Woven City is a real-world test bed for tomorrow's tech

Future of Mobility and Urban Living

Toyota Motor Corporation has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of Phase 1 of its ambitious Woven City project. Announced at CES 2025, this groundbreaking initiative represents Toyota’s long-term vision of redefining mobility and creating a sustainable, human-centered city. Situated in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Woven City is more than just a residential area—it is a testbed for innovative technologies and solutions aimed at addressing global challenges. The city is set to launch in fall 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in urban development.

The concept of Woven City was introduced at CES 2020 as part of Toyota’s strategic shift from being a traditional automaker to a mobility-focused company. The project’s name, “Woven City,” pays homage to Toyota’s origins as a textile company and reflects its commitment to weaving together diverse elements of technology, sustainability, and human creativity.

Construction began on February 23, 2021, at the site of Toyota’s former Higashi-Fuji Plant. Over the past three years, Toyota and its subsidiary, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The first phase of construction, completed in October 2024, includes key infrastructure and buildings designed to support the city’s innovative objectives.

What Is Woven City?

Woven City is envisioned as a “living laboratory” where cutting-edge technologies can be developed, tested, and refined in real-world conditions. The city spans approximately 50,000 square meters in its initial phase and will expand to a total area of 708,000 square meters as future phases are completed.

At its core, Woven City is built to integrate sustainability and innovation. It has already received Japan’s first LEED for Communities Platinum certification, which recognizes its environmentally conscious design. This certification highlights Toyota’s dedication to creating a city that not only fosters technological advancements but also minimizes its environmental impact.

Key Features of Phase 1

Phase 1 of Woven City focuses on creating a collaborative environment for inventors, researchers, and residents. The infrastructure includes state-of-the-art facilities, co-creation spaces, and environmentally friendly housing. Approximately 360 residents, primarily Toyota employees and their families, will participate in the initial phase, providing valuable feedback on the technologies being tested.

The city is designed with three distinct types of pathways: one for autonomous vehicles, another for pedestrians, and a third for pedestrians using personal mobility devices. This multi-layered infrastructure ensures safety, efficiency, and convenience, making it a model for future urban development.

One of Woven City’s primary goals is to serve as a testing ground for new technologies. Toyota has invited a range of collaborators, referred to as “Inventors,” to contribute to this vision. These inventors include Toyota Group companies, startups, research institutions, and established corporations, each bringing unique expertise to the table.

The first wave of inventors includes:

• Daikin Industries: Developing personalized climate solutions and pollen-free environments.
• DyDo DRINCO, INC.: Exploring next-generation vending machine concepts.
• NISSIN Food Products: Innovating in food environments to inspire new food cultures.
• UCC Japan: Creating futuristic coffee experiences.
• Zoshinkai Holdings: Leveraging data to design innovative educational methods.

In addition to these companies, Woven City plans to launch an accelerator program in summer 2025 to attract startups, universities, and research institutions. This program aims to foster collaboration and bring fresh perspectives to the city’s ecosystem.

The Role of Residents in Woven City

Residents, known as “Weavers,” are integral to Woven City’s success. These individuals will live, work, and collaborate with inventors, providing real-world insights that help refine and improve the technologies being developed. Initially, the city will house around 360 residents, with plans to expand to a population of 2,000 as future phases are completed.

The residents of Woven City will have access to cutting-edge amenities and participate in various co-creation activities. Their feedback will be crucial in shaping the city’s growth and ensuring that innovations align with real-world needs.

Woven City is not limited to advancing transportation technologies. It seeks to redefine mobility in a broader sense, encompassing the movement of people, goods, energy, and information. Toyota aims to create a city that seamlessly integrates these elements to enhance overall quality of life.

For example, the city’s energy systems are designed to maximize sustainability, incorporating renewable energy sources and smart grid technology. Additionally, WbyT’s investment in Interstellar Technologies highlights Toyota’s ambition to extend its expertise into aerospace, demonstrating the project’s far-reaching vision.

The completion of Phase 1 is just the beginning for Woven City. Preparations for Phase 2 are already underway, with insights from the initial phase guiding the development of future infrastructure. The city plans to gradually expand its population, invite more collaborators, and refine its technologies to address emerging challenges.

Starting in 2026, Woven City will open its doors to the public, allowing more people to participate in co-creation activities. This inclusive approach ensures that the city remains a dynamic space for innovation and collaboration.

Why Woven City Matters

Woven City represents a bold step toward a sustainable and connected future. It serves as a model for how technology, sustainability, and human ingenuity can come together to create better urban environments. By prioritizing collaboration and real-world testing, Toyota is not only redefining mobility but also setting a precedent for the cities of tomorrow.

Quick Facts About Woven City:

• Location: Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
• Phase 1 Site Area: 50,000 sq. m (total planned area: 708,000 sq. m)
• Certification: LEED for Communities Platinum
• Residents: 360 in Phase 1, expanding to 2,000 in future phases
• Launch Timeline: Fall 2025

Toyota’s Woven City is more than a technological marvel—it’s a vision of what’s possible when innovation meets humanity. As the city prepares for its official launch, it promises to be a beacon of progress, inspiring similar initiatives around the world.

Official launch scheduled for fall 2025

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