.

Now you’re equipped with all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most out of your time in Nagoya. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, engineering student, or simply curious about the world of automotive manufacturing, the Toyota factory tour and museum visit promise an unforgettable experience.

So, don’t miss the chance to witness the precision, innovation, and legacy that make Toyota a global leader in the automotive industry. Book your tour, explore the factory, immerse yourself in the museum, and embark on a journey through the rich history and future possibilities of Toyota.

The Toyota factory tour and museum visit in Nagoya, Japan offer a remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand the precision, innovation, and legacy that have made Toyota a global leader in the automotive industry. From the intricate manufacturing processes of the factory tour to the rich history and technological advancements showcased in the museum, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

By taking part in the Toyota factory tour, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, technology, and dedication required to produce high-quality vehicles. From the initial stages of stamping and welding to the final assembly line, you’ll witness the meticulous attention to detail and the fusion of human expertise with advanced automation.

The tour also provides valuable insights into Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. You’ll learn about their efforts to minimize environmental impact through energy conservation, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials, further enhancing your appreciation for the company’s responsible and forward-thinking approach to manufacturing.

The visit to the Toyota Museum offers a chance to explore the rich history, technological innovations, and future possibilities of Toyota. From classic models that have shaped the automotive industry to cutting-edge prototypes that showcase the company’s engineering prowess, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Toyota’s journey and its impact on the global automotive landscape.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, engineering student, or simply curious about the world of automotive manufacturing, the Toyota factory tour and museum visit in Nagoya are an absolute must-do. So, plan your visit in advance, make your reservation, and prepare to be amazed by the precision, innovation, and legacy that define Toyota.

Remember to check the official Toyota website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and schedule. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to ensure a pleasant experience during the factory tour, and don’t forget to explore the gift shop at the Toyota Museum for unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Embark on an incredible journey through the past, present, and future of Toyota, and gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship, technology, and legacy behind one of the world’s most renowned automotive manufacturers.

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Toyota-related attractions

Japan's leading car manufacturer, Toyota, has its headquarters and many of its domestic production plants in the region around Nagoya . The company's headquarters are located in the city of Toyota, less than one hour east of central Nagoya. Next to the headquarters stands the Toyota Kaikan Museum , where Toyota displays its new models and technologies to the public.

The Kaikan Museum also used to serve as the meeting point for plant tours; however, they were discontinued during the coronavirus pandemic.

The best substitute for a plant tour is a visit to the Toyota Techno Museum (also known as Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology) in central Nagoya . The museum introduces the history of Toyota from its beginnings as a textile machinery manufacturer and also features many exhibits on automotive technologies and the car production process.

Car fans should also consider a visit to the Toyota Automobile Museum , which exhibits Japanese, European and American automobiles from the late 1800s to the 1960s.

Toyota Techno Museum

The museum is a short walk from Sako Station which is one station north from Nagoya Station along the Meitetsu Railway (2 minutes, 170 yen one way). It is also the first stop after Nagoya Station along 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 to the museum in about 20 minutes.

Toyota Automobile Museum

From central Nagoya, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station and transfer to the Linimo elevated train. The museum is a few steps from Geidaidori Station. The trip from central Nagoya takes about 45 minutes and costs 610 yen one way.

How to get to and around Nagoya

Hours and Fees

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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Toyota commemorative museum of industry and technology (techno museum), hotels around nagoya.

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• Central Nagoya
• Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology トヨタ産業技術記念館

4-1-35 Noritakeshin-machi, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken

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A fascinating insight into a company that helped shape Japan

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology showcases the history and cultural importance of one of the region's most important companies, from its beginnings as a textile machinery manufacturer to its modern-day industrial superpower status.

How to Get There

The museum is just a 20-minute walk from Nagoya Station and the first stop on the Me-guru Nagoya Sightseeing Bus route.

Quick Facts

English-language tours are at 2 p.m and 3:15 p.m. and last 45 minutes

Past, present and future

Set in an old redbrick building that was once part of the company's textile factory, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a fun and interesting exploration into the history and future of the Toyota company.

Weaving, driving, learning

Technoland is a hands-on interactive experience in the development of textiles and automobiles. Kids particularly enjoy pedaling the Virtual Weaving Machine, driving around the Techno Circuit and getting blown away by the wind tunnel.

Whether you take an English-speaking tour or wander around by yourself, learn about the fascinating way in which technology shaped the world and how the industry developed, from its humble beginnings to modern robotics.

If you like this

If you prefer your cars with a few miles on the clock, you'll enjoy the Toyota Automobile Museum and its exhibition of vehicles from Japan, Europe, and the United States from the late 19th Century up to the 1960s.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Toyota Kaikan Museum & Toyota Plant Tour

• Published on : 25/02/2014
• by : Japan Experience
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Toyota Kaikan Museum: read a guide to Toyota Kaikan Museum in Toyota city which showcases the company's products and is the starting point for a tour of the car plant.

Toyota Kaikan Access

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Nagoya Museums: Toyota Kaikan Museum 豊田会館

The Toyota Kaikan Museum in Toyota city on the eastern outskirts of Nagoya showcases Toyota's latest products and offers a history of the Toyota company.

The Toyota Kaikan Museum has a large showroom where visitors can get inside the vehicles and a number of video displays and panels demonstrating Toyota's production process and the safety features in Toyota cars.

The museum also has features on environmentally friendly cars, Toyota in society and Toyota's participation in motorsports.

Visitors wishing to participate in a tour of the Toyota plant must make a reservation between two weeks and 3 months in advance. Tours are held in English and Japanese once a day from Monday-Friday and last from 11am-1pm.

The second floor of Toyota Kaikan has a play area for children and an interesting shop selling miniature cars, confectionary, souvenir key rings, T-shirts plus books and DVDs.

