Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: The Ultimate Guide for Car & History Lovers

When you hear the name “Toyota,” you likely think of the world’s leading automaker. But did you know that Toyota’s journey actually began with weaving silk and cotton?

Located in the heart of Nagoya, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (also known as Tecno Museum) is housed in the original red-brick factory where the Toyota Group’s founder, Sakichi Toyoda, built his experimental spinning and weaving mill in 1911.

Whether you are a hardcore gearhead or a fan of Japanese history, this is arguably the best museum in Nagoya.

🧵 Part 1: The Loom – Where It All Began

Before the cars, there was the Automated Loom. Sakichi Toyoda is often called the “King of Japanese Inventors.” He dedicated his life to perfecting machinery that would make weaving easier for his mother.

The Highlight: The Textile Machinery Pavilion is a massive, cathedral-like space. It’s not just for looking—most of these giant machines are kept in working order.
The Experience: Watch as staff demonstrate 100-year-old wooden looms and modern high-speed air-jet looms. The rhythmic sounds and the sight of fabric being created in seconds is mesmerizing.

🚗 Part 2: The Automobile – A Bold Challenge

The museum’s second half follows Sakichi’s son, Kiichiro Toyoda, as he pivots from textiles to the risky world of car manufacturing.

For Classic Car Lovers: You’ll see the Toyoda Model AA (the company’s first production passenger car) and icons like the sleek Toyota 2000GT, often called Japan’s first supercar.
Behind the Scenes: Instead of just shiny cars on a pedestal, you see the how. Massive hydraulic presses, engine casting displays, and early assembly lines show the transition from hand-crafted cars to mass production.
The Technology: Watch robots dance as they weld car bodies together—a perfect example of the precision that defines Japanese manufacturing today.

🌍 Tourist-Friendly Features

Language Support: Every exhibit has English signage. You can also download a free audio guide app (available in English, Chinese, and Korean) to get the full story.
Guided Tours: Free English tours are often available at 2:00 PM (Textile) and 3:15 PM (Automobile). Pro tip: Check at the front desk upon arrival.
Interactive Fun: There is a “Technoland” area for kids to play with physics-based games, and a steam engine demonstration that is a favorite for photography.

📍 Plan Your Visit (2026 Info)

Detail	Information
Hours	9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Closed	Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Admission	Adults: ¥1,000 / Students: ¥300–¥500 / Seniors: ¥600
Location	4-1-35 Noritake Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Nagoya

How to get there:

By Train: A 3-minute walk from Sako Station (Meitetsu Line, just one stop from Nagoya Station).
By Bus: Take the “Me-guru” Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus from Nagoya Station (Platform 11) and get off at the museum entrance.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t confuse this with the Toyota Exhibition Hall (in Toyota City) or the Toyota Automobile Museum (in Nagakute). While all are great, this Nagoya city location is the most accessible and offers the best look at the company’s “soul.”ms, Kiyosu Castle is a destination you shouldn’t miss.