Jump into the exciting world of Nintendo at the Nintendo Museum in Uji, Kyoto, Japan! Opened on October 2, 2024, this awesome spot is great for gamers, families, and anyone who wants to learn about Nintendo’s cool history. It’s in an old factory where Nintendo made Hanafuda cards and fixed consoles. The museum mixes old-school vibes with fun activities. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit!
What’s Inside the Nintendo Museum
The Nintendo Museum is a two-story adventure showing off Nintendo’s 135-year history, from making cards in 1889 to building the Nintendo Switch. It uses tricks like shape language in character design to make characters like Mario and Pikachu feel super friendly with their round, happy shapes. Here’s what you can do:
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Fun Activities: On the first floor, you get 10 digital coins to try cool stuff, like playing old games on giant controllers or using the NES Zapper. These high-tech setups let you jump into classics like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. Pick your activities carefully, since coins don’t cover everything!
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History Displays: The second floor is packed with Nintendo’s past, showing off consoles like the Game Boy, Super Famicom, and Nintendo 64, plus super-rare test versions. No photos are allowed here to keep it special.
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Hanafuda Workshops: Get into Nintendo’s roots by making your own Hanafuda cards in the “Let’s Make Hanafuda!” workshop or learning to play in the “Try Playing Hanafuda!” session. You need to sign up the same day and pay a small fee.
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Cool Gift Shop: The shop has special stuff like big plush toys and items you won’t find at Nintendo Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. For insights into creating engaging gaming products like these, check out casino game development, which highlights how modern tech crafts immersive experiences. You can only buy one item per type so everyone gets a chance.
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Fun Café: Grab custom burgers and Nintendo-themed drinks at the café. It’s a great spot for a break with a gaming vibe.
How to Get Nintendo Museum Tickets
Getting tickets to the Nintendo Museum is like playing a game—it takes luck and a bit of planning, kind of like picking teams on fantasy sports platforms. Here’s how to get them:
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Lottery System: Make a free Nintendo Account and enter the ticket lottery on the official Nintendo Museum website. Pick up to three dates and times, up to three months ahead. Winners are told on the first of the next month and can buy tickets with a credit card. For an easy way to pay, try Google Pay casinos, which make buying gaming stuff quick and safe.
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Ticket Prices: Adults pay ¥3,300, kids 12–17 pay ¥2,200, kids 6–11 pay ¥1,100, and kids under 6 get in free.
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Tips: Sign up early, as tickets go fast. Bring ID (like a passport for tourists) when you visit, and make sure the reservation is in your name.
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June 2025 Visits: For dates like June 13 or 14, 2025, lottery entries usually start in March 2025. Check the website for updates, as spots fill up quick.
How to Get to the Nintendo Museum
The museum is at 56 Kaguraden, Ogura-cho, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0042, just a short trip from Kyoto Station:
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By Train: Take the JR Nara Line (25 minutes, ¥310, covered by JR Pass) or Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line to Ogura Station. It’s a 5-minute walk from the East exit (Kintetsu) or an 8-minute walk from the North exit (JR).
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By Bus: From Uji Station (JR Nara Line), take the Route 64 Bus (Uji-Ogura Line) for a 6-minute ride.
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Note: There’s no parking for cars, motorcycles, or bikes, so use trains or buses. If you need special access, contact the museum for parking help.
When the Museum is Open
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Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Closed: Tuesdays (unless it’s a holiday, then it’s closed Wednesday) and December 30 to January 3 for New Year’s.
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Tip: Get there 15 minutes early for security checks and bring a small bag. Free lockers (using a ¥100 coin you get back) are available, but space for big bags is limited.
Why You Should Visit the Nintendo Museum
The Nintendo Museum Japan is more than old consoles—it’s a super fun dive into gaming’s heart. It uses cool ideas like those in the art of slot game design, with bright visuals and fun activities that make every moment exciting. Fans love the nostalgic displays, and new visitors can see how Nintendo grew from a small card company to a gaming superstar. Shigeru Miyamoto, who made Super Mario and Donkey Kong, called it Nintendo’s “most un-Nintendo-like” project, sharing history usually kept in storage.
Some people say the activities might not go deep enough for huge fans, and the gift shop’s lucky-dip items can be pricey. But the museum’s fun vibe and special goodies make it a must-visit.
Explore Uji Too
While in Uji, famous for yummy matcha green tea, check out cool places like Byodoin Temple or try a tea ceremony at Nakamura Tokichi Honten. Uji’s calm riverside and UNESCO sites are just a 20-minute train ride away, making it a great day trip.
Plan Your Trip
The Nintendo Museum Uji is a big hit with gaming fans, so get ready early! Visit the official website for lottery info, and maybe add a trip to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka for the full Nintendo adventure.
Whether you’re a big fan or just curious, the Nintendo Museum Kyoto is a fun, nostalgic trip into the world of Mario, Zelda, and more. Don’t miss out on this gaming journey!