Underneath the Toyota Kaikan is a Starbucks cafe and a restaurant. In the foyer of the museum a Toyota Partner Robot will serenade you on the trumpet with regular shows.

The Toyota Kaikan is close to the Toyota headquarters.

From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama Line to Fushimi and then change to the Tsurumai Line and take a train going as far as Toyotashi. From Toyotashi Station walk to Shin-Toyota Station and take an Aichi Loop Line train to Mikawa-Toyota. From Mikawa-Toyota, the Toyota Kaikan is a 10-15 minute walk.

The Toyota Kaikan can also be accessed from Tsuchihashi Station on the Metetsu Line from Toyota Station. It would be a long 25 minute walk or a 10 minute taxi ride costing just over 1000 yen.

Toyota Kaikan 1 Toyota-cho Toyota 471-8571 Tel: 0565 29 3355 (Plant Tour Reservation)

Admission: Free

Other Toyota Museums in Nagoya are the Toyota Automobile Museum on the Linimo Line near Geidai Dori Station and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology close to Sako Station not far from Nagoya Station.

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Toyota City Guide: Top Things to do in Toyota, Japan

Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2019

“If Toyota catches a cold, Nagoya does.” This local saying expresses just how much influence Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture’s second largest city with around 420,000 residents, has on the prefectural capital’s financial health and well-being, and indeed on the entire country’s.

So, what makes Toyota so vital to regional and national economic success? Well, it’s probably no surprise based on the name of the city that there’s a connection to the Toyota car company. The Toyota Motor Corporation has its headquarters here and nine of its twelve plants in Japan are located in Toyota City.

In fact, the now global automobile manufacturer has been so much a part of the city’s prosperity and growth that the name of the city was changed from Koromo to Toyota City in 1959. There have only been two instances of a town name change of this nature in Japan, the other being Tenri near Osaka, named after Tenri-kyo, an offshoot of the Buddhist religion, which has its headquarters there.

Today, a staggering 80% of the city’s workforce is employed directly or indirectly by the car manufacturer, making it truly the lifeblood of the region. And despite having such a unique history and being only one hour by train from Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city, it doesn’t get nearly as much tourist attention as you’d expect. However, that is all set to change when the Rugby World Cup comes to Japan in 2019 and Toyota City is broadcast around the world as one of the twelve cities to host World Cup matches.

A total of four matches will be played at the state-of-the-art Toyota Stadium, the second largest stadium in Japan. The 45,000 seat stadium was built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Japan and Korea, the first time ever that the FIFA World Cup was held in Asia. Now, Toyota is excitedly anticipating its next global sporting event with the 2019 Rugby World Cup in September and October, and the city is once again looking forward to welcoming players and tourists from all over the world.

This Toyota guide will assist you in planning your stay whether before, during or after the World Cup, with suggestions on things to see and do, great local products to buy, and where to stay.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Toyota City, Japan

Sightseeing options in Toyota City cater to a range of different travelers. Of course, those who like cars or are interested in how the city revolves around one brand, will find lots of interest. However, there is also nature, history, hot springs and opportunities for hands-on crafts that make it appealing for varying interests, ages and group sizes.

Toyota Kaikan Museum and Toyota Plant Tour

If you’re visiting a city that has been so impacted by a manufacturer that it was renamed after it, it makes sense to start your exploration by learning more about the company and its products.

At the Toyota Kaikan Museum , you can visit various exhibitions that showcase the company’s approach to eco and hybrid technologies, safety, creation and the production process, and society and the future. Various interactive displays make learning hands-on and fun. I particularly liked seeing a robot in action and learning about how robots are used on the production line. Interestingly, the entire welding process is done exclusively by robots and it only takes 24 hours to complete a car from start to finish! There is also a showroom where you can see the latest Toyota and Lexus models. You’re welcome to sit inside them, take photos and get a sense for the look and feel of their fleet.

Those who would like to see cars being made on an actual production line can book a Toyota Plant Tour . A complimentary bus departs from the Toyota Kaikan Museum and will take you to one of three plants in Toyota City. Tours are available in English and Japanese and as there is only one tour per day, spots fill up fast, so be sure to plan your tour as far in advance as possible. Toyota Plant Tour reservations can be made online starting at three months prior to the tour date.

Both the Toyota Kaikan Museum and the Plant Tour are free of charge. Those wanting to learn about the history of the company and its founder, may also like to visit the Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall .

Asuke Townscape

Asuke Townscape is Aichi’s first ‘National Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings’. In the past, Asuke served as an important merchant and post town along the Ina Kaido Road (Chuma Kaido Road). The basic layout of the town dates back to the Sengoku Period (mid 1400s to late 1500s), while many of the buildings that still exist today are from the latter part of the Edo Period (1776-1830).

The best part of a visit to Asuke is that it isn’t simply an “old town” that is preserved for tourism purposes, but is a fully functioning township and its buildings continue to be used as active places of living and work. Be sure to spend time wandering into the old, public buildings and seeing what kind of local secrets you find beyond each door.

Along the 2km stretch of buildings, you can find a mix of restaurants and shops, exhibition spaces displaying locally made crafts, places of worship and old-style hotels. If you’re looking for something sweet on your wanderings, I recommend paying a visit to Nichigetsu Monaka Sohonten Kawamuraya for freshly-made Japanese sweets.

Asuke’s Korankei Valley, with its 4,000 Japanese maple trees has become a well-known spot to view the autumn colors, but even so it’s still a relatively unknown gem to even many Japanese, so you’ll definitely be among few foreign visitors who’ve caught wind of it.  

Sanshu Asuke Yashiki

Nestled in the Korankei Valley is Sanshu Asuke Yashiki , a working open-air museum that showcases traditional Japanese handicrafts. The museum mimics a self-sufficient farming community set around 100 years ago in the Meiji Period, complete with thatched dwellings, cows, chickens and crops.

