History Garage was for car lovers

If you are in Odaiba and need to fill in some time or are a car lover, go to the History Garage. Though Toyota runs it, it isn’t only about Japanese cars. You can see vehicles from different countries, companies, and periods. There might be bigger and better museums of this type in Japan, but this might be the best in Tokyo.

The museum has a vibrant sixties theme (Japan’s Showa Period) for the most part. Some areas have a definite continental feel, though. Everything is sure to grab your eye.

Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo TA64.
Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo TA64 at History Garage

There are two floors with most cars on the second. The first floor has the Alessandra Nannini cafe. It also has a well-stocked gift shop stacked with models to look at or buy. And there is a garage where you can see the mechanics at work.

The displays get changed regularly, which can be both good and bad. It depends on what kind of cars you like. For example, on one visit in 2016, American muscle cars from the 1960s were on display. But in 2018, it consisted of domestic Japanese vehicles. I doubt it’ll be a big problem for any petrolhead as all the vehicles on display are excellent.

History Garage DeLorean DMC-12
The iconic DeLorean DMC-12.

Photography at the museum

Feel free to take your camera with you! When I last visited the History Garage in June 2020, some of the displays included: 

  • Cadillac Series 62
  • Chevrolet Impala
  • Datsun 16 from 1937
  • Delorean DMC-12
  • Ford Mustang 1964
  • Honda s800
  • MG-TC 1945 (1945 model)
  • Nissan Skyline GTR 2000
  • Toyopet Crown RSD
  • Toyota 2000GT
  • Toyota Celica GT-Four rally car (1985)
  • Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64)

The only problem I have encountered there is that it is pretty dark in some areas. That can cause issues if your camera doesn’t have good low-light capabilities.

Where was the History Garage?

The History Garage was inside the Venus Fort shopping center in Odaiba. Two stations were nearby, Aomi on the Yurikamome Line and Tokyo Teleport on the Rinkai Line.

History Garage Toyota 2000GT
The legendary Toyota 2000GT.

Opening hours

The History Garage is permanently closed.

Admission costs

None.

Other photo spots in the area

Toyota Celica GT-Four rally car
Toyota Celica GT-Four rally car.

Wrapping Up

The History Garage was a great place for car lovers (and people on dates). It was the perfect place for anyone in Odaiba needing something to kill some time. Many Tokyoites will miss it for sure. 

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