After years of anticipation, the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto has opened its doors. From viral Singing Toads to an interactive tech playground with giant controllers, this museum has plenty to excite Nintendo fans worldwide. Here is everything you need to know -- including how to get tickets. 3, 2, 1, go! What is the Nintendo Museum like? The Nintendo Museum is essentially an interactive playground, with each visitor getting 10 digital coins to play with. You can spend them on giant controllers, old consoles (think Nintendo 64), and classic games. The museum also features products and moments from Nintendo's history -- including behind-the-scenes material. Get stuck in at the workshops, where you can create Japanese playing cards for an extra price. Facilities Nintendo lovers would call it a wonderland, but practically, the museum has two floors, a gift shop, workshop space, and a café next door. Upon entering, you'll feel as though you've stepped into the Mario universe, with photo opportunities featuring the green Warp Pipe, Super Mushroom, and Mario sliding down a Goal Pole. Here's more of what you can expect at the Nintendo Museum in Japan. Entrance of the exhibition building As you step into the main museum, you'll be greeted by a lively choir of Singing Toads. After snapping a quick pic with them, you'll be directed to the lobby and waiting area, where a colorful collage of your favorite Nintendo characters covers the floor. While you wait in line, a staff member will explain how the museum works and how to use your play ticket. Then, simply tap your ticket, enter, and take the escalator straight up to Floor 2, where the main exhibition awaits. Floor 2 of the exhibition building The nostalgia will hit as soon as you step off the escalator. On this floor, you'll find a showcase of just about every Nintendo product released to date. From various models, including the Color TV-Game to the Nintendo Switch, you'll witness how both the physical consoles and gameplay have evolved over the years. You can see both Japanese and international releases of each console's most popular games, taking you straight back to your childhood. It’s worth noting that the exhibition is primarily visual, with minimal descriptions. While this is great in terms of language accessibility, it may be a bit disappointing for those looking to learn more about the history of each product. That said, the sheer number of products on display is impressive, including some of the playing cards and physical board games the company created in its early years. Note: You are not allowed to take any photos or videos in this part of the museum. Floor 1 of the exhibition building There is more waiting for you on Floor 1. This interactive level is packed with various virtual and retro games which all guests can enjoy. Each game requires a certain number of coins, which are already preloaded on your play ticket. Remember to use your coins wisely -- you'll only get 10 on entry, and that won't cover all experiences. You also can't pay for more. The games you can choose from include: Shigureden SP (2 coins) Zapper & Scope (4 coins) Ultra Machine SP (2 coins) Ultra Hand SP (1 coin) Love Tester SP (2 coins per player) Game & Watch SP (1 coin) Nintendo Classics (1 coin) Big Controller (2 coins per player) Be prepared to wait a while for very popular games like Zapper & Scope, Big Controller, and the Ultra Machine SP (batting cages). The lines can easily get up to 30 minutes or more, especially on weekends. Also, it's worth noting that although Shigureden SP features Japanese Tanaka poems, those who don't read Japanese can still participate by matching the pictures instead of the words. Luckily, there are more archival products to discover in this section, including Nintendo trading cards and a display of past controllers. You can also take photos and videos on this floor, or have your photo taken while playing the games. Additionally, there are machines scattered around where you can tap your card to check how many coins you have left to spend. Pro tip: Since you can re-enter this section at any time, if the queues for the games are long, consider enjoying other areas of the museum, such as the gift shop or café. Just note that you won't receive any new coins by exiting and re-entering. Gift shop Stop by the gift store "Bonus Stage" to grab official merchandise inspired by various consoles and characters. Some gems include the lucky box console keyrings, plush pillows, and exclusive Mario merch. Note that there is a limit on how many of each product a person can purchase. Pro tip: Relax and browse the Nintendo book collection at the small library outside the gift shop, with additional seating in the nearby area. Workshop Guests can explore the company's roots in making hanafuda playing cards through two workshops. For those unfamiliar, hanafuda is a flower-themed deck of 48 cards representing the four seasons, used in games like Koi-Koi and Hachi-Hachi. Notably, it was Nintendo's first product, created in 1889. In the "Let's Make Hanafuda!" workshop, you can, well, make your own hanafuda playing cards to take home. It takes 60 minutes and costs per person, and the workshop runs five times a day. The second workshop is "Try Playing Hanafuda!", where put your card-playing skills to the test. Lasting 30 minutes, and costing , this workshop is for groups of two. You will learn how to play "hana-awase" and with projection technology, experience the cards from an unique perspective. This wokrshop happens seven times a day. You’ll need to reserve a spot to participate. To do so, visit the information counter on the 1st floor of the exhibition building or the Craft & Play workshop desk. Since slots fill up quickly, we recommend reserving as soon as you arrive. Reservations can be made for workshops within 3 hours of your ticket’s entry time. Reservations cannot be made after 4:30 p.m. Note: Reservations can only be made on the same day of your visit and cannot be made in advance. Hatena Burger Café Feeling hungry after a fun gaming