Wander into almost any one of the farmhouses and you’ll find local artisans making traditional handicrafts in real-time, allowing you to see what goes into making them, and interact with and ask questions directly to the artisans themselves.

If you’re feeling crafty or just want to make a one-of-a-kind souvenir, you can actually try your hand at some of the handicrafts yourself. You can try hand loom weaving, paper making, letter opener making, straw sandal making, Japanese indigo tie dye, and making bamboo products. Some crafts (making gohei mochi, paper making and waraji straw sandal making) require advanced reservation by phone or email ( [email protected] ) so be sure to plan ahead. Admission is 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children and young adults aged 6-18. Crafts are an additional fee.

The cherry blossoms of Obara

Photo used with permission from Obara Tourism.

Obara is home to a rare type of cherry tree called the Shikizakura that blooms in both the spring and autumn. This creates an incredible scene in early to late November when the cherry blossoms are blooming at the same time as the fall colors reach their peak.

With about 10,000 trees offering this vibrant and incredible natural display, it’s not to be missed. 

Washi no Furusato

If you’re looking for an activity to do in Obara any time of the year, you can visit the Obara Paper Art Museum known as Washi no Furusato , which includes the Washi Art Gallery and an Art and Crafts Center. 

Washi, or traditional Japanese paper, is such an important art form that it is registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and Obara knows all about it. Washi-making began in Obara in the northern part of Toyota City as early as the 1500s. The mountainous Obara area had little cultivatable land for crops, but had clean water and plenty of kozo trees, the most popular fiber used in washi production, and it was the perfect means of creating job security during the colder winter months.

Obara become known as the “washi village” with its oiled paper called Mikawa Morishita Gami , popularly used for rain umbrellas. And, later, Obara Washi Art, which uses various colored fibers to create an image, rather than painting it on, created a unique art form that is now known internationally.

At the Art and Crafts Center, you can see first-hand the various stages of the washi-making process, learn from local Obara Washi experts and produce your very own piece of Obara Washi Art for a small fee. The workshops on offer are simple and short enough that they’re suitable for the whole family. What do you think of our designs?

If you have a group of fewer than 10 people, workshop reservations are not required. Those who love paper and art supplies should also check out the Center’s gift shop, which has a range of washi products for purchase. 

Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine

Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine stands in commemoration of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. So pivotal was his role in Japanese history, you’ll no doubt hear his name mentioned several times during your trip to Japan.

Tokugawa used to use the family name Matsudaira, hence the name of the shrine. Matsudaira Chikauji, the founder of the Matsudaira clan and to whom Tokugawa Ieyasu can trace his roots, is also enshrined here. It is believed that the shrine is a way of passing Tokugawa Ieyasu’s legacy down to his descendants.

The water from the shrine’s well is considered to have special properties and was supposedly used to bathe Tokugawa after he was born. Nowadays, the water is given to worshippers and is said to bring longevity and to also aid in a safe birth. 

Local veteran urushi artist, Ando Norioshi san, with his creation.

The urushi , or lacquerware, ceiling of the outer shrine, which depicts an exquisite representation of the four seasons, is one of the shrine’s unique features. It was painted by local veteran urushi artist Ando Norioshi san using the very best Japanese lacquer. By advanced reservation, visitors to Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine can book a lacquerware experience and have the honor of learning the art of ‘urushi’ from a local lacquerware artist in the workshop space next door.

During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to paint your own design using the earthy red-brown lacquer onto a spoon handle and then tap over color to create your very own usable souvenir. As it takes up to six hours to dry, the teacher can arrange to send your final product to your next accommodation or even the airport. The lacquerware experience costs 4,000 yen per person plus postage. 

Sanage Onsen

For those who want to enjoy Japanese hot springs, Sanage Onsen, Aichi Prefecture’s largest natural radon hot spring, is a popular choice. It bubbles up from 1,200m below ground and is said to have many medicinal properties.

One very special aspect of visiting Sanage Onsen is that you can actually drink the hot spring water! You can buy pre-packaged bottles at the gift shop or bring your own containers to fill from the water fountains (included in the cost of entry – up to 10L per person).

The biggest public bathing facility is Sanage Onsen Iwaburo Kinsennoyu . Those staying at the nearby Sanage Onsen Hotel Kinsenkaku can enter free of charge. Day trippers are also welcome to come and enjoy the facilities for an entry fee of 1,500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (3 years-elementary school students). Towels and yukata robes are provided to all visitors for no additional charge, and the usual shower amenities are provided, making it easy to just turn up empty-handed.   

What to buy in Toyota

Toyota City has a number of products that make for great souvenirs.

The tea industry in Toyota actually predates the Toyota car company’s arrival in the city, and while many local people are now employed in the car manufacturing industry, a small handful are keeping the tradition of tea production alive.

Kokaen is an award-winning third generation family business run by the Noba Family. They have ten plantations in total, all in Toyota City, and while many operations now rely solely on machines, they continue to pick a substantial amount of their tea by hand, producing high-quality tea products that are second-to-none.

We’ve tasted a lot of green tea in Japan, but never have we experienced tea like this, nor did we expect a tea shop to end up being such a memorable part of our trip. The Noba Family produces six kinds of tea and offers free tea tasting to all visitors to their quaint store. The thing that struck me most was how easy their delicious concoctions were to replicate at home. Their matcha au lait and roasted green tea au lait taste exquisite, yet all it takes is a couple of teaspoons of their instant green tea powder mixed with your choice of hot or cold (soy) milk. Seriously, you have to try it. Their green tea cakes are also extremely popular and make for great sightseeing snacks or take-home souvenirs. 

