Nintendo fans now have a new must-see destination: the newly opened Nintendo Museum in Uji, just an hour from Kyoto. This interactive museum is set in the company’s old factory and offers a deep dive into the iconic video game company’s 135-year history. Visitors are transported back to Nintendo’s origins, when it began as a hanafuda card manufacturer, before journeying through the company’s groundbreaking transformation into a gaming giant.
The museum is spread across three buildings, with each area offering something special. The “Craft and Play” section highlights Nintendo’s humble beginnings with traditional card games, while the “Discover” hall is a treasure trove for gaming enthusiasts. Here, visitors can find rare limited-edition consoles, prototypes that never made it to market, and displays of nearly every Nintendo product ever released.
One of the most exciting features of the museum is the collection of oversized controllers that allow visitors to play classic games like Wii and Famicom on a massive scale. The interactive mini-games, such as “Zapper & Scope” and “Love Tester,” provide a fun way to experience iconic moments from Nintendo’s game development history. However, players need to be strategic with the 10 digital coins given for gameplay, as additional coins aren’t available for purchase.
If you’re ready to visit, tickets aren’t as easy as walking in. The museum operates via a lottery system, where visitors must apply three months in advance to secure a spot. Priced at 3,300 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children, tickets are in high demand, so planning ahead is essential. Nintendo’s history, along with playful touches like singing Toad statues and a themed cafe, ensures a memorable and unique experience.
Hashtags: #NintendoMuseum #KyotoTravel #GamingHistory #NintendoFans #VisitJapan #UjiMuseum #RetroGaming #NintendoExhibit