Amlux Toyota Auto Salon @ Ikebukuro

Even though Tokyo is massive, it’s not particularly hard to get anywhere since public transit runs like clockwork. It’s not quite as cheap as most folks might prefer, though since a daily commute can cost quite a bit if you don’t live at one of the major train stations.

Last week, I thought I’d go check out Ikebukuro, one of the more low key areas of the city. Sure, it’s still covered in skyscrapers and neon but to a lesser extent than the more flamboyant, pretentious regions like Shinjuku and Ginza. That isn’t to say the area isn’t huge, though as the train station is one of Tokyo’s largest and serves as a major hub.

After a short walk, I came across a large Toyota building, the Amlux Toyota Auto Salon. I’ve never been to this one but the last time I was in Tokyo, I remember the similar attraction in Odaiba was worth a look.

Unfortunately, I was quite wrong. Other than the Toyota F1 display (and I’m sure it’s not an actual F1 car…just a shell), there wasn’t anything particularly interesting. What surprised me the most was that there wasn’t anything that anyone would drive faster than 60. Let’s remember that Toyota has made great cars like the Supra, Celica, and MR2/MR-S which have some racing blood in them. What good is a exhibit full of sensible family cars? Seriously…who goes to look at Corollas and Priuses?

What’s worse is that the place allows you to drive any of their cars for as little as 250 yen for 30 minutes. That’s a steal but from what I understand, that only gets you the Corollas and Yarises. Sorry but if I wanted to drive a Japanese econobox, I could do so…at home…at a dealership…for free. If you want to drive one of their massive vans or a luxury boat…there are some of those available as well but I couldn’t be bothered to read all the forms and health/safety books unless I could get my hands on a something I’d actually want to drive.

I guess the argument is that there is currently no sports cars in the Toyota range. Yes, the Celica and MR-S died a couple years ago and there hasn’t been a Supra for years…which is sad, really. However, why not have one of the concept cars on display…such as the one that’s rumored to be the model for the new Supra. Who on earth wants to look at sensible, family cars…for fun?

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