Our Visit to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto
We recently had the chance to visit the brand-new Nintendo Museum, and we would love to share our experience!
How to Get In
First things first: entry is strictly by reservation. You need to apply through the official website up to three months in advance. Admission is determined by a lottery system, so plan ahead!
The museum is just a few minutes’ walk from Kintetsu Ogura Station. Upon arrival, you’ll go through ID verification and a bag check before receiving your entry pass.
Your Entry Pass: Customize It!
The pass can be personalized with your Mii character, or you can stick with the default Mario design. Be sure to keep this pass with you at all times—it’s used for entering and exiting the museum, and for interactive experiences inside.
Inside the Museum
As you walk in, you’re greeted by Toad at the entrance!
The museum is divided into two floors:
(1) First Floor – Interactive Fun
The first floor is dedicated to hands-on experiences. There are exclusive games that you can only play here. One highlight: there’s a game you can play using a giant Game Boy controller!
(2) Second Floor – A Journey Through Nintendo’s History
Here, you’ll find a comprehensive look at Nintendo’s evolution—from vintage consoles to the latest tech. It’s exciting to see the consoles and games we grew up with on display. Who knows? You might spot one of your childhood favorites!
They even had a display of the new Switch 2!
Food & Extras
If you get a bit hungry, the museum’s café offers burgers, sweets, and more.
For an additional fee, you can try out Hanafuda (traditional Japanese playing cards) or even make your own custom Hanafuda set! (Reservations for these activities must be made on-site on the day of your visit.)
I gave the card-making a try!
Hidden Surprises
The museum is filled with fun little details, so keep your eyes peeled! You might spot hidden Pikmin or Mario on a flagpole!
If you’re a Nintendo fan, this museum is a must-visit. Just don’t forget to make a reservation—walk-ins are not accepted.
It was a magical experience for both kids and adults, and I highly recommend it!
