Hirameki Japan

If you’re a fan of Nintendo and planning a trip to Japan, you’re in for a treat. The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto is set to open its doors on October 2, 2024¹.

This is a must-visit spot for anyone who grew up with Mario, Zelda, or Pokémon. Let’s dive into what makes this place so special and how you can plan your visit.

A Journey Through Nintendo’s History

The Nintendo Museum is located in Uji City, Kyoto, at the site of an old Nintendo card manufacturing plant¹.

Here, you’ll get to explore the rich history of Nintendo, from its humble beginnings making Hanafuda playing cards to becoming a global gaming giant. 

The museum features side-by-side displays of all the iconic products Nintendo has released over the years².

Interactive Exhibits and Play Experiences

One of the coolest things about the Nintendo Museum is its interactive exhibits. You can experience the creativity and innovation that Nintendo is known for through hands-on activities. 

Ever wanted to make your own Hanafuda cards? Now you can! There’s even a special area where you can play with them and learn the rules of the game².

Iconic Game Displays

For the hardcore fans, the museum showcases vintage video games and consoles, including the original NES, SNES, and Game Boy³.

You can see how gaming technology has evolved over the decades. There’s also a special exhibit dedicated to the Super Mario series, featuring rare artifacts and memorabilia³.

Highlights Spotted by Netizens

Netizens have been buzzing about some standout features of the museum:

Zelda Stained Glass Windows: Inspired by the beautiful artwork from The Legend of Zelda series, these stained glass windows are a must-see³.

Giant Controller: There’s a massive controller that requires two people to operate, making for a fun and unique gaming experience³.

Life-Size Statues: Snap a selfie with life-size statues of your favorite characters like Mario, Link, and Pikachu³.

Ancient Japanese Poems: An exhibit featuring ancient Japanese poems, connecting Nintendo’s cultural roots to its modern-day innovations³.

Exclusive Merchandise

No trip to the Nintendo Museum would be complete without a visit to the café and shop. 

The café offers custom-made hamburgers and special drinks that you won’t find anywhere else². And the shop? It’s a treasure trove of official Nintendo merchandise, including items exclusive to the museum². Perfect for picking up a unique souvenir!

How to Make a Booking

Planning your visit is easy, but you’ll need a bit of luck. Tickets are sold via a randomly selected drawing system². Here’s how it works:

1. Apply for the Drawing: Visit the Nintendo Museum’s official website and enter the drawing for the dates you want to visit.
2. Wait for Selection: If you’re selected, you’ll receive a notification.
3. Purchase Tickets: Once selected, you can purchase your tickets for the specific date and time.

Remember, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. It’s closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year’s holiday season².

Important Visitor Information

Before you go, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Bring Identification: You must bring a valid ID, as your ticket will have your name on it and will be checked upon entry³.
• No Cosplay: Unfortunately, cosplay is not allowed inside the museum³.
• Interactive Exhibits: Some interactive exhibits require digital coins to use. You’ll be granted a limited number of coins upon entering, so plan accordingly³.
• Reservations for Workshops: If you want to participate in the Hanafuda card-making workshop, you’ll need to make a same-day reservation and pay a separate fee³.

Getting There

The Nintendo Museum is conveniently located just a short walk from Ogura Station. 

If you’re coming by train, it’s a 5-minute walk from the East exit of Ogura Station on the Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line, or an 8-minute walk from the North exit of JR Ogura Station on the JR Nara Line². 

Public transportation is recommended, as the museum does not accommodate cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or taxis².

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto is more than just a museum; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and nostalgia.

Whether you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan or just looking for a unique experience in Kyoto, this is one spot you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars, enter the ticket drawing, and get ready to embark on a magical journey through the world of Nintendo!