Nintendo Museum sits in Uji and feels like a game cartridge turned into a building. Nintendo Museum shows how small toys became giant worlds on a screen. Step through the red doors and chimes greet your ears, shouting, “Ready, player one!” Cabinets of wooden Hanafuda cards stand beside shiny Switch consoles, and you can see 135 years of playful thinking in one glance. Staff wave you along the path like Toads on a Mario Kart lap. Timed tickets keep the crowd small, so you have space to stare and grin. Security may peek inside a backpack, but lockers wait nearby if your bag is bulky. The air smells like new plastic mixed with warm waffle cones from the café. Screens loop colorful clips, and children gasp when Pikachu pops up. Grown-ups start bouncing, wide-eyed and laughing. The museum feels less like school and more like recess that never ends. Forever.
Planning your visit takes a little strategy, just like lining up Tetris blocks. Tickets sell out early because each entry slot only holds a tiny group, and they drop online exactly one month ahead—or you can enter the monthly lottery for later dates if you feel lucky. Create a free Nintendo Account before you try, because the booking screen will not let you past level one without it. Arrive ten minutes before your time so security checks do not eat into your play minutes; the guards are polite but thorough. Leave big backpacks at the hotel or use the coin lockers outside the gate. The interactive zone runs on plastic coins, so pick your must-play stations first: the light-gun shootout costs four coins, classic game corners cost one, and everything else costs two. Finally, budget yen and luggage space for the shop, where exclusive items like a giant Famicom pillow appear in limited numbers and vanish fast.
Getting There: Simple Directions from Kyoto Station
If you’re starting from Kyoto Station, getting to the Nintendo Museum is easy-peasy! First, hop on the JR Nara Line and ride it to Uji Station. The ride takes around 20 to 25 minutes. When you get off at Uji, you’ll see signs and cute Nintendo-themed banners pointing the way. From the station, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk. Just follow the signs or use your phone map to guide you. The path is flat and friendly for families, even with strollers. Look out for a building with a red brick look—that’s your goal! Remember to arrive about 10 minutes early before your ticket time, because there’s a security check at the entrance. If you have big bags, don’t worry—there are coin lockers nearby. So grab your JR Pass or ticket, bring your smile, and get ready to step into Nintendo’s world!
Inside Nintendo Museum: What You Will See First
When you first step into the Nintendo Museum, you’ll feel like you just jumped inside a video game. The lights are colorful, the rooms are big, and the sound effects make everything feel magical. The first floor is where you start. Here, you’ll find a mix of fun displays and interactive screens. Giant statues of famous Nintendo characters wave at you, and video clips play on the walls showing how games were made. The air feels exciting, and kids (and grown-ups) can’t help but smile. You’ll see Nintendo’s first toys and game machines, and the displays go all the way up to the Nintendo Switch. It’s like walking through time, starting from the oldest things and going up to the newest ones. Everything is clean, bright, and easy to look at, even if you don’t know a lot about video games.
Interactive Games: How the Coin System Works
This part is super fun! The Nintendo Museum gives you 10 play coins when you go inside. You use these coins to try out all the fun interactive games on the first floor. Some games cost 1 coin, others cost 2, and one cool light-gun game costs 4. So, you need to plan what to play first! There are big controllers for two people, games where you use your hands to move things, and even a love match game that makes everyone giggle. You can try classic NES or SNES games too—each round is 7 minutes long and costs just 1 coin. Once your coins are gone, you can’t get more, so choose wisely! It’s kind of like an arcade, but everything is themed with Nintendo magic. Parents can play too, and it’s perfect for people of all ages to laugh and play together.
Hidden History: Old Toys Before Video Games
Before Mario and Zelda, Nintendo made toys and cards! On the second floor, you’ll find a special area showing how Nintendo started way back in 1889. This part of the museum is super cool because it shows things most people don’t know about. You’ll see old wooden Hanafuda playing cards, which were hand-painted and used in traditional Japanese games. There are also toy robots, paper toys, and small home games from the 1960s and 1970s. These came long before the first Nintendo game console! You won’t see many signs in English, but the displays are fun to look at. You can even design your own Hanafuda card at the workshop if you book it early. It feels like opening a treasure box from the past. This part helps you understand how Nintendo used its creativity way before video games came into the picture.
