COVID-19 is no laughing matter, but sometimes the jokes write themselves. Toyota has closed several of its facilities in Japan, including the Toyota Automobile Museum and Megaweb showroom, due to the coronavirus.
The Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture closed on February 29 and will remain closed until March 16. The Megaweb showroom in Odaiba, Tokyo, will be closed March 2-15. However, at any time they can decide to extend the closings, so please check the official websites if you’re planning a visit. If they were open, though, they would be the places you’re most likely to see a Toyota Corona.
In addition, almost all Toyota facilities in Japan are either closing or operation on restricted hours — Toyota and Lexus customer service centers, factory tours, Kiichiro Toyoda’s former residence at the Toyota Kuragaike Memorial Museum, and even Toyota Rent-A-Car stores. If you were planning to visit any of these places, we feel for you. Maybe you can beg them to open the doors by letting them know you’ve got Corona fever and the only prescription is seeing more Coronas. On second thought, don’t do that.
I wander if they have a Toyota Corona Virus XLE on display, in vomit green with Pepto Bismol pink interior
Ha, that sounds preferable to the legions of silver on black cars out today.
I’m pretty worried as I am supposed to be in Japan in mid-May. MegaWeb is always on my list of stops along with a bunch of independent diecast stores. I desperately want to go but I don’t want to go and have everything shut down.
The size of the plane has already been reduced. I’ll have to self-quarantine for 14 days after I return and get a doctor’s note before heading back to work. This virus which is causing huge problems for the entire planet is really starting to put my pleasure trip in jeopardy.
Many Tokyo loop train stations have shopping arcades. These usually include model car vendors especially Tomica limited edition packages. The last time I visited one of these shops I bought 3 different 411 models.
Sorry, I know it sucks to have a trip planned. The first time I went to Japan I didn’t know the whole country basically shuts down between Christmas and New Year’s. It might be worth it to postpone. Just stay safe out there!
Several of the 55th anniversary events for the Toyota Sports 800 have been canceled or postponed as well.
Nissan Gallery at GHQ, too.