Masuzuka Miso

No doubt you’ve tried red or white miso soup or other miso products, but have you heard about Aichi’s dark and flavorful soybean miso? Mamemiso as it is called in Japanese is an almost black miso paste that is predominantly consumed in Aichi (where Toyota is located), Mie and Gifu Prefectures. 

Masuzuka Miso in Toyota City, a brand of Noda Miso Co., specializes in soybean miso made in wooden barrels using a process of natural fermentation. Of the one-thousand miso companies in Japan, only 5% use wooden barrels and natural fermentation. 

Fermentation takes between one and a half and two years, and just like wine or cheese, the specific taste is different every time. The original miso factory on the site is 200 years old and has now expanded into the surrounding aircraft hangers that were part of a working military base until the end of WWII.

Nowadays, demand for soybean miso is increasing outside of Aichi with the rise of worldwide foodie culture and has been praised by a number of well-renowned chefs. You can buy Masuzuka soybean miso products at the on-site store (and across supermarkets and department stores in Toyota City), including instant miso that’s perfect to take back home. Those who want to understand miso production at a deeper level, can book one of the monthly miso classes (Japanese language only, reservations a few months in advance required). Tours of the factory in English may be possible depending on staff availability (please email in advance to inquire [email protected] ). 

Sake from Sekiya Brewery

There are around 1,300 sake breweries in Japan, but only Sekiya Brewery produces order-made sake, allowing customers the option of having full creative control over the taste, aroma and consistency of their unique brew, the label, and even the color of the bottle. Designing your own custom sake is by reservation with a minimum order of 100 bottles, and is particularly popular for weddings and events.

If that’s a little too much commitment, there are two other activities that you can experience at Sekiya Brewery by reservation from September to June. The first is a free 30-40 minute tour of the factory, followed by a tasting. The second is the “taiken” self-experience which allows you to be able to mix some sake yourself in the factory and do a tasting. The 10,000 yen fee includes two bottles of sake to take home and a lunch box. Reservations can be made in English by email: [email protected]

Toyota Stadium sake – “Toyo Suta”

The on-site shop at Sekiya Brewery is open all year round, allowing you to purchase a range of different sake products to suit a range of tastes. They have even produced a special Toyota Stadium sake ahead of the Rugby World Cup called “Toyo Suta,” a shortened version of the name Toyota and the Japanese word for stadium! You can pick up a bottle directly from Sekiya Brewery, at several souvenir shops around town and, of course, at Toyota Stadium itself.

Where to stay in Toyota 

There are many accommodation options in Toyota. Downtown choices are great for access to the train station, restaurants, shops and entertainment, and Toyota Stadium. While others further out of town allow you to feel the beauty of the Japanese countryside without venturing far from civilization.  

Hotel Toyota Castle

Draw: Comfortable, convenient

Hotel Toyota Castle is a comfortable, Western-style hotel conveniently located in downtown Toyota, just 2 minutes’ walk from Toyota-shi Station, and only a 17-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride to Toyota Stadium.

The rooms are clean, modern, and smoke-free, and there is a range of different layouts on offer from singles to multi-room suites, including a barrier-free twin room, all with free Wi-Fi.

Check current availability and rates at Hotel Toyota Castle .

Meitetsu Toyota Hotel

The Meitetsu Toyota Hotel is another very convenient option in downtown Toyota, just one-minute walk from Toyota-shi Station. Rooms range from singles, doubles, three-person multipurpose rooms to suites, and all have free Wi-Fi.

The best part about the Meitetsu is that they are doing a full upgrade of their ninety-nine rooms ahead of the Rugby World Cup, bringing a stylish, modern and smoke-free environment to their guests. Single beds are also being widened from 120cm to 140cm, making them closer to a double, and from some of the rooms you can even see Toyota Stadium, making it no doubt an exciting place to stay during the Rugby World Cup.

Check current availability and rates at Meitetsu Toyota Hotel .

The Ninja Mansion

Draw: Traditional Japanese home, cultural experience

The Ninja Mansion is a 150-year-old traditional Japanese home turned tourist accommodation owned by 76-year-old Katsuse Michiko san, who now operates her exciting accommodation and café business with her one staff member, 28-year-old Sakasegawa Chihiro san.

Although the Ninja Mansion is only twenty-five minutes’ drive from Toyota-shi Station, you already feel like you’re in countryside Japan. It’s calm and peaceful and when you book the Ninja Mansion, you get the entire place to yourself! Michiko san has solo guests, couples, as well as groups of up to the maximum of nine people.

Guests enjoy the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese home, including sleeping on futons on the tatami mat flooring, and can either entirely self-cater using the kitchen, buy hot pot ingredients and rent out the café area in the evenings for a small fee (Michiko san will prepare the pot, charcoal and can even teach you how to prepare the dish), or on weekends, you can also reserve a chef to come to the house and cook for you.

Check current availability and rates at the Ninja Mansion .

Where to watch Rugby World Cup 2019 matches on the big screen

If you’re visiting Toyota during the World Cup, you’ll no doubt be wondering where you can catch games on the big screen.

Booby’s British Pub

This friendly and inviting sports bar is just a stone’s throw away from Toyota-shi Station, Hotel Toyota Castle and Meitetsu Toyota Hotel and, short of being able to get stadium tickets yourself, is the perfect place to catch games during the Rugby World Cup, or just to grab some dinner and drinks.

The staff here eagerly welcomes foreign visitors and are actively trying to improve their services to cater to their expanding foreign clientele. There is an English-speaking staff member available every night, a number they are planning on increasing to 2-3 during the Rugby World Cup, and menus are available in English and Chinese. They have also noticed many foreign groups tend to prefer to split the bill, and they welcome anyone who wishes to do so to opt-out of using the tablet system on the table that automatically generates a combined bill, and order and pay directly at the bar instead.

