Aerial view of Toyota Woven City in Japan, featuring green spaces and illuminated nighttime lighting
Aerial view of Toyota Woven City in Japan, featuring green spaces and illuminated nighttime lighting
The city blends modern architecture with greenery to create an eco-friendly urban environment.

Toyota has unveiled the completion of Phase 1 of its Woven City project in Japan, a futuristic urban prototype designed to test next-generation mobility and sustainability solutions. Announced at CES 2025, the Toyota Woven City Japan project aims to redefine how people, goods, energy, and information move within a connected ecosystem. This article explores the project’s vision, sustainable design, technological innovations, collaborative community model, and future expansion plans.


Toyota Woven City in Japan with Mount Fuji visible in the twilight sky
“A nighttime view of the city against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, symbolizing the fusion of nature and smart infrastructure

Vision and Goals: Beyond Automotive Innovation

The Woven City project marks Toyota’s shift from a traditional automaker to a mobility-focused entity. Launched in 2020, the initiative seeks to create a “living laboratory” where technologies like autonomous driving, hydrogen energy, and smart infrastructure are tested in real-world conditions. The Japanese city will address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and inefficient resource use, serving as a blueprint for future urban development.


Location and Design: A Model of Sustainability

Built on the former Higashi-Fuji Plant site near Mount Fuji, the Toyota Woven City Japan layout prioritizes pedestrians, vehicles, and logistics through a three-tier street system:

Street TypePurpose
Fast lanesAutonomous vehicles and high-speed transport
Slow lanesPedestrians, bicycles, and micro-mobility
Logistics lanesDelivery robots and underground utility networks

Phase 1 has achieved LEED for Communities Platinum certification , Japan’s first, reflecting its use of renewable energy, recycled materials, and energy-efficient buildings in Toyota Woven City Japan.


Close-up of buildings in Toyota Woven City with green terraces and balconies
Balconies and rooftops adorned with plants showcase the city’s focus on sustainable living

Technology and Innovation: The Smart City Framework

The city integrates advanced systems to optimise mobility and resource management:

  • Arene OS : A software platform connecting vehicles, infrastructure, and energy grids.
  • Autonomous Systems : Testing of self-driving cars and delivery drones.
  • Hydrogen Energy : Powering homes and vehicles via on-site hydrogen production.
  • IoT Networks : Sensors monitor air quality, traffic flow, and energy consumption.

Partnerships with companies like ENEOS (hydrogen infrastructure) and NTT (data networks) enhance the Toyota Woven City Japan capabilities. Toyota also plans to support space exploration through collaborations with Interstellar Technologies on reusable rockets.


Community and Collaboration: A Hub for Co-Creation

Phase 1 will house approximately 360 residents, including Toyota employees, researchers, and innovators (“Weavers”). The city will foster collaboration through:

  • Co-creation spaces : Labs and workshops for startups and universities.
  • Accelerator programs : Launching in mid-2025 to attract global talent.
  • Public access : Opening to visitors and researchers by 2026.

Future phases will expand the population to 2,000 and add residential, commercial, and research facilities. The Toyota Woven City Japan is expected to lead by example.


Pedestrian pathways in Toyota Woven City with smart lighting fixtures
The image illustrates the city’s slow-lane network, prioritizing non-motorized transport. The curved pathways and IoT-enabled lighting underscore efforts to enhance safety and accessibility for residents

Future Plans: Scaling the Vision

Key upcoming developments include:

  1. Industrial reuse : Converting parts of the Higashi-Fuji Plant into advanced manufacturing hubs.
  2. Space tech integration : Testing rocket production and satellite systems.
  3. Public engagement : Hosting global events and educational programs post-2026.

Data from Phase 1 will refine subsequent phases, ensuring scalability and adaptability.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the primary purpose of Woven City?
A: To serve as a testbed for future mobility, sustainability, and smart city technologies.

Q: When will the city open to the public?
A: Public access begins in 2026, with full completion of Toyota Woven City Japan expected by 2030.

Q: How can external innovators participate?
A: Through Toyota’s 2025 accelerator program and research partnerships.


Glass-clad research building in Toyota Woven City with a geometric roof.
A transparent, modern structure housing innovation labs and collaborative spaces

Summary Table

AspectDetails
LocationFormer Higashi-Fuji Plant, Mount Fuji, Japan
EnergyHydrogen-powered, LEED Platinum-certified
TechnologyAutonomous systems, IoT, Arene OS platform
Population360 in Phase 1, expanding to 2,000
Key PartnersENEOS, NTT, Interstellar Technologies

Toyota’s Woven City represents a bold step toward reimagining urban life. By blending cutting-edge technology with sustainability and collaboration, the Toyota Woven City Japan project aims to set a new standard for cities of the future.

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