The Nintendo Museum is a facility where visitors can explore and experience a wide range of products that Nintendo has developed over the years. Located in Uji City, Kyoto, the museum was created by renovating the former Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant.

The Nintendo Museum is divided into two main areas: a second-floor exhibition space and a first floor where visitors can enjoy various interactive experiences. In addition to learning about Nintendo’s history and enjoying popular games like Super Mario, visitors can participate in workshops on hanafuda (traditional Japanese playing cards), which are part of Nintendo’s origins. The museum also features a café, a shop, and plenty of other attractions.

For more details about the exhibits at the Nintendo Museum, check out this article.

The closest station to the Nintendo Museum is Ogura Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. Conveniently located about 20 minutes by Kintetsu train from Kyoto Station, one of the major transportation hubs in the Kansai region.

Ogura Station underwent renovations to coincide with the opening of the Nintendo Museum. Upgrades include a refurbished underpass and restrooms, as well as exhibits highlighting the history and charm of the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, such as a panoramic map from the era of its predecessor, Nara Electric Railway, and a display of the 18400 series FRP model.

To reach Kintetsu Ogura Station, the closest station to the Nintendo Museum, the best starting point is Kyoto Station.

Once you arrive at Ogura Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station, exit through the East Gate. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the Nintendo Museum.

If you're taking the JR Nara Line, you can get off at JR Ogura Station and exit through the North Gate. From there, it’s about an 8-minute walk to the Nintendo Museum.

To coincide with the opening of the Nintendo Museum, a new bus service has started running between Keihan Uji Station, JR Uji Station, the Nintendo Museum, and Kintetsu Ogura Station. The fare is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children. This is also a convenient option for getting to the museum.

Since you're visiting the Nintendo Museum, why not explore some of the nearby attractions as well?

The nearest station to the museum is Kintetsu Ogura Station (a 5-minute walk), but JR Ogura Station on the JR Nara Line is also just an 8-minute walk away. From here, it’s only one stop to Uji Station, where you’ll find plenty of tourist attractions and food spots to enjoy.

In addition to the JR Nara Line, a new bus service from in front of the Nintendo Museum now takes you to Uji Station. If you're visiting this area, make the most of it and fully enjoy all that Uji has to offer! Here are some of our top recommendations.

Located a 12-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Uji Station, this public tourism facility offers a rich experience of Uji's history.

Visitors can stroll through historic sites and gardens that reflect Uji’s past, as well as participate in hands-on activities such as tea picking and matcha-making. The on-site restaurant serves meals along with matcha-based sweets, while the shop offers a wide selection of Uji-related products, including tea—perfect for souvenirs.

In October 2024, "Chazuna" celebrates its 3rd anniversary, and various campaigns will be held until the end of March 2025. When you purchase a combined ticket for the Chazuna Museum and the Hikaru no Kimi e Uji Taiga Drama Exhibition, you'll receive a special sencha (green tea) pack as a gift (until January 13, 2025). From January 14 to March 31, 2025, a special discount plan will also be available, which includes both a tea experience program and museum admission.

A 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station takes you to Byodoin, a historical landmark and must-visit site.

Originally built in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, the son of Fujiwara no Michinaga, Byodoin was once a villa known as "Ujiden" before being converted into a temple. This architectural gem, which showcases the lavish culture of the late Heian period, was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

Among its structures, the Phoenix Hall (Hoodo), which is depicted on the current 10-yen coin, is particularly famous and well worth seeing. The Hoshokan Museum on the grounds also displays a collection of priceless temple treasures associated with Byodoin.

Just a 1-minute walk from JR Uji Station, Nakamura Tokichi Main Store is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious matcha sweets.

Founded in 1854, this long-established tea merchant has a rich history of specializing in tea from the Uji region of Kyoto. What was once a space for selling tea leaves by weight is now filled with a variety of premium teas and souvenirs.

The former tea production area has been renovated into a café where visitors can enjoy matcha sweets. It’s a popular spot for those exploring Uji, attracting both international tourists and local fans daily.

The Nintendo Museum is located in Uji City, Kyoto, but you can also enjoy Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), which is in the same Kansai area.

What makes Super Nintendo World special is the chance to experience the world of Nintendo games in real life. Inside the park, you can immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario and actually "play" within it. You can challenge yourself to a Mario Kart race, explore iconic locations like Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle, and even ride on the back of Yoshi in a fun attraction that takes you around the Mario universe.

Why not plan a 2-day trip to the area? Spend one day at the Nintendo Museum and another having a blast at Universal Studios Japan. It's the perfect combo for Nintendo fans!

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When planning a Kansai trip with the Nintendo Museum as the main highlight, the most important step is to secure the date for your museum visit. Tickets for the Nintendo Museum are sold via lottery, so you'll need to win a ticket before finalizing your plans.

Ticket applications open three months before your desired visit date, and you can select up to three preferred time slots from the calendar. Payment is made only if you win the lottery, and a Nintendo account is required to apply and purchase the tickets.

The lottery results are sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo account by the afternoon of the first day of the following month. If you're selected, be sure to pay for your ticket by the designated deadline using a credit card. Once the date is confirmed, you'll be able to finalize your travel plans.

While Uji is a fantastic day trip from Kyoto, some visitors might want to stay overnight to fully immerse themselves in the local sightseeing, tea culture, and exploration of the area.

Be sure to book your accommodations nearby. The greater Kyoto area attracts many tourists, so early reservations are essential. This is especially true during peak seasons, like April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and from November to December, when the autumn leaves are at their most beautiful. Make sure to secure your booking as early as possible during these times.

The newly opened Nintendo Museum is a must-see, but Kyoto, Uji, and the greater Kansai area are also filled with exciting attractions to explore. In addition to enjoying the world of Nintendo, be sure to experience Uji's famous matcha, historic temples, and even Universal Studios Japan. Plan your trip to fully immerse yourself in all these fantastic experiences!

(Note: The information in this article is accurate as of October 2024. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)