Nintendo Museum in Kyoto opens and is absolutely a must-visit for gamers, especially Nintendo fans!
Amidst the recent talks of lawsuit against Palword developers and the shutdown of Ryujinx, a Switch emulator, Nintendo looks to the bright side and opens their much-awaited Nintendo Museum in Kyoto.
Nintendo has officially launched its much-awaited museum on October 2, 2024. Located in Uji City sound of Kyoto, the newly opened museum presents the incredible journey of Nintendo through 135 years of history and creativity. If you’re a fan of Super Mario, Zelda, or even Nintendo’s earlier products like hanafuda playing cards, this museum is full of nostalgia and fun experiences that will leave you amazed.
The Nintendo Museum takes you on a journey from the company’s humble beginnings in 1889 to its rise as one of Japan’s video game giants. From rare prototypes to limited-edition products and the original hanafuda cards that started it all, the exhibits have something for all ages to enjoy.
Explore 135 Years of Nintendo History Inside the Nintendo Museum
The heart of the Nintendo Museum lies in its Exhibition Building 1. The items and interactive displays tell the story of Nintendo’s evolution. Visitors can also see the earliest hanafuda playing cards, which were handmade by artisans and kickstarted the journey of Nintendo. Nintendo launched their first home video-game machines in 1977. Their progression led into creating some of the most iconic franchises of all time, like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
In addition to looking at old products, the museum offers a hands-on experience. You can make your own hanafuda playing cards in the Craft and Play section. It’s a fun way to connect with Nintendo’s origins. This interactive part of the exhibit is especially popular with families and those who enjoy crafting, making it a highlight of the visit.
Interactive Games and Retro Fun Within the Walls of the Nintendo Video Game Museum
There are eight different games set up throughout the Nintendo Museum for guests to enjoy. You can team up with a friend to play Mario and Donkey Kong on a giant console. Visitors can also dive into Nintendo Classics, an exhibit featuring over 80 retro games made for early consoles.
To make the most of the experience, visitors will receive 10 digital coins. These coins are used to play the different consoles and interactive activities. However, you cannot buy any more coins after you’ve used up all of it. That means you’ll need to choose wisely and think about which games you want to try. It adds a layer of excitement and makes each choice feel meaningful. It’s a smart way to ensure that visitors really appreciate each game they choose to play.
“When I view the exhibits at Nintendo Museum and think back on the path Nintendo has taken, I get the feeling that the company has reached a big milestone,” was what Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, stated during the 84th annual meeting of Nintendo’s shareholders.
Take a Break at Hatena Burger and Find Exclusive Souvenirs
The Hatena Burger café offers themed snacks and meals for museum guests to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to take a break, recharge, and chat about your favorite exhibits with friends or family. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, featuring creative dishes that reflect the fun spirit of the company.
Additionally, gifts and souvenir items are available to purchase in the museum’s gift shop. However, there is a limit of items to buy for each person. As stated in their official X account, certain items and merchandise have a per-person limit. This is to avoid people from buying in bulk and reselling the items with marked up prices. These items make great keepsakes to remind you of your experience, long after you’ve left Kyoto.
Tickets and Entry Details
If you’re interested in visiting the Nintendo Museum, it’s important to know the details of entry. The ticket prices are reasonable at $23 for adults and $15 for children. Kids ages 0-5 can enter for free.
Register for drawing of entries for the specific date and time you want to visit. If your entry is selected, you can purchase tickets for that schedule. Tickets are available for drawing entrants first before the non-drawing visitors can buy based on availability. Drawing of entries happen every first day of the month. For example, if you want to visit on July 15, 2025, you need to register for the lottery between April 1 and April 30. It’s best to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances of getting selected. As of the moment, the January 2025 drawing is open.
Here’s a video of a YouTuber recording his tour in the museum:
Start Your Plan to Visit the Kyoto Nintendo Museum Now
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re still looking for more places to visit, consider dropping by the Nintendo Museum. The site where the museum stands in Uji City is only an hour, south of Kyoto. Be sure to add this new attraction to your itinerary and make the most out of your Japan visit.
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