Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Think Toyota only makes cars? Think again. Housed in a retro red-brick factory in central Nagoya, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology takes you back to the company’s origins—not on wheels, but with weaving machines. From old-fashioned looms to cutting-edge robots, this interactive museum reveals how Toyota helped shape Japan’s industrial future. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a tech enthusiast or visiting Nagoya with kids, this hands-on museum offers a fun and engaging look at how the Toyota brand evolved.

Textile Machinery Pavilion

Photo by: WikiCommons/ Morio Travel back in time to see how cotton was spun, woven and transformed into fabric.

Most people don’t know that Toyota began in the textile industry. At the Textile Pavilion, you’ll travel back in time to see how cotton was spun, woven and transformed into fabric. The exhibits range from hand-operated wooden looms to modern laser and water-jet machines.

This pavilion is located in Toyota’s original red-brick spinning mill. Around 100 machines are on display, and staff dressed in period uniforms regularly demonstrate how they work. You’ll also learn about Sakichi Toyoda, the brilliant inventor whose automatic loom revolutionized fabric production in Japan. His innovations made textile manufacturing faster and more affordable—laying the foundation for the Toyota empire.

Even if looms don’t sound thrilling at first, the movement, noise, and intricate engineering make them surprisingly fascinating. Kids especially enjoy the interactive displays, such as the Virtual Weaving Machine. English-language guided tours are available and include live demonstrations not found on a self-guided visit.

Automobile Pavilion

Photo by: PIXTA/ bee You’ll see everything from the first Toyota Model AA to rare designs like the Toyota 2000GT

This vast building charts Toyota’s journey from its first car to the global brand it is today. The Automobile Pavilion is divided into four themed zones:

• The company’s early automotive ventures
• How cars are made
• The technology behind them
• The evolution of production methods

You’ll see everything from the first Toyota Model AA to rare designs like the Toyota 2000GT. Robots used in modern manufacturing are also on display. Cutaway models, exploded engines, and interactive simulations make this area enjoyable, even if you’re not a car expert.

Don’t miss Technoland, a lively, hands-on zone designed for families. Kids can drive toy cars, test wind tunnels, play water and air-jet games, and even build a motor from scratch. It’s part science museum, part theme park.

Museum Highlights

From live loom demonstrations to early Toyota cars and futuristic robots, the Toyota Commemorative Museum blends history and innovation under one roof. The museum offers plenty of English-language support, including a free audio guide app and Free English Tours in the two main pavilions. Whether you’re interested in cars, curious about Japan’s industrial roots or just looking for a fun family activity in Nagoya, this museum is a surprisingly engaging and memorable stop.