The Nintendo Museum in Uji City, Kyoto, offers a rare chance to explore the full legacy of one of Japan’s most influential entertainment companies. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and other beloved Nintendo franchises or simply curious about how gaming has evolved over the years, this museum offers a hands-on look into the creative history behind it all.
Housed in the former Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant, the museum has been thoughtfully renovated into a modern, visitor-friendly space. The interior has been redesigned for access and accessibility while much of the entire building's original character has been preserved.
Inside, you’ll find a wide-ranging showcase of the entertainment Nintendo has created since its founding in September 1889—from traditional Hanafuda playing cards to the latest Nintendo Switch. Exhibits are arranged by era on the second floor of Exhibition Building 1, allowing visitors to follow Nintendo’s story from past to present. Across several themed zones, you can view side-by-side displays of early toys, classic handhelds, and home consoles that helped shape the gaming world. Iconic systems like the Famicom (NES), Game Boy, and Nintendo 64 are on display in excellent condition. Each exhibit is accompanied by easy-to-follow visuals in both English and Japanese, along with interactive features that let you explore Nintendo’s legacy at your own pace.
Another highlight of the museum is the Unique Play Experiences area on the first floor of Exhibition Building 1. This zone features interactive exhibits that capture Nintendo’s signature blend of creativity and innovation—including games that use oversized controllers and play out on giant screens. Each visitor receives 10 digital coins upon entry, which can be used to access selected exhibits. Since each activity requires a different number of coins, you’ll need to choose carefully—adding a light strategic element to your visit, much like playing a Nintendo game itself.
After exploring the interactive exhibits, visitors looking for a more hands-on, creative experience can join the craft workshop. Here, you’ll create your own Hanafuda playing cards. Once your set is complete, you’ll also learn the rules and have a chance to play the game. This experience requires a same-day reservation and an additional fee, so be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to take part.
Ticket information
A visit to the Nintendo Museum takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll need to plan ahead as same-day admission isn’t available at the moment. Tickets are offered through a lottery system, and you can apply up to three months before your visit using a free Nintendo Account. If your entry gets selected, make sure to pay by the 7th of the following month using a credit card. You’ll get an email with the results, but you can also check the ticketing site. Further, your QR code ticket will be ready to download from 2pm the day before your visit.
On the day itself, don’t forget to bring your QR code and a valid ID. If you’re not a Japanese national, your passport is required. Once your code is scanned and you pass through security, you’ll get your official play ticket. If you bought tickets for friends or family, you can assign them their own QR codes too, as long as they have Nintendo Accounts.
The ticketing system is a bit of a process, but the visit offers a fun and nostalgic dive into Nintendo’s world—something many fans find well worth the effort.
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One of the most popular attractions in Exhibition Building 1 is this two-player game that uses oversized versions of classic Nintendo controllers. Designed to be played in duo, Big Controller brings a fun and nostalgic twist by scaling up familiar hardware from past generations. It requires two digital coins and two players to participate.
This game, part of the exhibition on the first floor, is a fast-paced shooting experience. Players can choose between the Zapper, known for its rapid-fire action, or the Super Scope, designed for precise aiming. Test your skills by taking down classic Nintendo villains like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Chain Chomps, and compete for the highest score. Up to 13 players can participate simultaneously, making it a great challenge for groups. Each booth is limited to one player, though parents can accompany their children inside. The game requires four digital coins per play.
This exhibit brings classic gaming to life with titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Nintendo 64. The games remain true to their original versions, but the controllers have been slightly modernized while maintaining the feel of the originals. Players can choose between single-player, dual-player, or multiplayer modes. Each session lasts five to ten minutes and only requires one digital coin.
The Craft Room & Play Room offers a hands-on workshop where visitors can create their own Hanafuda playing cards and try them out in a digital-enhanced play area. Visitors can choose a design from 12 monthly patterns, then color, fold, and assemble four cards. The Play Room, where you can use your customized cards, enhances gameplay with image recognition and projection technology, bringing a modern twist to the traditional hana-awase version of Hanafuda. You can take your handmade cards home as a souvenir after playing.
Hatena Burger Café is the Nintendo Museum’s main dining area, offering a fun, interactive twist on mealtime. Staying true to Nintendo’s spirit of creativity, the café lets visitors build their own burger—from buns to the sauce. For those who prefer a ready-made option, the regular menu features unique flavors inspired by Japanese cuisine, including sukiyaki, mushroom, chicken and egg, miso fish, and wasabi burgers.
The Nintendo Shop inside the museum offers a selection of official merchandise inspired by Nintendo’s beloved game worlds and characters. Visitors can find exclusive items only available at the museum, so it’s a must-visit for collectors and fans. Due to high demand, some products may have purchase limits or be temporarily out of stock. The shop is open only to ticket holders, with the final entry at 17:30.
The Nintendo Museum is easily accessible by train, located just a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of Ogura Station on the Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line. It's also an 8-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Ogura Station on the JR Nara Line and about 22 minutes on foot from JR Uji Station.
Please take note that the museum doesn't offer parking spaces for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other types of personal vehicles.
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