Visit Kyoto: Nintendo Museum

I grew up playing Nintendo.  My kids play Nintendo.  So it was a no-brainer that we'd go to the Nintendo Museum . . . if we could get tickets.  

And we got them!

You apply 3 months in advance for everyone in your party.  Anyone 18 and up with a valid phone number and Nintendo account can apply for the lottery, so 3 of us in our family were able to apply.  During the lottery process, you can select up to 3 dates / times.  

We were notified by email that 2 of us won, and payment had to be made by a specific date.  You need to make a call on your phone for verification purposes during the payment process, and only have a minimal amount of time to do it.  It was stressful because I couldn't get the number to work by dialing, but thankfully there was a QR code on the screen you could scan to make the call go through (I had just a few seconds to spare - I don't know what would've happened if I didn't make the call in time).  

You are able to cancel anytime prior to the QR code being issued, which is 2pm the day before your visit.

If you are one of those who did not win the lottery, any cancelled tickets becomes up-for-grabs which can be bought on a first-come, first-serve basis two months out.

The day of our visit, we were the first in line at the museum.  You are first directed to a ticket / passport check (passports required for all non-Japan nationals), then you go through security.

There are photo opps on the outside grounds.

Inside the museum you will get a photo opp with the singing Toads (gently tap them to hear them sing).

Upon entering, you go into a room to get briefed on the interactive games, as well as how no photos are allowed on Floor 2, with few exceptions.  

Floor 2 is where you enter through.  We decided to head quickly down to Floor 1 to play games in case it got too crowded.  

Floor 1 is where we spent the most time.  Everyone gets 10 coins to use on games, which doesn't equate to many games, so you have to be very selective with how you use your 10 coins. 

There are numerous stations where you can play classic games (there is an automatic timer to prevent lengthy waits should it be crowded), and even an area with big controllers that is super fun to play and watch.

Zapper and Scope

There was a Zapper and Scope game where our family could all play at once, and I actually won (fun fact - when the NES first came out, I excelled and beat many of the games).

Nintendo started out originally as Hanafuda card makers before venturing into video games, so you'll see a lot of Hanafuda displays on Floor 1. You can sign up for a workshop to make your own Hanafuda cards or play Hanafuda (extra fee).

There are other displays on Floor 1, but Floor 2 is where you'll find the majority of the exhibits dedicated to the history of Nintendo. 

As mentioned, photos are not allowed on Floor 2, but the amount of products on display was quite impressive.  It showcased the history of Nintendo, the progression of the entertainment systems and the games, and so much more.  

They were highlighting the Switch 2 (which had yet to be released at the time we visited), so photos were allowed of that.

There is a cafe on site as well as a gift shop.  

There are lots of neat Nintendo touches throughout the museum (eg the "Game Boy" decor at the umbrella locker).  

I thought the Nintendo Museum was fun to visit.  I do wish there was an option to pay for more coins to play more games. I do understand that not having this an option avoids long queues and big crowds, but Floor 1 was the most fun for us.

It's a must-visit for Nintendo fans!

Nintendo Museum
Kaguraden-56 Oguracho

Uji, Kyoto 611-0042, Japan