Toyota Motor Corporation has launched Woven City, a smart city project in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The development serves as a real-world laboratory for testing and advancing innovations in mobility, energy, and social systems.
Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, the city is constructed on the former site of the Higashi-Fuji Plant, previously operated by Toyota Motor East Japan. The primary purpose of Woven City is to function as a living testbed, allowing for the development and evaluation of new technologies within an authentic urban ecosystem. The project’s vision is to redefine urban living by integrating technology and humanity, with a specific focus on sustainable and innovative solutions for mobility, logistics, and information systems.
The city’s infrastructure is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and incorporates advanced robotics. A key technological component is the Arene software platform, which is designed to accelerate automotive development. This same software platform is scheduled to be featured in Toyota’s next-generation electric vehicles, with a planned rollout beginning in 2026. This integration positions the city as a critical component of Toyota’s broader research and development strategy.
Woven City’s initial population is approximately 2,000 individuals, a community composed of scientists, industry partners, Toyota employees, and retailers. These residents, referred to as “Weavers,” live within the city and act as users, providing direct feedback on the various innovations being tested. This collaborative environment is central to the project, bringing together businesses and residents to test new ideas. The city also engages external entities designated as “Inventors,” which include enterprises, startups, and researchers invited to co-create and test new products and services.
To further stimulate development, accelerator programs like the Toyota Woven City Challenge encourage researchers and startups to participate in creating next-generation mobility solutions. The project followed a structured timeline, with the first phase of construction completed in October 2024. After a preparatory period, Phase 1 officially launched on September 25, 2025. The city is scheduled to begin welcoming general visitors during the 2026 fiscal year.
