Nintendo Museum, a Walk Through Gaming History
Guide to Kyoto’s Nintendo Museum
© Nintendo
In the scenic city of Uji, mostly famous for its green tea in Kyoto Prefecture, the firdst Nintendo Museum in the world opened its doors on October 2, 2024, inviting visitors to explore the history of one of the world’s most influential gaming companies. Housed in the former Uji Ogura Plant, where Nintendo once produced playing cards and repaired consoles, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the company’s evolution from its humble beginnings to its current global stature.
Visitors can engage with a wide array of exhibits, including vintage gaming consoles and interactive experiences, which provide a good opportunity to connect with the innovation and creativity that have defined Nintendo for over a century.
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If you are in Kyoto don’t miss this event!
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What is the Nintendo Museum?
The Nintendo Museum, located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, is a dedicated space celebrating the extensive history and innovation of Nintendo. Opened on October 2, 2024, the museum is situated in the former Uji Ogura Plant, a site historically significant to Nintendo’s early operations.
The facility offers visitors an immersive experience, showcasing a vast collection of products and memorabilia that chronicle Nintendo’s journey from its origins as a playing card manufacturer to its current status as a global leader in the gaming industry. Exhibits include vintage consoles, classic games, and interactive installations, providing a comprehensive look into the company’s evolution and its impact on entertainment worldwide.
A Brief History of Nintendo
Nintendo’s journey began in 1889 when Fusajiro Yamauchi founded the company in Kyoto, producing handmade hanafuda playing cards. Over the decades, Nintendo explored various ventures, including taxi services, love hotels, and toy manufacturing, before entering the electronic gaming market in the 1970s. The release of the Color TV-Game series marked Nintendo’s initial foray into home gaming consoles.
The company’s global breakthrough came in the 1980s with the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. These successes established Nintendo as a dominant force in the gaming industry. Subsequent innovations, such as the Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Wii, and Nintendo Switch, have continued to shape the gaming landscape, solidifying Nintendo’s reputation for creativity and enduring appeal.
Can you visit Nintendo HQ in Kyoto?
Nintendo’s global headquarters are also located in Kyoto, and while some enthusiasts make pilgrimages to view the exterior of these offices, it’s important to note that the headquarters are not open to the public, so visits are not available without prior appointments.
We will try to visit once we have moved to Japan 👍