Bengaluru: In a world where “experiences” usually mean staring at QR codes in malls, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has decided to raise the bar — or more precisely, the senses. The company has opened the doors to tem (Toyota Experiential Museum) at Phoenix Mall of Asia, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle and cultural hub blending Indian philosophy, Japanese minimalism, advanced technology, and even a small mountain of serenity.
Spread across 8,200 sq. ft on the mall’s ground floor, tem isn’t about checking out new car models (although one does dramatically float behind a waterfall curtain like a movie star in slow motion). Instead, it aims to deliver a multisensory journey that lets visitors see, hear, touch, smell, and taste Toyota’s ideas of mobility and mindfulness — without anyone having to sign a finance form.
“Happier Paths Together” — But Not Just on Four Wheels
Speaking at the launch, Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said that Toyota’s vision in India goes beyond vehicles and into shared human experiences:
“Our vision of creating ‘Happier Paths Together’ goes beyond mobility — it is about inspiring experiences that connect people, cultures, and emotions.”
He added that the museum draws inspiration from Sādhanā, the Indian principle of mindful inner pursuit — an ideal alignment with Japanese values of precision, serenity, and respect for nature. Combine both, and you get tem: part reflection zone, part tech playground, and part cultural spa for the nerves.
A Walk Through tem: Part Museum, Part Meditation, Part Sci-Fi
Don’t expect label-heavy exhibits or an overload of facts. tem takes the opposite approach — minimalist interiors that encourage visitors to wander, breathe, observe, and let their curiosity do the driving.
- The Seasonal Room greets guests with infinite mirrored projections that glide through summer heat, soft monsoon rain, spring blossoms, and amber-lit autumn — capturing how both India and Japan find beauty in nature’s rhythm.
- The Sound & Soul Chamber steps up the energy, featuring an immersive audio-visual collaboration with Drum Tao, Japan’s famed percussion artists. Think thunderous beats, glowing visuals, and a sensation that every drum hit is gently resetting your heartbeat.
- And then comes the cinematic moment: a cascading water curtain, swirling mist, and a car hidden under soft satin — equal parts futuristic shrine and “don’t-touch-this” art installation. Even non-petrolheads will whisper “wow”.
Merch With Meaning — Not Desk Dust Collectibles
The Design Café takes the idea of souvenirs and rejects it politely. Instead, visitors can buy meticulously crafted merchandise that celebrates simplicity, culture, and craftsmanship. The message is clear: if you walk out with something from tem, it should feel intentional, not impulse.
The Matcha Corner — Where Zen Meets Mango
To ground the experience (and your caffeine levels), the Matcha Corner offers a refreshing menu that pairs Japanese ceremonial matcha with Indian flavours. It includes a mango infusion that might make Kyoto monks raise an eyebrow — but they’d likely order a second cup.
How to Visit tem (Preferably Without Running)
Bookings can be made through temindia.com or BookMyShow, after which you’re free to step into Bengaluru’s calmest museum-meets-lifestyle experience:
Location:
Unit G-22, Upper Ground Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bytarayanapura Village, Yelahanka Hobli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
Whether you’re seeking cultural inspiration, sensory immersion, or just the most photogenic cup of matcha in Karnataka, tem is Toyota’s friendly reminder: mobility isn’t only about engines — it’s also about the journey of the mind.
