Sneak Peek! Inside Japan’s ‘Nintendo Museum’ Opening October 2

Opening October 2nd! What is the Nintendo Museum?

(From Nintendo press release)

The Nintendo Museum is a special place where you can explore and experience the wide variety of products Nintendo has created over the years. Located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, it was built by renovating the old Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant.

Since Nintendo announced this project in 2021, fans around the world have been eagerly waiting for its opening. Now, the wait is almost over—the museum is set to open on Wednesday, October 2nd. Along with the announcement, a sneak peek video was released, giving us a first look at the museum’s interior and some of the exciting experiences it will offer, all as part of the Nintendo Museum Direct.

Here, we’ll dive into what was revealed in that video.

▼ Take a look inside! Check out the video from the Nintendo Museum Direct here.

Exciting Features Galore! Inside the Nintendo Museum

The Nintendo Museum is divided into two main areas: the second-floor exhibition space and the first floor, where you can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences.

On the second floor, you’ll find displays featuring the many products Nintendo has released over the years. Meanwhile, the first floor offers eight unique experiences designed around the theme, “What if we brought Nintendo’s past creations to life in the modern era?”

Let’s have a look at each area.

2nd Floor: Discover Nintendo’s History Through Exhibits!

(From Nintendo press release)

On the second floor, you’ll find a fascinating display of every product Nintendo has created since its founding in 1889. The exhibits start with early items like Hanafuda cards, Karuta, radio-controlled toys, and batting machines, and trace the journey of how these led to iconic video game consoles like the Famicom. Each console is showcased in its own section, so you can really see how Nintendo’s innovations evolved over the years.

One cool feature is that when you step into certain areas, you’ll not only see the classic game screens but also hear the iconic game music, making the experience even more immersive.

Another interesting aspect is the comparison between the Japanese and international versions of consoles like the Famicom, which had different designs and packaging. You can check out all these variations side by side.

As you explore, you’ll get to relive your own memories and see firsthand how Nintendo’s games and products have evolved and connected through the years.

1st Floor: Have Fun with the Giant Controller!

(From Nintendo press release)

On the first floor, you can experience a variety of entertainment born from Nintendo’s creative spirit, reimagined with modern technology. One of the highlights is a massive interactive monitor in the center of the floor, where you can enjoy a game of Hyakunin Isshu (a traditional Japanese card game) in a whole new way, using your smartphone to interact with the display.

When you enter the museum, you’ll receive an admission pass loaded with 10 virtual coins that you can use for different activities throughout the first floor. These activities include eight unique experiences, such as the “Ultra Machine SP,” an indoor batting machine, or the “Zapper & Scope SP,” where you use two types of light guns to shoot at Mario-themed targets. There’s also the “Big Controller,” where you can play classic Famicom games using oversized controllers.

Each experience offers a fun, hands-on way to explore how Nintendo’s innovative ideas have been brought to life with today’s technology.

More Highlights to Explore at the Nintendo Museum

(From Nintendo press release)

There’s still so much more to discover at the Nintendo Museum! One of the highlights is a workshop where you can actually make your own set of Hanafuda cards, the traditional Japanese playing cards that marked the beginning of Nintendo’s journey. You can also learn the rules and play the game. These workshops require same-day reservations and have an additional cost, but they offer a unique, hands-on way to connect with Nintendo’s origins.

(From Nintendo press release)

Inside the museum, there’s also a special café that’s exclusively for Nintendo Museum ticket holders. Here, you can customize your own burger by choosing your favorite ingredients, and they also offer special drinks to enjoy. For those with dietary preferences, the café provides lacto-ovo vegetarian options (which include eggs and dairy products). It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy a meal during your visit.

(From Nintendo press release)

There’s also an on-site shop where you can browse and purchase a variety of official Nintendo merchandise. The shop features items themed around Nintendo’s games and characters, as well as exclusive products that you can only find at the Nintendo Museum. Like the café, the shop is accessible only to those with a museum ticket, making it a special treat for visitors.

Nintendo Museum Admission and Ticket Purchase Guide

Admission to the Nintendo Museum is as follows.

Ticket reservations for the Nintendo Museum are handled through a lottery system. You can apply for your preferred date and time of visit through a dedicated website. If your application is successful, you’ll then proceed to pay for the tickets.

As of August 20th, reservations for October and November visits have opened, and will remain open until August 31st. If you’re interested, be sure to check the website for more details and to submit your application.

A museum filled with Nintendo’s passion for family fun -Don’t miss it!

For over a century, Nintendo has created a wide range of entertainment, evolving with the times but always holding onto one core belief: bringing joy to the entire family. The Nintendo Museum is a place where you can explore the company’s dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, and experience firsthand the unique spirit behind their creations. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the magic of Nintendo. Don’t miss the chance to check it out!

Bonus Tip: If you’re heading to the Nintendo Museum, make sure to pair your visit with a trip to USJ! It’s the ultimate Nintendo fan experience!

The Nintendo Museum is located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, but while you’re in the Kansai area, you can also experience the excitement of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. If you’re planning a visit to the Nintendo Museum, why not make it a full Nintendo adventure by stopping by Super Nintendo World as well? It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Nintendo!