Booby’s has a lot of traditional pub favorites like fish ‘n’ chips, hamburgers and Mexican, as well as some more Japanese-style pub food. A new vegan menu is also currently under consideration.

Who’s ready to explore Toyota City? Raise your hands in the comments and feel free to share any experiences or questions you might have. Got any other attractions to add to the list?

This trip was supported by the Toyota City Government. As always, our opinions remain our own.

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Saturday 18th of March 2023

It’s actually a great and helpful piece of information.

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

First a confession: I didn't know that Toyota is a place in Japan. Your list gave me a huge wanderlust. I am gg to Japan end of the year, I will check it out ?

Jessica Korteman

Thursday 25th of April 2019

Hi Kal, thank you for reading. You are definitely not alone; I think most people don't know it's a place! So glad that you enjoyed the article and are planning to visit this year. Have a wonderful time and hope you find other Japan resources here useful for your planning. :)

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Toyota Motor Corporation – Factory Tour

Toyota motor corporation is a leading japanese car manufacturer headquartered in toyota city, aichi prefecture. the company was founded in 1937 by kiichiro toyoda as a division of toyoda automatic loom works. it is the home of the toyota production system (tps), a lean management philosophy founded on the two key pillars of jidoka and just-in-time..

Corporate Information

• Company : Toyota Motor Corporation
• Establishment : 1937
• Location : Headquartered in Aichi Prefecture
• Main Business : Automotive manufacturing

Toyota Factory Tour – Lean Characteristics

Tps, jidoka, just-in-time production.

Toyota is the home of the Toyota Production System (TPS). The lean manufacturing movement is based around the management principles, tools and culture that Toyota has been developing for over 60 years.

Supported by the two key pillars of Jidoka (a Japanese word that can be translated as “automation with a human touch”) and Just-In-Time, TPS aims to offer high quality, short delivery times, and reasonable cost through employee creativity and intense efforts to eliminate waste. It is designed so that machines and people alike stop production when there is equipment failure or any other irregularity in order for it to be immediately corrected. Also, it improves productivity without waste by manufacturing and delivering the necessary parts at the necessary time in the necessary quantity.

Shinka Management has shop floor-level access to the final assembly plant that produce the Toyota HiAce and the Toyota Coaster for Toyota Motor Corporation – facilities that are not open to the general public.

A factory visit includes access to welding (body shop), assembly and inspection lines. Unlike free public factory tours offered by Toyota (currently suspended indefinitely following the pandemic) which focus on general themes, Shinka Management tours focus on the application of the Toyota Production System and are led by one of our Sensei formerly from the Toyota Group.

The factory visit incorporates content on the two pillars of the Toyota Production System; Jidoka and Just-In-Time. The tour provides a close-up view of 5S, standard work, visual management, karakuri, poka-yoke, AGV (automated guided vehicle) and kanban application, with questions taken both on the shop floor and in a Q&A session following the visit.

I want to congratulate the Shinka Management Team for the fantastic organisation of the Lean Japan Tour 2023. The tour has been a business and life-changing experience for sure. On Day 1 I was already enlightened, and all the bits and pieces of a huge TQM puzzle came together to form a clear picture. The tour… read more

The Lean Japan Tour was the best lean management experience I have had. I wish I had done this earlier, so I could have done some things differently. One learns that some aspects of lean that one thought one knew, really have a different dimension to them. It helps to see lean management where it… read more

It was an inspiring week with great learnings around lean and how it is applied across various levels of the supply chain. The tour also provides a nice glimpse into the Japanese culture with its amazing food and friendly people. read more

The thing about the Lean Japan Tour by Shinka Management is that it’s not focused only on production efficiency, but also involves the lean way of managing people & reducing waste as a path to improving an organization’s quality & efficiency. We had the chance to visit different plants, and the privilege of meeting sensei… read more

I would like to give my deepest thanks for helping us end the executive program on a high note. This week has summarized TPS / VPS in a very practical and eye-opening manner. The lean journey has become real and exemplified through the many visits we have done. The coaching by Hattori Sensei, and by… read more

It was a fasntastic tour from the beginning to the end. It was very well-organised and informative. Sessions were followed with practical training which concentrated more on the ideas that had been explained. The factories visited were chosen in a way that allowed the participants to see a live supply chain work. Big thanks to… read more

The Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour is a professional development program run several times annually. The program includes a mix of lean and kaizen seminars, hands-on lean training and visits to several benchmark lean companies. For further information and program dates, see the lean tour overview page.

Tour Inquiries

Interested in joining us in Japan? For additional information prior to registration please fill in the form provided or contact us .

The above form is for inquiries related to the Lean Japan Tour program, Shinka Management consulting and training services, and lean manufacturing software products. Shinka Management does not represent Toyota. For Toyota-related product and service inquiries, please contact Toyota directly.

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Pride of the land: visiting the Japanese factory that makes Toyota’s ubiquitous Land Cruiser

Kevin hackett goes behind the scene's at toyota's yoshiwara factory to find out how the land cruiser is assembled.

A production line at Toyota’s Yoshiwara factory. The plant totally assembles the iconic Land Cruiser, as well as Lexus’s luxury variants of the off-road vehicle. Photos courtesy Toyota

W hat one car, more than any other, is synonymous with life in the Middle East? No, not gold-foil-wrapped Rolls-Royce Phantoms or tyre-smoking Lamborghinis — I'm talking about Toyota's self-proclaimed "Pride of the Land", the ubiquitous Land Cruiser.

It’s a vehicle that has a tenacious grip around the throat of this region, and when I arrived here five years ago, I didn’t recognise it for what it was, simply because in ­Europe they’re rarely (if ever) seen. Think Land Cruiser in the United Kingdom, and it’s the ­Prado equivalent, not the behemoth we see battering down Sheikh Zayed Road, or bashing the desert dunes across our empty spaces every day of the week. But here the “Land Cruiser proper” is so commonplace that it’s almost expected that you own one, and its success shows no sign of slowing down.

