Nintendo Museum is an interactive showcase of Nintendo’s colorful journey, from being a mere playing card company to one of the top video game developers in the world.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Check. Universal Studios? Check. Fuji Q Highland? Check. If you, like many Filipino travelers, just can’t get enough of Japan, chances are you are already familiar with its top amusement parks.
In case you still didn’t know, there’s a new, much-talked-about attraction that’s worthy to be added to your itinerary on your next adventure to the birthplace of cuteness and coolness.
We’re talking about Japan’s first Nintendo Museum. Located in Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture, the up-and-coming tourist destination is built to showcase Nintendo’s colorful history as a playing card company and its far-reaching innovations that made them one of the top video game developers in the world. And like most amusement centers, the Nintendo Museum comes complete with a themed café and merchandise shop.
Nintendo first announced in 2021 that it was going to be built on the site of the Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant where playing cards used to be produced. It was later converted into a repair center for toys and consoles.
Since then, Nintendo fans all over the world have been eagerly awaiting its launch. The good news is that the wait will soon be over as the museum is opening its gates on Oct. 2.
From video games to real life
The Nintendo Museum consists mainly of two parts. The first floor is where you can get a thrilling experience from games inspired by Nintendo’s titles and gadgets. Meanwhile, the second floor features an interactive exhibit of Nintendo products developed since it was founded by Fusajiro Yamaucho as “Yamauchi Nintendo” in September 1889.
The fun-filled trek begins with guests receiving an admission pass loaded with 10 digital coins that they can spend to enjoy the amenities on the first floor. It’s just like playing in an arcade where you use tokens to play a game and when your coins run out, you can simply purchase more.
Nintendo gave a sneak peek of these games in a virtual tour uploaded on YouTube last Aug. 19. One thing to look out for is Nintendo’s modern take on Hyakunin Isshu, a traditional card game in Japan. The video game company placed a huge screen on the floor which you can interact with using a special smartphone. You have to use the phone to match the different cards at your feet.
Next is a shooting game where players use a Zapper and Super Scope from the world of Mario. You are then tasked to shoot the goombas and koopas on the giant screen to gain points.
There’s also one inspired by Nintendo’s batting toy, called the Ultra Machine, which was produced in 1968. In its real-life counterpart at the museum, players would have to bat and hit fastballs and curveballs inside playing rooms designed to look like different parts of a house.
Another exhibit inspired by Nintendo’s toys is the Ultra Hand where you and your friend would have to compete in grabbing the most balls and dropping them into the pipe.
Of course, Nintendo wouldn’t be the legend it is today if not for its iconic video game consoles. The museum will take you back to the pivotal year of 1983 by letting you play over 80 games using its classic game consoles. Here, you can have a blast playing retro titles like Famicom, Super Famicom, and Nintendo 64, among many others.
What’s more, Nintendo Museum has giant controllers that you can use to play your favorite games and, of course, pose for Instagram-worthy snaps.
Interactive walk down history lane
The fun continues when you head to the Nintendo Museum’s second floor. This is where Nintendo fans and casual visitors alike can view an expansive exhibit of the brand’s products since it was established over a century ago.
The exhibit showcases the company’s earliest products, including Hanafuda cards and Karuta, radio-controlled toys and batting machines. From here, you’ll get to delve into the multinational company’s journey that led to the development of its most iconic game consoles today.
Besides these, the second floor is where you can join special workshops for an additional fee. Head to the Craft room if you would like to make and paint your own Hanafuda cards, or to the Play Room if you’re looking to learn the game using image recognition and projection technology.
Power up stations
Feel like you need some buff after the exciting journey? Then step into the Nintendo Museum’s food stop where you can get your fill of its exclusive offerings. At this cafè, you’ll get to enjoy creating your own tasty burger and create as many as 270,000 combinations. Special drinks and side dishes are also available to spice up the experience.
Before heading home, be sure to drop by the gift shop to cop some exclusive merchandise. This includes items inspired by Nintendo games and characters that are sure to delight any fan.
How to score tickets for the Nintendo Museum
Entrance fees to the Nintendo Museum vary according to age. Tickets for adults 18 years old and above are priced at Y3,300 (P1,300) while admission for teenagers ages 12 to 17 are at Y2,200 (P860). Children ages 6 to 11 can enter the museum for a fee of Y1,100 (P430), while babies and toddlers up to 5 years old are free of charge.
To avail of a ticket, you must first create an account on the Nintendo Museum website and sign up for the ticket draw at least three months before your preferred date of visit. So let’s say you’re planning to fly to Japan in December, you must book a slot on the Nintendo Museum website on or before Sept. 30.
Tickets are sold through a random draw, with the results being emailed to you. If you’re lucky enough to get a slot at the queue, you will be asked to complete your purchase via credit card on the Nintendo Museum Website.
