Nintendo Museum

Kyoto · Museum & Gallery

90–180 min

🚶 5 5 min walk from Ogura Station (Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line)

¥¥

Insider Tip

Upon entry, prioritize booking the Hanafuda playing card workshop if interested, as daily slots are limited and require a separate fee and same-day reservation. For interactive exhibits on the first floor, be mindful of the 10 digital coins allotted; strategically choose high-value experiences like the Zapper & Scope (4 coins) or 'Recommended' activities early, as you cannot experience all of them. The second floor offers more historical, observational displays with minimal explanation, encouraging personal reflection rather than guided interaction.

JEMS Tip

JEMS streamlines the mandatory lottery-based reservation process, advising clients on optimal submission times for higher success rates on desired dates. We provide precise, turn-by-turn transit instructions from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Ogura, including platform numbers and the fastest routes, ensuring a smooth arrival. Furthermore, JEMS can craft a bespoke itinerary that strategically combines the museum visit with other Uji attractions like Fushimi Inari, optimizing timing for interactive exhibits and the Hanafuda workshop given the museum's coin system and daily workshop reservation requirement, all while confirming adherence to the public transportation-only access rule.

About

The Nintendo Museum, located in Uji near Kyoto, opened in October 2024, offering an immersive journey through the company's 135-year legacy, from its origins as a Hanafuda card maker to a global video game pioneer. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits showcasing classic games, prototypes, and oversized controllers on the first floor, while the second floor features historical displays of Nintendo's product evolution and rare artifacts. The museum also includes a themed burger cafe, an exclusive merchandise store, and a Hanafuda card-making workshop.

Crowd Avoidance

The Nintendo Museum primarily manages crowds through its mandatory lottery-based reservation system. To maximize chances of securing tickets, JEMS recommends applying for weekday slots, particularly those in the late afternoon (e.g., after 4:00 PM), as these often experience slightly lower demand than morning or early afternoon weekend slots. Avoid applying for tickets during major Japanese national holidays, as these will have extreme competition. Once inside, head directly to your priority interactive exhibits to minimize potential queuing.

Getting There

From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line directly to Ogura Station (East Exit), which is approximately a 15-20 minute ride. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to JR Ogura Station (North Exit), also about 15-20 minutes. The museum strictly prohibits access by private cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or taxis; public transportation is mandatory.