--------------------------------------

• In pictures: See the evolution of the Land Cruiser

The plant where Toyota builds the Land Cruiser, its Lexus LX sibling, the utilitarian (but still incredibly popular) 70 hardtop and pick-up models, as well as the Coaster bus, is the Yoshiwara factory in Toyota City (yes, that’s a real place), in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. A vast, sprawling mega­factory, Yoshiwara produces 13,900 vehicles per month, and half of them are shipped to the Middle East. That’s a staggering statistic that proves beyond doubt that it’s as much a part of the culture here as shawarma, shisha, sand and camels.

As I stand in one of the enormous production halls on a specially organised tour of the facility, robots and fastidious humans work in perfect unison to piece together these iconic automobiles. It’s an incredibly industrious place, as you’d expect, and while factory tours make for potentially boring stories, the sheer size of this operation leaves me agog. The entire thing is made here from scratch, with massive presses forming sheet steel into body panels; an army of people on seemingly countless work stations take each component, attaching them to rolling chassis in set periods of time. With a production cycle of just 12 hours, it runs like clockwork, and has set the template for many other manufacturing plants, with the likes of Porsche and Aston Martin basing their production lines around the way Toyota does things. It’s the epitome of efficiency.

With each car that I see, in each phase of its construction, I realise that there’s a high possibility that what I’m looking at could end up in my company car park or be used to scare tourists while barrelling along desert tundra. I also can’t help but wonder how and why this model became such an important part of motoring life in the Middle East. I’ve never viewed it as particularly handsome, and it’s so anonymous nowadays that nobody is impressed when seeing one, surely? So why on Earth is it the default choice for thousands of people here every year?

It must, at least partly, come down to price. You can get into a new Land Cruiser for as little as Dh209,000, which makes it a veritable bargain when you compare it with Land Rovers, Range Rovers and luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and the rest. There’s also Toyota’s well-deserved reputation for reliability to consider — after all, breaking down in the middle of the Empty Quarter could even be fatal depending on the time of year.

But there’s also the fact that the Land Cruiser was one of the first vehicles to be widely sold here, with Al Futtaim Motors in Dubai being especially proactive in getting it into the market during a period spanning more than six decades. It has become almost a rite of passage for Emirati families to own a Land Cruiser or its Lexus stablemate. And when the new model was launched here at the end of 2015, examples were being advertised for significantly more than they cost by enterprising individuals savvy enough to know that demand would outstrip supply, in the short term.

As with that American legend, the Willys Jeep, Toyota’s Land Cruiser was born into warfare. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, and the United Nations resolved to assist the South. At the time, Japan was still occupied by the United States after the end of World War II, and the country became a supply base, with car manufacturers such as Toyota commissioned by the US military to produce compact off-road vehicles.

In January 1951, five months after Toyota began designing such a vehicle, it produced its first prototype, using a chassis from its SB truck and a 3.4L “Type B” petrol engine. The company called it the Jeep BJ. The allied forces would go on to recognise it as a dependable, rugged machine fit for military use. To prove its off-road credentials, in July 1951, a test driver, Ichiro Taira, completed a run in one that saw him navigate his way up to No 6 checkpoint on Mount Fuji. Before that, the only “vehicles” that had made it that far were horses.

Two years passed, and Toyota was ready to take the model into series production, still using that Jeep BJ nomenclature. The following year, in 1954, the Willys Company took legal action over that somewhat blatant copyright violation, and Toyota renamed it the Land Cruiser.

The rest is history, and the Land Cruiser evolved over the years in a succession of different ­“series”, becoming more refined with each one, until 1984, when Toyota sensibly began tapping into the recreational vehicle market with the Series 70 model. This was the Land Cruiser that changed everything, and it quickly became renowned for being dependable, rugged and comfortable, no matter what conditions it was driven in. It has remained in production ever since, and was practically unaltered for 23 years before its first comprehensive update.

What’s now known as the J70 entered folklore thanks to its “go anywhere” abilities. For example, in a similar fashion to last week’s featured globetrotter, Gunther Holtorf, the Swiss husband-and-wife team Paul and Brigitta Böhlen Jüni took their diesel Land Cruiser HZJ78 around the world, covering 63 countries and 280,000 kilometres. As they were midway through their voyage, they wrote a letter to Toyota Europe. “The Land Cruiser is the best car you can drive around the world,” it said. There are many other examples of people exploring the outer reaches of the planet, making epic journeys in Series 70 Land Cruisers.

As time went on, ­Toyota faced increasingly stiff competition from Nissan, Mitsubishi and others, all offering dependable and rugged vehicles. The Land Cruiser name had come to be applied to two distinctly ­different cars; one distinctly utilitarian, the other geared towards the comfort side of things. And it was the J100 Series, which came along in 1998, that provided the overall look and feel of the vehicle we call to mind whenever the words “Land ­Cruiser” are uttered.

In 2007, the 100 gave way to the 200, and it’s this model that is in such high demand here, offering rugged off-road capability and on-road speed and comfort. ­Toyota’s posh division, Lexus, has also got in on the act with the LX variant.

Sales in the US have been in steep decline for the past 15 years, and company representatives admit that if it wasn’t for the Middle East market, the Land Cruiser as we know it probably wouldn’t exist. They also think that there’s little point developing future models in the icy wildernesses of the Arctic Circle when the majority of customers will be using them in much higher temperatures, which means that the 200 Series has been tried and tested before production, right where it matters most: here.

