Toyota MEGAWEB Showcase

Mar 27, 2019

Toyota MEGAWEB Showcase

Tokyo can be a tough place to find something cool for the whole family to get into without either needing to travel a way into the countryside or dropping copious amounts of yen on the adventure. However, here’s something that is both close to the center of the Metropolis and yet relatively inexpensive for a day’s outing. Located on Odaiba isle, MEGAWEB is a Toyota Motors automotive theme park to ‘Look’, ‘Ride’ and ‘Feel’ automotive tech. Those three themes are housed inside three separate areas around their facility.

Look

At the Toyota City Showcase building, you can check out over 60 models of Toyota’s automobiles and even test drive some of them on the private track in the parking area connected to the facility (provided you are properly licensed of course!) Some vehicles showcased are rarely seen models like the new JPN Taxicab that is currently being phased in by many livery companies to replace the aging Crown Comforts that define the industry here in Japan. You can also check out futuristic concept cars, Gran Prix and Rallycar racers, and more. There are also video simulators, technology exhibits and other games in this area as well.

Feel

Head over to the History Garage area to check out not only how Toyota Motors got its start in racing in the 1960s. Everything here is decked out to look as if you’re standing in Postwar Showa Era Japan. Here you’ll learn about how mechanics and technology have changed over the years, and don’t miss the classic cars from the age either. Toyota has a bigger collection in its main museum near Nagoya, in case you’re up for continuing your journey down memory lane sometimes.

Ride

The Ride Studio is where the kiddos will likely be happiest since this is the part where indoor and outdoor karts can be driven. Even preschoolers get their own course where they can toot around and have some fun. There’s another longer indoor course for the older kids to learn traffic rules and enjoy driving, and an outdoor e-kart track for kids and adults alike to mix it up a bit; just be careful about swappin’ paint, mm’kay?

Is it pricy? How long are the waits?

Pretty much everything except for the rides in the Ride Studio is free; Most rides are ¥300 per session or less. Also, there’s a reserve time slot ticket system in place, so the earlier you can arrive, the better. In other words, if you can come on a weekday morning instead of a Sunday afternoon, you’d be golden. You’d be even wiser if you’re checking the official website to make sure there are no hiccups in operation the day you want to visit.

Access & Hours

Aomi 1-3-12, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0064

By transit: Toyko Teleport Station (R04) on the Rinkai Line or Aomi Station (U10) on the Yurikamome Line.

MEGA WEB is generally open every day but closes once a month for maintenance; that date floats so please check the calendar for details. The main attraction is open from 11:00-20:00, however some sections close admittance earlier; again check to see which ones.

 

Images: Toyota MegaWeb by Jason Gatewood, own work.