Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum stands as a testament to Hiroshima's automotive heritage and the enduring legacy of one of Japan's most innovative car manufacturers. The Mazda Motor Corporation was founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co, initially producing cork products before transitioning to automobile manufacturing in the 1930s with its first three-wheeled autorickshaw. The company has maintained its global headquarters in Hiroshima for over a century, playing a pivotal role in the city's economic development similar to Toyota's influence on Nagoya.

The museum's cultural significance extends beyond automotive history. Mazda's connection to Hiroshima runs deep, with the company's name associated with the city's baseball stadium, the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima, and even a Mazda Hospital. The company produces approximately one million vehicles annually and achieved a historic milestone in 1991 when it became the first Japanese manufacturer to win the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race with its 787B race car. This achievement marked a significant moment in Japanese automotive history and is prominently featured in the museum's exhibits.

Visitors experience Mazda's story through 10 exhibition zones that chronicle the company's evolution from its founding to its vision for the next century. The museum displays heritage vehicles ranging from the original three-wheeled trucks to modern concept cars, including the MAZDA ICONIC SP. A highlight of the tour is the walk through an actual vehicle assembly line, where guests observe cars being manufactured in real-time.

The assembly line stretches for 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), though visitors see only a select section. The museum also features exhibits on Mazda's rotary engine technology, manufacturing processes, and the iconic 787B Le Mans winner, with stereophonic sound recreating the race-day atmosphere. Tours conclude with access to a gift shop offering Mazda merchandise.

From Hiroshima Station, visitors can take the JR Sanyo Line or JR Kure Line to Mukainada Station, a 5-minute journey costing 190 yen, followed by a 5-minute walk to the head office. Alternatively, buses 11–13 run from Hiroshima Station to Mukainada-eki-mae/Mazda-honsha mae in approximately 15 minutes. Tours operate Monday through Friday and select Saturdays, with closures on weekends, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year holidays.