Woven City, Toyota’s groundbreaking “living laboratory,” is poised to welcome its first inhabitants later this year, marking a significant step towards realizing a futuristic vision of urban living. Located near Mount Fuji, Japan, this ambitious $10 billion project aims to revolutionize how we interact with technology, transportation, and our environment. Phase 1 of construction has reached completion, paving the way for an initial group of 100 individuals to move into this unique urban ecosystem. This initial cohort will form the core of a growing community, eventually expanding to 360 residents in the current phase and potentially up to 2,000 as the project progresses through subsequent development stages. Conceived as more than just a residential area, Woven City is a dynamic hub for innovation, where residents actively participate in shaping the future of technology.
The city’s design incorporates a multi-layered approach to transportation, featuring dedicated lanes for pedestrians, high-speed vehicles, and mixed-use pathways for slower-moving traffic, such as personal mobility devices and delivery robots. This intricate network aims to optimize traffic flow and prioritize pedestrian safety while fostering a sense of community and connectivity. The residences themselves are crafted primarily from wood, embracing sustainable building practices, and equipped with solar panels to harness renewable energy. Inside these smart homes, advanced AI technology will monitor residents’ health and seamlessly integrate with the building’s systems, creating a responsive and personalized living environment. Robotics will play a pivotal role in daily life, assisting residents with various tasks and promoting independent living, particularly for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Beyond the technological advancements, Woven City emphasizes a collaborative approach to innovation. Toyota has extended invitations to external experts and organizations, encouraging them to contribute their expertise and test their groundbreaking ideas within this real-world setting. These collaborations range from developing pollen-free environments for allergy sufferers to reimagining vending machine concepts and fostering new food cultures. These partnerships underscore Woven City’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through technological innovation. The initial residents, dubbed “Weavers,” are selected inventors and their families who will play a vital role in this experimentation process. They will live and work within Woven City, providing valuable feedback and insights to shape the development of new technologies.
Woven City’s vision extends beyond its technological advancements; it aims to create a truly integrated and interconnected community. The city’s infrastructure is designed to facilitate seamless data sharing and communication between vehicles, buildings, and residents. This interconnectedness aims to optimize resource management, enhance safety and security, and create a more efficient and responsive urban environment. While the city will initially be accessible only to “related parties,” including researchers, developers, and partners, Toyota plans to open its doors to the public in 2026. This will provide an opportunity for the wider community to experience and engage with the innovative technologies and urban planning concepts being developed within Woven City.
The project’s leadership underscores the transformative potential of Woven City. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, emphasizes that Woven City is not merely a place to live but a dynamic platform for innovation, where residents, researchers, and partners can collaborate to create solutions for societal challenges. This vision aligns with Toyota’s broader commitment to sustainable mobility and technological advancement, positioning Woven City as a model for future urban development. The city represents a significant investment in the future of technology and urban living, showcasing how innovation can be harnessed to create a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant society.
The meticulous planning and execution of Woven City reflect a long-term vision for urban living. The city’s design incorporates a variety of green spaces and public areas, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for residents. The blend of traditional Japanese architecture with cutting-edge technology creates a unique aesthetic, reflecting the city’s commitment to both heritage and innovation. As Woven City welcomes its first residents and continues to evolve, it will serve as a valuable testbed for new technologies and urban planning concepts, offering insights and inspiration for cities around the world. The project’s success hinges on the collaborative spirit of its residents, partners, and the broader community, all working together to shape the future of urban living.
