Japan, known for its reliable automobiles, boasts some of the best car museums showcasing its history, rock-solid engineering, innovations, and design. Japan has a rich automotive history with legendary brands like Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, etc. While in Japan, do not miss out on the FREE factory tours and car museums offered at the plants of Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi.
From the humble beginning of its post-war industry to its undisputed reign as a technological powerhouse, Japan’s auto history is a fascinating story best told within the halls of its world-class museums.
Here is a list of the 10 best car museums in Japan that every auto enthusiast should visit. So, while you are in Japan, do check out for “car museums near me.”
List of 10 best car museums in Japan
Motorcar Museum of Japan
Started in 1978
Over 800 vehicles with 500 always on display
Display area over 12,000 sq. m.
Motorcar Museum is the largest car museum in Japan in terms of the number of vehicles on display. It is particularly notable for its large display of old Japanese-made commercial vehicles, including many valuable cars that can only be seen at this museum.
Timing: Thursday to Tuesday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Pricing: 1,200 ¥, Students 700 ¥, and free for children under 5
Location: 40 Ikkanyama, Komatsu City, Ishikawa – Japan
https://www.motorcar-museum.jp/
Toyota Automobile Museum
Started in 1989
Over 150 vehicles and over 4,000 exhibits
Display area over 19,250 sq. m.
What makes the Toyota Automobile Museum truly unique is its systematic presentation of the evolution and culture of automobiles from around the world. Regardless of manufacturers, it covers everything from the world’s first gasoline-powered car to modern day electric vehicles.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 5 pm
Pricing: 1,200 ¥, Seniors / Students 700 ¥, and free for children under 5
Location: Yokomichi, Nagakute City, Aichi – Japan
https://toyota-automobile-museum.jp/en/
Honda Collection Hall
Started in 1998
Over 350 cars and bikes
Honda Collection Hall is a place where you can experience Honda’s “story of dreams and challenges.” The exhibits include Honda products such as automobiles, motorcycles, jets, and racing machines. Although entry to the Honda Collection Hall is free, however entry to the Mobility Motegi Resort where the hall is located requires admission and parking fees.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 am to 4.30 pm
Pricing: 1,900 ¥, Students 900 ¥, and free for children under 3
Location: Mobility Resort Motegi, Tochigi – Japan
https://www.mr-motegi.jp/eng/collection-hall/
Nissan Heritage Collection
Started in 2014 (Before that, it was private)
Over 450 vehicles
The museum has a valuable collection that tells the story of Nissan’s history dating back to the 1930’s. Here, you can see not only cars that have been popular with customers, but also many “commemorative cars” that have pioneered eras and brought about change in society.
Timings: Monday to Friday, 10:00-11:30 am and 2:00-3:30 pm
Pricing: Free (Booking needs to be made in advance on the official website)
Location: Nissan Plant, Zama City, Kanagawa – Japan
https://www.nissan.co.jp/HERITAGE/
Subaru Visitors Centre
Started in 2003
Factory Tour and auto exhibits
Display area over 3,300 sq. m.
The center introduces Subaru’s past vehicles, its unique technology, and how vehicles are produced at the plant. The factory tours are led by dedicated guides. The star attractions are Subaru’s World Rally winning Impreza models. The guided tour takes around 60 – 90 minutes.
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Pricing: Free (Booking needs to be made in advance on the official website)
Location: Subaru Plant, Ota City, Gunma – Japan
https://subaru-factory.resv.jp/
Shikoku Automobile Museum
Started in 2003
Over 200 cars and bikes
The Shikoku Automobile Museum exhibits historical vehicles from all over the world, with a focus on race cars and classic cars from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Pricing: 800 ¥, Students 500 ¥
Location: Noichi-cho, Konan City, Kochi – Japan
https://lovemota.vistanet.co.jp/museum/
Mazda Museum
Started in 1994
Factory Tour and auto exhibits
Display area over 3,650 sq. m.
The museum’s collection is a representation of Mazda’s history, featuring iconic models, rotary engines, and future concept cars. Star attraction is the 1991 Le Mans Grand Prix winning car. The factory tour passes through assembly lines, where visitors can see different car models being produced. The guided tour takes around 90 – 120 minutes.
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Pricing: Free (Booking needs to be made in advance on the official website)
Location: Mazda Plant, Aki District, Hiroshima – Japan
https://www.mazda.com/ja/experience/museum/
Mitsubishi Auto Gallery
Started in 1989
Factory Tour and auto exhibits
Display area over 1,100 sq. m.
The Mitsubishi Auto Gallery showcases many famous cars from Mistsubishi’s history including world rally winning Lancers and Paris Dakar winning Pajeros. The factory tour shows how robots and humans work together in the factory.
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
Pricing: Free (Booking needs to be made in advance on the official website)
Location: Mitsubishi Plant, 1 Nakashinkiri, Okazaki City, Aichi – Japan
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/jp/sustainability/society/contribution/factory/autogallery.html
Glion Museum
Started in 2015
Over 300 vehicles with 120 always on display
Display area over 10,000 sq. m.
The museum has a collection of more than 300 classic and vintage cars from around the world which are rotated periodically. Being built inside a 100 year old red brick warehouse, gives it a very unique experience.
Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
Pricing: 1,300 ¥ and free for children under 7
Location: Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka City – Japan
https://glion-museum.jp/en/
Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museums
Started in 1994
Around 125 cars
Display area over 3,000 sq. m.
The car museum exhibits around 100 classic cars, including much-admired sports cars, Japanese classic cars, and unique minicars with catalogs, price lists, photos, and news from the time of their release. It is located within one of Japan’s largest and most iconic amusement spots.
Timings: Daily, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Pricing: 1,300 ¥, Students 900 ¥, and free for children under 4
Location: 2145 Kaminoda, Yoshioka, Gunma – Japan
http://www.ikaho-omocha.jp/
Japanese Car Museums : In short
The car museums in Japan offer something for every car enthusiast—whether you love vintage classics, futuristic prototypes, or racing cars. These car museums offer a thrilling journey through the automotive history, especially of Japan.
Also when checking for “car museums near me” while being in Japan, also do check the museum websites for up-to-date timings, ticket prices, special exhibitions, and if there are any temporary closures.
So, which museum would you visit first? 🚗💨