More than 6.5 million Land Cruisers of various shapes and specifications have been sold in the past 65 years, and they’ve all rolled off the production lines of this impressive factory. As I see the final inspections being carried out on a white Lexus LX, which rival those of any luxury car company, I know exactly where it’s heading — the Middle East’s love affair with this machine is unlikely to fizzle out in my lifetime or yours.

[email protected]

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Exclusive-Toyota Repeatedly Halted Mexico Plant After Suppliers Hit by Worker Shortage, Sources Say

FILE PHOTO: A Toyota Tacoma is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 5, 2023. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

By Maki Shiraki

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor was forced to repeatedly halt production at a Mexico plant in February and March after local labour shortages snarled output at suppliers, according to people with knowledge of the automaker's operations.

The stoppages, details of which were corroborated by documents from Toyota and suppliers reviewed by Reuters, illustrate a potential choke point for the world's top automaker, which plans to produce 10 million vehicles this year.

Toyota halted production for a total 19 days in February and March at its plant in Tijuana, Mexico, where it makes the Tacoma pick-up truck, according to two of the people. Technical issues at the plant were also a factor in the stoppage, they said.

Reuters spoke to four people at suppliers and Toyota. All of them declined to be identified because the information has not been made public.

Toyota is now working with some suppliers to ease the strain. Still, some parts makers are barely managing to keep production going because of the worker shortage, one of the people said.

The supply disruptions are the latest headache for the Japanese manufacturing giant, which has also been dealing with the fallout from a safety test certification scandal at subsidiary Daihatsu, as well as separate governance issues at two other group companies.

Those scandals have prompted the automaker to delay the start of the production of electric vehicles in the United States by six months to around June 2026, two of the people said. The EV delay was previously reported by Japanese media.

In response to questions from Reuters, Toyota Motor North America, the automaker's subsidiary, said: "Toyota's North American plants continue to face intermittent production delays due to supply chain disruptions. To minimise the impact, our teams are working diligently to do everything possible to lessen the inconvenience to our customers."

'FREQUENT HALTS'

In a letter to its North American supplier network in late April that was reviewed by Reuters, the automaker acknowledged the "frequent production halts" that were causing "inconvenience and concern".

At some suppliers, it said, regular employee turnover had lead to a decline in skills, while production capacity had decreased "due to issues with personnel, equipment and material supply".

The automaker requested details from parts makers on their challenges in North America and what kind of support they required.

Reuters was not able to determine whether the labour issues were hitting the suppliers of other Japanese automakers producing in the United States.

The supply-chain issues help explain some of Toyota's recent difficulties in the United States, even as it sees increased demand for vehicles, particularly hybrids. Toyota is expected to start selling a hybrid version of the Tacoma in the United States this year. "There were some operational issues involving parts makers, and it became clear in the fourth quarter that production was not going as expected," Yoichi Miyazaki, Toyota's chief financial officer, said at an earnings briefing last week, adding that the automaker was also impacted by one-time costs related to production changes.

Last week Toyota booked a 27.5 billion yen ($176 million) operating loss in North America for January-March, although overall, it delivered record earnings.

Toyota has forecast a 20% profit decline in the current financial year, citing investments in both suppliers and strategy.

Robust economic growth in North America and rising wages have meant higher turnover as workers leave jobs in heavy industry for those with better conditions.

"Employees are frequently changing jobs in search of higher salaries. It has become difficult to secure personnel, and we can no longer maintain the required production volume," said one of the sources, who works at a supplier.

Toyota sold more than 230,000 of the Tacoma in the United States last year, representing about 10% of its total sales in that market. Only the RAV4 and Camry were bigger sellers.

(Reporting by Maki Shiraki; Writing by Daniel Leussink; Editing by Nobuhiro Kubo, David Dolan and Tom Hogue)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Mexico , Japan

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Daihatsu restarts all Japan plants 4 months after safety scandal

Toyota Motor Corp.'s small-car unit, Daihatsu Motor Co., resumed operations at all of its assembly plants in Japan on Tuesday, more than four months after it halted domestic production due to safety test rigging.

The automaker restarted production of Copen minivehicles at its main factory in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, earlier in the day, the last of its four assembly plants in Japan to resume output.

Daihatsu has gradually restarted domestic production since February following a reexamination of its safety standards by the transport ministry, with a shipment ban covering all of its 27 models lifted in April.

The other three factories are located in Kyoto, Oita, and Shiga prefectures.

The suspension of the plants, which came after Daihatsu admitted in December to rigging safety data for most of its models, led to a plunge in the country's industrial output in January and cast doubt over the safety of the Toyota group's vehicles.

"We will make efforts to produce cars more carefully than before so we can ensure good product quality," the automaker said in a statement on Tuesday.

A third-party panel appointed by Daihatsu found the safety test rigging dated back to 1989 and blamed "an extremely tight and rigid development schedule" for the misconduct.

Toyota said in April it will tighten its grip on Daihatsu, vowing to take charge of development and safety approval for some of the models the unit has been handling.

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Follow our news, recent searches, rapidus 'last opportunity' to put japan back on global chip map, advertisement.

Tetsuro Higashi, the Chairman of Rapidus Corp., poses for a photograph during an interview with Reuters at the company headquarters in Tokyo on Japan Feb 2, 2023. (File photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato)

TOKYO: Japan's Rapidus project that brings together some of the world's biggest companies is the "last opportunity" to put the country's once-dominant semiconductor sector back on the global map, its chairman warned.

And, while the company has the financial firepower of the government behind it, Tetsuro Higashi told AFP in an interview that he was under no illusions about the challenges ahead.

"The entire world is becoming digitised. It is becoming crucially important for Japan to build a very strong digital technology industry," said Higashi, an industry veteran and ex-president of Tokyo Electron, a major producer of tools to make chips.

"Japan is more than a decade behind others. It will require enormous money just to catch up."

