The Nintendo Museum opened in October 2024 on the site of a former factory of the Kyoto-based entertainment company. It is located in Uji City, a short train ride south of Kyoto.
The museum introduces the company's history. It displays the various products offered over the decades since the company's beginnings as a toy maker producing playing cards in 1889. Interactive sections let visitors play various games with an initial amount of "coins" included with the admission ticket and the ability to purchase additional coins.
There is also a hands-on area for creating and playing with the Hanafuda playing cards, Nintendo's original product (separate same-day reservations and fees are required). The museum's shop and cafe are accessible only to ticket holders.
Getting there and around
The Nintendo Museum is located in Uji City, ten kilometers south of central Kyoto. It can be reached by Kintetsu Railway or Japan Railways (JR). Note that there is no parking available around the museum, and visitors are asked to use public transportation.
By Kintetsu Railway
The closest station to the museum is Ogura Station along the Kintetsu Kyoto Line (20 minutes, 360 yen one way from Kyoto Station). The museum can be reached in a 3-5 minute walk from Ogura Station's east exit.
By Japan Railways
The closest JR station to the museum is JR Ogura Station along the JR Nara Line (25 minutes, 300 yen one way from Kyoto Station, covered by JR passes). The museum is a ten minute walk from the station.
Alternatively, the Nintendo Museum can be reached in about a 30 minute walk from JR Uji Station in central Uji. A taxi ride costs around 1000 yen one way.
Hours and Fees
Tickets need to be purchased in advance
Tickets are not sold at the museum, but must be purchased in advance through the official website.
For the time being, tickets are sold on a lottery-based system for a given date and time slot. Lottery entries can be made during the month three months prior to your visit. For example, lottery entries for January tickets can be submitted during October, with lottery results announced on November 1. Only one submission per person and month is possible, and there are strict rules against reselling and distributing tickets.
The cost of tickets is 3300 yen for adults (18 years and older), 2200 yen for 12-17 year olds, and 1100 yen for 6-11 year olds.
Hours and closing days
The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Tuesdays (or Wednesday if Tuesday is a national holiday) and from December 30 to January 3.
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Links and Resources
Japanese
