Although primarily a large showroom for the company's vehicles, there's a lot more to the Nissan Gallery than just that. Free entrance means it's well worth a visit for any car enthusiast, and for a long-time Nissan fan like me there always seems to be something new to check out at every visit.
Most of the Gallery is occupied by examples of Nissan's current Japanese lineup along with additional exhibits focusing on certain features of those cars like the GT-Rs AWD system or the Ariya's electric powertrain. Bar one or two roped-off examples the cars are unlocked and free to be sat in and fully examined. There are plenty of helpful staff to answer questions too, either roaming around or at the front desk - although most only speak Japanese of course. At the front desk you can also arrange a test drive if you want, even if you're a foreigner as long as you have an International Driving Permit.
To your left as you enter the front doors you'll find a small display area that features a varying collection of previous Nissan vehicles. The company's huge back catalog of products means its purely the luck of the draw what you'll see since there's only space for three cars at a time, but that also means you're likely to see something different every visit. Sometimes additional vintage Nissans will be included in the main display area too depending on the situation.
In front of that display section is a sitting area with a good selection of books and magazines about Nissan to peruse. Although most of it is in Japanese they do include several excellent English publications, perfect if you have time on your hands.
Foreign tourists will likely gravitate toward the Nissan Boutique past the sitting area to check out the latest Nissan merchandise and buy something to take home. There's plenty to choose from ranging from cheap like car-shaped crackers for less than 5 USD a bottle, to eye-wateringly expensive such as Nismo clothes and accessories going for hundreds of dollars.
If you want to get away from buying more swag and are done checking out the cars on display, behind the front desk you'll find a secluded hallway that is decorated with tidbits from Nissan's long history. Trophies and memorabilia from races and past events the company has participated in are mixed in with the display and worth checking out.
Make it to the far end of the hallway and you'll come out at the cafe area of the Gallery where you can get a drink and sit down if you'd like a bit of a break.
The back side of the building where the cafe is faces the Katabira River, and the outdoor areas offer a nice view of Yokohama Bay. The walkway crossing the river lights up in the evening making for a pleasing sight if you stay until nightfall – something very feasible since the Gallery stays open until eight.
For the ultimate Nissan fan experience in the company's birthplace of Yokohama, be sure to try and visit Nismo Omori Factory, the Nissan Guest Hall and Engine Museum, and/or the Zama Heritage...
Read moreTL;DR Review The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive lineup of racing, vintage, and modern models alongside interactive tech displays. With Le Mans trophies, sleek designs, and a boutique full of enticing merchandise, it’s a paradise for anyone with a passion for automobiles.
Full Review
The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is the ultimate playground for car enthusiasts, racing fans, and tech aficionados. This sleek and sophisticated gallery is more than just a showroom; it’s a celebration of Nissan’s legacy and innovation, packed with enough style and spectacle to capture the heart of anyone with a love for cars.
Walking into the gallery, you're greeted by a stunning lineup of cars that spans the breadth of Nissan's storied history, from vintage models to the latest releases. The racing section is a standout, featuring some of Nissan's most iconic race cars alongside Le Mans trophies and memorabilia, bringing a rush of excitement for any fan of motorsport. Seeing these legendary cars up close is an unforgettable experience that really highlights Nissan’s accomplishments on the racetrack.
The tech displays add another layer of fascination, showcasing Nissan’s cutting-edge innovations in electric and autonomous vehicle technology. These interactive exhibits give visitors an opportunity to learn about the future of automotive design and explore the latest advancements Nissan is pioneering. For those interested in the tech side of the auto industry, this part of the gallery is particularly engaging.
One of the highlights of our visit was the Nissan Boutique, a treasure trove for any merchandise enthusiast. The boutique is stocked with high-quality items, from hats and jackets to model cars and other branded memorabilia. It’s a fantastic place to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts for fellow car lovers. We couldn’t resist buying a few hats ourselves, and there were plenty of other tempting finds to keep in mind for next time.
The gallery itself is beautifully designed, with a sleek, modern aesthetic that perfectly complements the elegance of the cars on display. The spacious layout allows you to wander comfortably, taking in each vehicle and exhibit at your own pace. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere that makes this gallery a joy to explore.
The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is a five-star destination for anyone passionate about cars, racing, and automotive innovation. With its impressive selection of vehicles, immersive tech displays, and enticing boutique, it’s an experience that delivers on every front. For car enthusiasts, this is one stop in Yokohama you won’t want to miss.
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Read moreI don't think you need to make a stop here on a tight vacation schedule, but if you're walking around Yokohama, this is a nice walk through on the way from Yokohama Station to Minato Mirai area. Obviously, you should stop by if you're a Nissan/Infiniti fan.
Huge show room where you can sit in all the current models. Some of the Asia-Only, compact boxy cars are fun. They also have these professional Nissan ladies dressed in all white that will answer your questions and do presentations. Gentlemen employees usually come around asking if you would like a test drive. Gift shop with a bunch of nismo / nissan goodies and some booths showing the latest tech in cars. There's also play areas for toddlers.
They have one of the nicer Starbucks here. Many Starbucks in Japan is overcrowded with kids or people that just want to get out. This one is nice and spacious with a lot of adults. I usually come here just to inspire myself to work.
As you see, there isn't anything exciting going on at this place, but I also can't really think of ways to improve it. Service is good, they show all the Nissan/Inifiniti...
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