Tokyo has promised up to 4 trillion yen (US$25.7 billion) in subsidies to help triple sales of domestically produced chips to more than 15 trillion yen by 2030.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which makes half the world's chips, has already benefitted, with the giant opening a new fabrication plant in Japan in February and planning a second.

The government has committed 920 billion yen to Rapidus, a joint venture involving Sony, Toyota, IBM and others, which is now building its fab in the Hokkaido region.

The aim is to mass-produce logic chips in Japan from 2027 using two-nanometre technology, the next frontier in chips containing an even more dizzying number of minuscule transistors.

TSMC and others are already racing to reach full production for their 2nm chips, which will be vital in powering the mooted revolution in artificial intelligence (AI).

But Higashi is confident that Rapidus can do it – and makes no bones about what's at stake.

"This could be the last opportunity for Japan" to relaunch a competitive semiconductor-making industry, he said.

Battle for supremacy in East Asia semiconductor manufacturing

Exploring demand .

By around 2027, global demand for advanced, energy-efficient semiconductors is expected to explode as AI and digital technologies further enter people's daily lives, Higashi said.

US tech firms like Google and OpenAI are also investing heavily in Japan in the hope that the country, once a world-beating technology pioneer, can regain its edge with AI.

The CEO of Nvidia, whose chips currently dominate in AI, said the firm would "do our very, very best" to supply Japan.

But it is clear that it must rely less on foreign supply, Higashi said, adding: "We are becoming a digital society. All kinds of industries in Japan will rely immensely on semiconductors."

Japan was a big player in the semiconductor industry in the 1980s through early 1990s, commanding half of the global market with the likes of NEC and Toshiba leading the way.

Now it accounts for about 10 per cent of the market, although it remains a leader in chip-making equipment and materials, with firms such as Higashi's former employer Tokyo Electron.

But Japan's aims also have a geopolitical angle as it, along with the United States and others seek to reduce their reliance on TSMC's fabs in Taiwan because of fears of a Chinese invasion.

At the same time, Washington is seeking to restrict the supply of next-generation chips to China to hold up Beijing's AI drive.

While avoiding directly discussing geopolitics, Higashi said he expected firms in friendly nations, like Japan and the United States, to share tasks to maintain international supply chains.

"In Japan, like the United States, there are many major production equipment firms and materials companies. They are dealing with customers that require very advanced products," he said.

"Those production-equipment makers and materials firms are providing their support to us."

And its success should inspire young engineers to further growth Japan's chip sector, he added.

"We must create new semiconductors and inspire people that we can create a new world," he said.

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China's BYD launches hybrid pickup in Mexico as US hikes EV tariffs

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Toyota repeatedly halted Mexico plant after suppliers hit by worker shortage, sources say

May 17, 2024 at 17:52 JST

Toyota Motor was forced to repeatedly halt production at a Mexico plant in February and March after local labor shortages snarled output at suppliers, according to people with knowledge of the automaker’s operations.

The stoppages, details of which were corroborated by documents from Toyota and suppliers reviewed by Reuters, illustrate a potential choke point for the world’s top automaker, which plans to produce 10 million vehicles this year.

Toyota halted production for a total 19 days in February and March at its plant in Tijuana, Mexico, where it makes the Tacoma pick-up truck, according to two of the people. Technical issues at the plant were also a factor in the stoppage, they said.

Reuters spoke to four people at suppliers and Toyota. All of them declined to be identified because the information has not been made public.

Toyota is now working with some suppliers to ease the strain. Still, some parts makers are barely managing to keep production going because of the worker shortage, one of the people said.

The supply disruptions are the latest headache for the Japanese manufacturing giant, which has also been dealing with the fallout from a safety test certification scandal at subsidiary Daihatsu, as well as separate governance issues at two other group companies.

Those scandals have prompted the automaker to delay the start of the production of electric vehicles in the United States by six months to around June 2026, two of the people said. The EV delay was previously reported by Japanese media.

In response to questions from Reuters, Toyota Motor North America, the automaker’s subsidiary, said: “Toyota’s North American plants continue to face intermittent production delays due to supply chain disruptions. To minimize the impact, our teams are working diligently to do everything possible to lessen the inconvenience to our customers.”

‘FREQUENT HALTS’

In a letter to its North American supplier network in late April that was reviewed by Reuters, the automaker acknowledged the “frequent production halts” that were causing “inconvenience and concern”.

At some suppliers, it said, regular employee turnover had lead to a decline in skills, while production capacity had decreased “due to issues with personnel, equipment and material supply”.

The automaker requested details from parts makers on their challenges in North America and what kind of support they required.

Reuters was not able to determine whether the labor issues were hitting the suppliers of other Japanese automakers producing in the United States.

The supply-chain issues help explain some of Toyota’s recent difficulties in the United States, even as it sees increased demand for vehicles, particularly hybrids. Toyota is expected to start selling a hybrid version of the Tacoma in the United States this year.

“There were some operational issues involving parts makers, and it became clear in the fourth quarter that production was not going as expected,” Yoichi Miyazaki, Toyota’s chief financial officer, said at an earnings briefing last week, adding that the automaker was also impacted by one-time costs related to production changes.

Last week Toyota booked a 27.5 billion yen ($176 million) operating loss in North America for January-March, although overall, it delivered record earnings.

Toyota has forecast a 20% profit decline in the current financial year, citing investments in both suppliers and strategy.

Robust economic growth in North America and rising wages have meant higher turnover as workers leave jobs in heavy industry for those with better conditions.

“Employees are frequently changing jobs in search of higher salaries. It has become difficult to secure personnel, and we can no longer maintain the required production volume,” said one of the sources, who works at a supplier.

Toyota sold more than 230,000 of the Tacoma in the United States last year, representing about 10% of its total sales in that market. Only the RAV4 and Camry were bigger sellers.

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