The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto
The newly inaugurated Nintendo Museum is a must-see destination for video game enthusiasts.
Conveniently located in central Japan, this fascinating venue offers an immersive journey into the world of Nintendo, tracing the evolution of the iconic brand through its legendary consoles, characters and franchises. Whether you're a long-time fan or just curious to discover the story behind Mario, Zelda or Pokémon, this museum promises a unique experience where nostalgia meets innovation.
A themed entrance and interactive experiences
As soon as you enter, a unique photo spot awaits you, inspired by the Mario universe and featuring the franchise's iconic pipes. You can ask a museum staff member to take your picture for a memorable souvenir. Just beyond this is a cafe with a relaxed but eccentrically Nintendo-themed atmosphere.
As you enter the main building, you'll be greeted by a number of Toads, the characters so familiar to Mario fans. A fun little detail: if you touch their heads, they make their characteristic noise. Next, you pass a counter dedicated to booking activities related to Hanafuda, the traditional card game with which Nintendo has long been associated. However, it's advisable to book early, as some activities, such as playing Hanafuda or creating your own cards, fill up quickly.
An exclusive boutique and beloved exhibitions
The museum features a boutique showcasing Nintendo's flagship franchises, where each visitor can purchase a single item in each category, from giant plush toys to consoles. It's a collector's paradise!
The main exhibition is spread over two levels. On the first floor, there are plenty of interactive activities and photo opportunities. Upstairs, the exhibition itself is more informative, although photos are not allowed. The showcases trace Nintendo's fascinating history, from its origins as a manufacturer of toys and Hanafuda cards to its revolutionary consoles. Each console is showcased, accompanied by its controllers and other accessories, sometimes even including a glimpse of their internal circuitry.
Fun activities for all ages
The museum offers a wide variety of interactive activities, some of which require tokens to participate, ensuring that queues are kept to a minimum. Here are just a few of the activities on offer:
- Zapper & Scope SP: Use the Zapper or Scope to shoot monsters in the Mario universe, while avoiding aiming at nice characters like Luigi or Peach. Up to twelve players can take part simultaneously.
- Ultra Hand SP: Catch balls with a vintage Nintendo gadget, a surprising but difficult challenge.
- Love Tester SP: A fun activity for couples, with mini-games where you must, for example, hold an umbrella together to avoid a thunderstorm.
- Big Controller: Challenge a friend with giant controllers in revisited versions of Nintendo classics, from the Famicom to the Wii.
For video game enthusiasts, it's also possible to play a whole range of Nintendo titles, offering an immersive experience through different eras of video game history.
Nintendo Museum information
Although located a little way from the region's main tourist attractions, access to the Nintendo Museum is facilitated by its proximity to Ogura station on the Kyoto Kintetsu line, which serves the museum from Kyoto Station in 30 minutes. From the station, directions are clear and easy to follow.
Visits are well organized: it's essential to arrive at the exact time of your reservation. On arrival, several queues form according to your time slot, ensuring a smooth flow of visitors.
Opening hours :
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Address:
The Nintendo Museum is located in Kyoto, close to Umekōji-Kyōtonishi station, which can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot.
The Nintendo Museum is an immersive and entertaining experience, ideal for all ages. The exhibition, though concise in explanation, is rich in iconic objects and consoles. The interactive activities, meanwhile, add a playful touch, making the visit as fun as it is informative. This museum is a true tribute to Nintendo's history and heritage, guaranteeing fans total immersion in the brand's universe.
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