The Tokugawa Run Fri, Mar. 20
By James Rogers
Every March, Nagoya’s ordinary streets become a moving museum. On March 20, 2026, Gulf’s The Tokugawa Run — officially the “Gulf Nagoya Nostalgic Car Festival The Tokugawa Run” — brings classic car enthusiasts together at Tokugawa-en Garden before sending them out on a parade-style drive through the city, sponsored by Gulf Oil. The 2026 event is scheduled for rain or shine.
Nagoya: Japan’s Car Capital
Nagoya’s automotive credentials run deep. Toyota, Denso, Aisin, and NGK are all based in the surrounding region, making greater Nagoya — part of the Chukyo Industrial Region — one of Japan’s top industrial producers. It’s no surprise that a city built around cars has developed a serious appreciation for the classic ones.
Not Just Expensive Classics
You won’t just see expensive classics at the event. Alongside British and European favorites, the lineup can include a wide range of older domestic and foreign cars and motorcycles. Any domestic or foreign car or motorcycle manufactured before 2005 is eligible to apply. The range, as always, is part of the appeal.
Awards Worth Watching For
The event has also featured awards for standout entries, recognizing everything from elegance and performance to distinctive owner presentation. In a gathering like this, the judging is part of the appeal, even for visitors who know very little about the technical side of classic cars.
How the Day Runs
Participants gather around 8:30 at Tokugawa-en Garden, displaying their cars around the venue before the run begins. At around noon, the run begins: a parade-style drive through Nagoya. Organizers say the cars will depart Tokugawa-en at 12:00, with a drive of about one to two hours, followed by a meeting and awards presentation after all vehicles arrive at the goal.
A Note on 2026
Gulf’s The Tokugawa Run is usually part of the broader Nagoya Nostalgic Car Festival cycle. In 2026, however, the organizers say the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have limited venue availability from May through November, so this year’s event will take the form of a Tokugawa-en display and drive run held on March 20. The larger festival format is expected to return in a future year.
Stop by the garden in the morning, watch the cars line up, and stay for the noon departure. It’s a good day out.
Dr. James Rogers is a tenured university professor who has published multiple books, over 50 articles on linguistics and Japanese studies, and around 50 newspaper articles on Japan-related topics. He is the author of the book “On Living and Working in Japan.”
The Details
Gulf Nagoya Nostalgic Car Festival 2026
The Tokugawa Run
Venue: Tokugawa-en Garden
Date: Mar, 20, 2026
Times:
Display: 8:30–12:00
The drive: from 12:00
Price: ¥10,000 per vehicle (participants)
Address:
1001 Tokugawa-cho
Higashi-ku, Nagoya
Website
Nagoya Nostalgic Car Facebook Page
Access
By Subway:
• Ozone Station, South Exit, then about 10 minutes on foot
• Meijo Line to Ozone Station, Exit 3, then about 15 minutes on foot.
By Train:
Meitetsu Seto Line to Morishita Station, then about 8 minutes on foot.
MAP
Nagoya Subway Map
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