Nintendo Museum Kyoto: Is it Really Worth Visiting? Our Honest Review (2026)
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Being kids of the 90’s, Nintendo Museum Kyoto was at the very top of our wishlist when we planned our Japan itinerary. But getting tickets looked almost impossible, and after losing the lottery for it we genuinely thought we’d have to skip it. Luckily, we kept checking for cancelled tickets and eventually secured four for our travel dates. Looking back, that persistence was absolutely worth it. We spent almost five hours at the museum, and it became one of the biggest highlights of our
family trip.
Unlike many museums, this isn’t a place where you slowly walk from one display to the next. From the moment you enter, you’re encouraged to explore, play and interact. Even though we knew quite a bit about Nintendo before visiting, we still discovered plenty of stories and products we’d never seen before. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or simply travelling with curious kids, there’s something here that will surprise you.
Getting Tickets
The ticket lottery for Nintendo museum Kyoto is the biggest obstacle. Applications usually open around three months before your visit. You register, pick three different dates and time slots and wait. If you aren’t selected, don’t panic. Nintendo regularly releases cancelled and unpaid reservations, so check the booking page frequently. That’s exactly how we managed to visit.
Getting There
The Nintendo museum Kyoto is located in Uji, around 30–40 minutes from Kyoto Station by train. The walk from the station is easy and well signposted. Because it’s outside central Kyoto, it feels quieter and much less touristy. It was probably one of the more authentic places we walked through.
We actually enjoyed the journey to Uji. Stepping away from Kyoto’s busy tourist areas gave us a chance to see a quieter side of Japan. If you have some extra time, Uji is also famous for its green tea, traditional streets and beautiful Byodo-in Temple, making it easy to turn your museum visit into a full day trip.
What to Expect Inside Nintendo Museum Kyoto
The museum sits on Nintendo’s former Uji factory site, immediately giving it a sense of history.
Upstairs you’ll discover Nintendo’s evolution from Hanafuda playing cards to the Switch.
Photography isn’t allowed, something we initially disliked but later appreciated because
everyone was focused on the exhibits rather than their phones.
Downstairs is where things become interactive. Every visitor receives a digital card loaded with
virtual coins that can be spent on different attractions. Don’t rush into the first game you
see—walk around first and decide where your coins will be best spent.
Why? Coins are limited, each visitor gets 10 coins and once you use them up, that’s it, no more games. Game prices also vary from 3 coins for the “coolest” ones, to 1 coin for normal nintendo console games.
One thing many people don’t realise is that the museum isn’t trying to overwhelm visitors with technology or flashy effects. Instead, it tells Nintendo’s story in a simple, engaging way that makes you appreciate just how much the company has evolved over the decades. Even if you didn’t grow up playing every Nintendo console, it’s fascinating to see how many iconic products and ideas originated from one company.
We also liked the pace of the visit. You can move through the exhibition at your own speed without feeling rushed. Some visitors spend most of their time reading the displays, while others head straight for the interactive games. The museum works well either way, which is one of the reasons it feels suitable for such a wide range of ages.
Our Favourite Parts
Our favourite attraction was the shooting game. It was simple, competitive and had the whole
family laughing. We also loved trying classic Nintendo consoles together. Watching our children
discover games we grew up with was a genuinely special experience.
One thing we didn’t expect was how balanced the museum feels. It isn’t just a collection of old consoles behind glass. Almost every area encourages you to interact, compete or discover something new. Even family members who aren’t huge Nintendo fans found themselves smiling, joining in and comparing scores.
We also appreciated that the museum never felt overcrowded despite being fully booked. Because visitors spread out across different attractions and interactive stations, there was rarely a moment when we felt rushed. That made the whole experience much more relaxed than many other popular attractions in Japan.
Before leaving we explored the excellent gift shop and then had lunch at Hatena Burger just
outside the museum. The outdoor area is also where you’ll find the best photo opportunities.
Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely. This isn’t a museum where children are expected to quietly read information boards.
Between the interactive games, retro consoles and family-friendly layout, our kids stayed
engaged for hours.
Another thing we loved was that the museum appeals to different generations for completely different reasons. Adults will enjoy the nostalgia of seeing consoles they grew up with, while children simply see a huge interactive playground filled with games and challenges. It creates those rare moments where parents and kids are equally excited about the same activity.
If your children already enjoy Mario Kart, Zelda, Pokémon or Animal Crossing, they’ll recognise plenty of familiar characters throughout the museum. At the same time, they’ll also learn that Nintendo existed long before video games, making the visit surprisingly educational without ever feeling like a lesson.
We recommend allowing at least four to five hours so you don’t have to rush.
Our Verdict
Looking back, we’d happily travel to Uji just for the Nintendo museum Kyoto again. It isn’t the biggest attraction in Japan, nor is it the flashiest, but it feels incredibly well designed from start to finish. Every detail seems carefully considered, from the ticket system and interactive exhibits to the gift shop and themed restaurant.
If you’re building a Japan itinerary and only have time for one Nintendo experience, your choice depends on what you’re looking for. Super Nintendo World is all about adrenaline and stepping inside your favourite games. The Nintendo Museum is slower, more thoughtful and, in our opinion, offers a more meaningful experience for lifelong Nintendo fans. Together, they complement each other perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you plan for Nintendo Museum Kyoto?
Around 4–5 hours.
Can you take photos inside?
Not everywhere, museum is not allowed, only play area and the outdoors.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, especially school-age children.
Is Hatena Burger worth it?
If you’re hungry after the visit, yes, but more for the experience, food was ok-ish.
Can you still get tickets after losing the lottery?
Yes, cancellations are released regularly.
Can you buy more coins, to play games?
No, once you used up the 10 coins, it’s game over.
Continue Planning Your Japan Trip
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