Toyota Motor Corp. is finalizing the first phase of its futuristic Woven City development near Mount Fuji, marking a step forward in the automaker’s bet on next-generation urban living and mobility technologies.
The 175-acre site, set to welcome its first inhabitants in fall 2025, represents Toyota’s vision of a fully connected ecosystem where residents will help test autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and robotics in real-world conditions.
The project, which broke ground in 2021, aims to transform a former factory site in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, into a living laboratory. The development features three distinct street types: one for faster vehicles, another for mixed mobility including personal mobility vehicles, and a third dedicated to pedestrians.
While Toyota positions the project as revolutionary, urban planning experts say similar smart city initiatives globally have faced challenges in replicating real-world complexity. The success of Woven City will depend on how effectively it can attract and retain test residents while generating practical insights for wider urban applications.
The company has not disclosed the total investment in the project, which was designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. Initial plans call for 360 residents, primarily researchers, senior citizens, and families with young children.
