I’ve been exploring Japan over the past few days, hopping from Pokémon Centers and Nintendo stores to some of the most iconic gaming spots out there. But one destination stood out, the Nintendo Museum. Is it really as impressive as the photos suggest? Time for a full briefing!
First things first: how to get in?
Let’s talk about the ticket system, because it’s… a little tricky. Entry works on a lottery basis via the Nintendo Museum website, similar to other popular attractions in Japan. If you’re lucky, you get a time slot to visit.
But here’s the trick: if you don’t win the lottery, don’t panic. A limited amount of leftover tickets gets released for direct purchase shortly after. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the website and act quickly, but we managed to grab some this way without too much hassle. So yes, you can still get in even if you miss the initial draw. Just plan ahead and don’t give up too soon.
Arrival: warp pipes, Kirby vending machines, and a touch of nostalgia
The moment you arrive, you know you’re not just at a museum, you’re stepping into a world made for fans. You’re greeted by massive green warp pipes straight from Mario’s universe. Right by the entrance? A bright pink Kirby vending machine that’s just begging for a selfie. Even the umbrella stands are styled like Game Boy cartridge slots, and the nearby lockers are literal oversized Game Boy cartridges. It’s the kind of detail that makes you grin before you even scan your ticket.
The museum is divided into three parts: the Exhibition (Nintendo’s full history), the Experience Zone (interactive play area), and the Gift Shop (your wallet won’t survive).
We started with play: the interactive experiences
We headed straight down to the interactive zone, and you should too. It gets busy quickly, and since you can return to the exhibition later, starting with the hands-on fun is the smart move. There are a couple of experiences but you can’t try them all. You need to use your digital coins that are linked to your entry card. We picked the five that interested us the most, each celebrating a unique part of Nintendo’s playful DNA:
- Super Controller: We played old-school Super Mario using a massive SNES controller the size of our body. It’s weirdly satisfying.
- Zapper Game: A modern take on the classic NES Zapper, complete with a wild-west shooting gallery on a huge screen powered by a couple of strong projectors.
- Ultra Machine Baseball: Inspired by Nintendo’s 1960s toy, you hit balls launched at you by a mechanical pitcher.
- Mega Hand Challenge: Using a giant Ultra Hand, grab targets and beat the clock, way harder than it looks.
- Game & Watch Ball: A life-sized replica of the original Game & Watch handheld. Time your moves to juggle balls just like in 1980.
Each activity feels like a mini time machine, letting you play with both vintage ideas and modern reimaginings. And surrounding the experiences is a showcase of Nintendo’s pre-gaming past, from beautifully preserved Hanafuda cards to mechanical toys that most Western fans have never seen. It’s fun, hands-on, and educational without ever feeling like a history lesson.
The exhibition: a no-photos journey through Nintendo’s roots
Once we’d had our fun in the experience zone, we moved on to the main exhibition, and here’s where things get emotional.
This is a complete timeline of Nintendo’s evolution, beginning with their earliest days in 1889 making playing cards, to the explosive global success of the Switch. You’ll see everything from early Disney-licensed card decks to realistic light gun toys, to the release of legendary consoles like the Famicom, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Wii, and everything in between.
Rare hardware like the Virtual Boy, 64DD, and Japan-only oddities are on full display. But what makes this section so special is that it doesn’t just show what Nintendo made, it shows why they made it. Their innovation, experimentation, and even their failures are all part of the narrative.
Photography is not allowed inside the exhibition and honestly, I loved that. It forces you to slow down, be present, and really absorb the beauty of the displays. The lighting, the layout, the rare concept art and development sketches… it all feels intimate and thoughtful, like you’re peeking behind the curtain of a company that helped shape the childhoods of millions. Even without photos, the memories I made there are stronger because I was truly there, not just behind a lens.
The gift shop: say goodbye to your budget
And then there’s the museum shop, a deceptively small space that’s packed with exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else.
I walked away with a Virtual Boy t-shirt, a giant Famicom controller cushion I absolutely didn’t need but had to have, and a beautifully crafted Nintendo Museum Hanafuda card set, a modern tribute to Nintendo’s earliest origins. And a lot more, so be sure to bring an extra suitcase or just buy a Pikachu one in the Donki, like I did.
From plushies to pins, retro-styled shirts to high-end collectibles, the shop isn’t huge, but it’s dangerous. Every item feels well-designed and authentic. It’s not a dump of standard stock, it’s curated for fans, with an eye for quality and nostalgia. So yes, bring your wallet.
Bonus tip: there’s a Book Off 5 minutes away
If you’re still in the mood to browse after your visit, there’s a Book Off just a few minutes from the museum on foot. It’s a great spot to check for used games, retro finds, Japanese exclusives, and quirky treasures you didn’t know you needed. It’s like dessert after the main course.
Conclusion:
Visiting the Nintendo Museum was easily one of the highlights of my Japan trip. It’s joyful, immersive, and filled with details that only true fans will fully appreciate. Whether you’re a casual Mario Kart player or a lifelong Nintendo historian, there’s something here that will hit you right in the heart. If you ever get the chance to visit, take it. Watch the ticket site like a hawk, go early, soak it all in, and let yourself be a fan again. I walked out with a bag full of merch and a head full of memories. And honestly? I’d go back in a heartbeat.
