Visiting ISUZU Plaza

Opened in 2017 as part of the celebrations of the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of ISUZU Motors, ISUZU Plaza opened next to the Fujisawa plant as a museum and showcase of the brand’s philosophy and future plans. It is obviously a must-visit for any truck enthusiast visiting Tokyo.

History
To understand the current philosophy of the brand, one would need to understand the heritage of the product and the surrounding area. Having left an imprint on the vehicles, the history of the city of Fujisawa is equally important. The entrance area of the ISUZU Plaza offers educational exhibits to provide the background to the brand behind the trucks and buses.

ISUZU Vintage Collection
Stepping back in time, visitors will be able to get up close to the iconic trucks that ISUZU has produced in the past. Among the collection of vintage vehicles is a Wolseley CP, the first ever truck manufactured by ISUZU. Scattered throughout the museum are other vintage vehicles, engines and other artefacts telling the story of the brand.

Truck Manufacturing
A strong emphasis is placed on the production capability of ISUZU. A highlight is a miniature model of the production line, which allows visitors to see what an assembly line for commercial vehicles looks like. Together with the miniature diorama and interactive booths, like the spray paint station, let the visitor gain an understanding of how the parts come together and make transportation work.

Take-away
Besides knowledge and understanding gained from the visit to the ISUZU Plaza, one can take home souvenirs and practical items from the merchandise shop. An assortment of toys, tools and quirky items can be obtained. Collectors may find interesting model trucks and buses to add to their inventory.

THE highlights of the visit could well be the miniature diorama and the fact that guides speaking impeccable English make the visit a memorable one.

Getting there

IMPORTANT: A reservation two days in advance may be required. Check website https://www.isuzu.co.jp/world/plaza/ before you go.

You can get to the ISUZU Plaza by train. Get off at the Shonandai station on Odakyu Enoshima Line, Sotetsu Izumino Line or Yokohama Munincipal Subway Blue Line. A free shuttle bus is available from Shonandai station. On foot, it is an easy walk of about 900 meters.