session? Well, luckily, Hatena Burger Café is located right next door. Known for its "make-your-own-burger" concept, this burger joint offers a whopping 270,000 possible combinations. Starting at , you can customize everything from the main filling to the color of the bun. If you're not feeling too creative, you can simply order one of the popular pre-made burger sets. Vegetarian (but not vegan) options are also available. In addition to the famous burgers, there are desserts like sweet bread and ice cream , as well as special drinks . To order, scan the QR code, grab a seat, and place your order on your smartphone. Afterward, head to the register and show the new QR code to complete your payment. Then, simply wait for your number to be called. In the meantime, take a moment to admire the attention to detail, especially the beautiful stained-glass window of Zelda and Link. Note: The café is only accessible to ticket holders. Things to know before going to the Nintendo Museum To ensure you have a smooth experience at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, we recommend arriving at the museum at least 15 minutes before your entry time, as you'll need to go through security. You will also be asked to present ID. If you are a tourist, they will only accept your passport as valid ID, so make sure to have it with you. Oversized luggage should be stored in one of the free lockers, located just before the security check. Note that although they are free, you will need to insert a coin, which will be refunded. If your luggage doesn't fit, there is a large-luggage area. Since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, bring as little luggage as possible. If you need any assistance at this point, just ask one of the many staff members around. The most important thing to remember is to keep hold of your play ticket. Although you first scan your temporary ticket via QR code, it will then be exchanged for the physical play ticket. You will need it to enter and exit the museum as well as to play any of the interactive games. How to get tickets to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto As expected, getting tickets to the Nintendo Museum is not that easy. You'll need to have a Nintendo account and tickets aren't guaranteed -- you'll need to enter a lottery. How much are the tickets to the Nintendo Museum? Here are the ticket prices: Adults: Ages 12 to 17: Ages 6 to 11: Ages 5 and under: Free How to enter the lottery for the Nintendo Museum Pick your preferred dates three months in advance -- you can choose up to three dates/times. Sign in to your Nintendo Account (this can be different from the name you put on your tickets). Fill out the full names and information, including phone numbers, of the people visiting -- note that you will need to show ID at the museum (for visitors, that's your passport). You will receive an email with your drawing date -- this is on the first of the month after you apply (for example, if you applied on August 29, you'll find out if you got your tickets on September 1). If you win, you can pay for your tickets by credit card. Be sure to pay within the given time frame. You'll also need to verify your identity using the phone number you provided. Download your QR code the day before your visit, from 2 p.m. If you lose ... You may still have a chance to buy tickets if you don't get your desired date and time. If there are cancellations, then tickets for dates up to two months in advance may appear on the website. These you can buy straight away, no need for a lottery -- just keep checking obsessively. How to get to the Nintendo Museum The Nintendo Museum is located at the old Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant in Uji City, Kyoto. In the past, Nintendo used this factory to make trading cards, as well as repair toys and consoles, so it's a suitable venue. It is a 5-minute walk from Ogura Station (East Exit) and a 22-minute walk from Uji Station (North Exit). You can get to Ogura Station in 30 minutes from Kyoto Station using the Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line. If coming straight from the airport, you'll first have to get to Kyoto Station. Uji is part of the wider Kyoto area and is famous for matcha green tea production. It's a great day trip from Kyoto or even Osaka. Also read: 10 Unforgettable Day Trips from Osaka. Nintendo Museum FAQs Who is the Nintendo Museum for? The Nintendo Museum is perfect for fans who grew up with Nintendo, and general gaming enthusiasts. While you'll see familiar characters like Mario and his friends, the focus is primarily on the consoles and technology. It's best suited for those interested in Nintendo and its history. Is the Nintendo Museum worth it? If you're a Nintendo fan already planning to go to Kyoto, it's worth trying to snag some tickets. The museum offers plenty of interactive features for people of all ages, but it's not quite enough to make it the focal point of your trip. What are the opening times for the Nintendo Museum? The opening times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday. If the Tuesday is a holiday, it will close on the Wednesday instead. It is also closed from December 30 to January 3 for the New Year's holidays. Is the Nintendo Museum accessible? The museum itself has elevators and four accessible toilets. A few interactive exhibits are not wheelchair-friendly, however. If you have any concerns, it is best to contact them in advance. The route from the East Exit of Ogura Station to the museum has stairs, so it's recommended you take the alternative route from the West Exit shown on the website. Other Nintendo attractions in Japan Even if you can't get your hands on tickets for this museum, there are lots of other ways to get your Nintendo fix. If you're in Osaka, there's Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. And definitely don't miss the Nintendo Stores -- you can find them in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in September 2023. Last updated in November 2024, by Jane Pipkin.
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel