Looking for something different to do near Nagoya? The Toyota Automobile Museum Classic Car Festival offers a chance to see classic cars from Japan, the United States, and Europe, all in one place.
The 36th festival takes place on Sun, November 15, 2026, at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute city, Aichi. Around 120 privately owned classic cars will gather for the event, including a public-road parade covering approximately 12 kilometers.
Aichi is one of Japan’s major automotive manufacturing regions and home to Toyota Motor Corporation. The festival offers a closer look at this connection through historic vehicles, special exhibitions featuring seven Japanese car manufacturers, and opportunities to meet the people who own and maintain classic cars.
Even if you are not a car enthusiast, there is plenty to see. Here are some highlights to look out for.

Watch Around 120 Classic Cars Parade Through Nagakute City

The main attraction is a parade of around 120 classic cars from Japan, the United States, and Europe.
All participating vehicles were manufactured in or before 1996 and are privately owned. Many have been carefully maintained by their owners over the years.
The event begins with an opening ceremony at the Toyota Automobile Museum at 8:30 a.m. The cars depart at 8:45 a.m., traveling approximately 12 kilometers through Nagakute city before arriving at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.
Leading this year’s parade is a 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster. The Toyota 2000GT is one of Japan’s most iconic sports cars, known for its elegant design and advanced engineering for its time.
One of the best ways to enjoy the parade is to compare cars from different countries and eras. Notice the differences in body shapes, headlights, and overall design. Even without knowing much about cars, you can spot how styles have changed over the decades.
Seeing these vehicles in motion also offers something different from viewing them in a museum.

Discover 11 Historic Cars from Japanese Manufacturers

Another highlight is a special exhibition featuring 11 vehicles. Four come from the Toyota Automobile Museum collection, while seven are provided by Japanese automobile manufacturers.

The museum will display:
1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
1967 Toyota Corolla KE10
1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster
2012 Lexus LFA Spider

Seven Japanese manufacturers will also present historic models:
Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon (1993)
Suzuki Fronte 800 (1965)
Daihatsu Taft F10 (1974)
Nissan Silvia (1966)
Honda N360 (1969)
Mazda Luce (1968)
Mitsubishi Pajero (1993)

The lineup ranges from compact cars to sports cars and SUVs. Together, these vehicles show how Japanese manufacturers have responded to changing lifestyles and driving needs.
Look closely at the differences between models from the 1960s and 1990s. Their designs reflect how cars and everyday life have changed over time.
Special vehicle introductions and driving demonstrations are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Visitors can also take commemorative photos during two sessions: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Depending on the vehicle, visitors may be allowed to sit inside for photos. Others will be available for exterior photography only.

Meet Classic Car Owners and Learn About Restoration

The festival is also a chance to meet the people who keep these older cars running.
Many participating vehicles belong to private collectors who have looked after them for years. Talking with their owners can reveal how the cars were acquired, repaired, and maintained.
The Director’s Walking Talk, scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., offers visitors a chance to meet owners and hear about their vehicles. The Sunday Friendly Afternoon, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., brings together car owners and curatorial staff from the Toyota Automobile Museum.
There will also be a GR Heritage Parts display and a restoration introduction and consultation corner presented by Shinmei Kogyo.
Restoration means repairing an older vehicle and returning it as close as possible to its original condition. Depending on the car, the goal may also be to make it roadworthy again.
These displays offer a look at the work involved in keeping classic cars in good condition. They also show that Japan’s automotive industry is about more than developing new models. Maintaining and repairing older vehicles is another important part of its history.

Enjoy Family Activities and See Japan’s Working Vehicles

There is more to the festival than classic cars. Families can also enjoy a range of activities throughout the day.
The Working Vehicles area will feature fire engines, ambulances, Aichi Prefectural Police patrol cars, and Japan Self-Defense Forces high-mobility vehicles.
Some vehicles will offer boarding experiences. Children can also try on uniforms and take commemorative photos.
Live performances will take place on the lawn stage. The marching band of Eitoku High School is scheduled to perform from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Former Nagoya Grampus player Shohei Abe will also appear from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. His program includes a parade appearance, a talk show, and a soccer kick-target challenge. Preliminary rounds run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the final scheduled for 12:45 p.m.
Visitors can also look forward to appearances by Morizo and Kikkoro, the mascots from Expo 2005 Aichi. Their appearance is especially fitting as the park celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Food stalls and food trucks will be available throughout the venue, making it easy to take a break between activities.

Spend an Autumn Day at Moricoro Park

Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, also known as Moricoro Park, is located in Nagakute City. It occupies the site of the 2005 World Expo and celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The spacious park provides a relaxed setting away from central Nagoya. During the festival, visitors can explore the car displays, watch live performances, enjoy food stalls, and spend time outdoors.

Discover Another Side of Aichi Through Its Classic Cars

The Toyota Automobile Museum Classic Car Festival brings together historic vehicles, private collectors, manufacturers, and local communities.
From the 120-car parade to the special exhibition of Japanese automobiles, the event offers plenty of opportunities to explore the history of cars. Meeting owners and learning about restoration also gives visitors a better understanding of the work that goes into keeping these vehicles on the road.
Aichi has long been closely connected to Japan’s automotive industry. Visiting this festival in the region offers a different way to discover that history, beyond museums and factory tours.
Whether you are a classic car enthusiast, traveling with family, or simply curious about Japanese culture, the festival is worth considering as part of a trip to the Nagoya area.