Café Power-Ups: Build Your Own Hero Burger
When you get hungry from all the fun, head to the café inside the museum! It’s only for ticket holders, so it’s not too crowded. The main star here is the build-your-own burger. You go to a touchscreen where you pick what goes on your burger—like beef or chicken, cheese, lettuce, and even fun toppings like teriyaki sauce. It’s like making your own power-up meal! The burgers are fun to make, but people say the taste is just okay. Still, the idea is cool and very “Nintendo.” They also sell tiny fried potato balls, but many visitors didn’t love those. If you want something lighter, you can ask for coleslaw instead of fries. And yes, there are sweets too—perfect for little ones or a fun treat. The café is colorful and playful, just like the games. Don’t forget to take a picture of your burger before you eat it!
Souvenir Strategy: Limited Goods and Shipping Tips
The museum shop is a gold mine for fans! It’s full of official Nintendo goodies that you can’t buy anywhere else. There are big plush toys, keychains, art books, and even some old-style items that look like Nintendo’s classic designs. Some items are limited to one per person, so if you see something cool—grab it fast! A favorite is the giant Famicom pillow, which is super soft but also super big. If it doesn’t fit in your suitcase, don’t worry. You can ask for a box at a nearby 7-Eleven (they’re very kind!) and then go to the Japan Post office to ship it home. It’s not too expensive, and it’s much easier than trying to squish it in your bag. Remember, shopping here is part of the fun, so save some money for the end of your trip!
Family Tips: Making the Visit Fun for Every Age
The Nintendo Museum is fun for kids, teens, and even grown-ups who feel like kids. If you’re visiting with family, there are a few tips to help everyone have a good time. First, bring snacks for after because the food might not be everyone’s favorite. Second, take breaks if little ones get tired—there are benches around. Some games are tall, so younger kids might need a lift to play. You can ask the staff for help; they’re friendly, though their English might not be perfect. The museum isn’t too loud or scary, so it’s good even for small children. Interactive games are short and fun, so no one gets bored. And best of all, the whole place is colorful and bright, just like a Nintendo game! Everyone will find something to love, whether it’s Mario, Zelda, Pikachu, or just the happy feeling of play.
Is Nintendo Museum Worth It? Honest Pros and Cons
Let’s be real—some people love the museum, and some feel a little let down. So here’s the honest deal. If you love Nintendo games and history, this place will feel like a dream! You’ll enjoy the cool displays, the rare toys, and the fun interactive games. Kids will have a blast, and it’s a cool way to spend a few hours. But if you expect lots of deep information or long game time, you might feel it’s a bit short. Also, you can’t take photos inside the display areas, which some visitors didn’t like. The food and shop items are fun, but not everyone thinks they’re worth the price. So, if you’re a fan, yes—it’s worth it! If you’re not big into games, it might feel more like a quick visit. Just remember, every level of fun is different for every player.
Conclusion
Nintendo Museum is like stepping inside a video game. There’s color, fun, smiles, and sounds everywhere. It shows how Nintendo started with small card games and grew into a big game company. You get to play, look, eat, and shop—all in one fun place. Whether you go with friends, family, or alone, you’ll feel happy here. It’s not too long, not too short, just enough fun for one good day.
If you love Mario, Zelda, or even just fun toys, you’ll like this place. Just plan early, book your ticket, and get ready to play! Don’t forget your camera—but remember, no photos inside the main displays. Bring extra coins (not real ones!) for shopping and enjoy every level. Nintendo Museum is not just a museum—it’s a memory you take home in your heart.
FAQs
Q: How do I buy tickets for Nintendo Museum?
A: You must book online with a free Nintendo Account. Tickets are timed and sell fast.
Q: Can I take photos inside the museum?
A: You can take photos in some areas, but not in the main display rooms.
Q: Is the Nintendo Museum good for young kids?
A: Yes! It’s fun, colorful, and has games that are perfect for little ones.
Q: Are the games free inside the museum?
A: You get 10 play coins with your ticket. Some games cost 1–4 coins.
Q: Can I eat or shop without a ticket?
A: No, the café and shop are only for ticket holders inside the museum.
