Mazda Museum – Hiroshima

Located in Hiroshima, Japan, the Mazda Museum offers an in-depth look into more than a century of Mazda’s technological evolution, design philosophy, and innovative spirit. Situated within the company’s headquarters and main factory complex, this museum provides visitors with a rare opportunity to explore the world of Japanese car manufacturing from the inside.

A Legacy Born in Hiroshima

Mazda’s history began in 1920, when Jujiro Matsuda founded the Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, which initially produced cork products before shifting to machine tools and vehicles. In 1931, the company introduced its first motorized tricycle truck, the Mazda-Go, marking the beginning of its automotive journey.

Following the devastation of World War II, Mazda played a key role in Hiroshima’s reconstruction, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience. The company’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship and creativity continues to reflect the spirit of its hometown.

The Museum Experience

The Mazda Museum is located inside Mazda’s Hiroshima headquarters and production plant in the Fuchu district. Guided tours (available by reservation) take visitors on a journey through the company’s past, present, and future, offering a behind-the-scenes look at both history and live car production.

The museum tour follows a carefully designed route, typically including:

Entrance Hall: Introduction to Mazda’s corporate philosophy, “Zoom-Zoom” — the joy of motion and human connection.

Historical Zone: Displays of classic Mazda vehicles, including the Mazda-Go (1931), R360 Coupe (1960), and Mazda Cosmo Sport (1967) — the world’s first rotary-engine sports car.

Manufacturing Plant Tour: A rare opportunity to witness real-time assembly line operations, showing how cutting-edge robots and human engineers collaborate to build vehicles.

Rotary Engine Exhibition: Detailed displays explain the inner workings of Mazda’s famous rotary engine, which revolutionized automotive engineering.

Design & Technology Zone: Exhibits on modern vehicle design, safety innovations, sustainability, and Mazda’s unique “KODO — Soul of Motion” design language.
Future Vision Zone: Showcases Mazda’s next-generation electric and hybrid technologies, environmental initiatives, and concept cars shaping the company’s future.
Museum Shop: Exclusive merchandise including model cars, apparel, and Mazda-branded souvenirs available only at the museum.

Highlights & Must-Sees

Rotary Heritage: Learn how Mazda perfected the Wankel rotary engine, leading to iconic cars like the RX-7 and RX-8.

KODO Design Philosophy: Explore Mazda’s award-winning aesthetic concept, inspired by movement and Japanese artistry.
Factory Observation: Watch vehicles being built in real time, a rare and fascinating experience for car enthusiasts.
Interactive Exhibits: Touchscreen displays and visual presentations explain the evolution of Mazda’s technology.
Connection to Hiroshima: Gain insight into how Mazda helped rebuild Hiroshima’s economy and identity after 1945.

Visitor Information

Location: Mazda Headquarters, 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access:
- From JR Hiroshima Station: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Mukainada Station (about 5 minutes). The museum is a short walk from the station.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, typically 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (guided tours only)
Closed: Weekends, national holidays, and factory holidays
Reservations Required: All visits must be booked in advance through the official Mazda Museum website (free admission).
Admission: Free, but limited to guided tours (in English or Japanese).
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes

Tips for Visitors

Reservations should be made at least several days in advance, as tours are often fully booked.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but restricted inside the production plant.
The museum is not accessible without a guided tour, so make sure to arrive on time.
After the tour, stop by Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima, the city’s professional baseball venue sponsored by Mazda, just a few stations away.

Why You Should Visit

The Mazda Museum is not just for car lovers — it’s a journey through Japanese innovation, resilience, and design excellence. From early postwar vehicles to futuristic concept models, it tells the story of how one company from Hiroshima became a global symbol of craftsmanship and engineering brilliance.

Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of Mazda’s motto:
“Driving matters — because it’s about the connection between car, driver, and road.”

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