Nintendo Museum and More Cool Things in Kyoto!

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and remains a place rich in traditional values. However, you can feel the blend of lively modern touches in this former capital’s serene, ancient surroundings! Let’s check out some must-visit spots in Kyoto, starting with the Nintendo Museum!

Nintendo Museum

Opened in October 2024, the Nintendo Museum in Uji City is exciting! It’s set on an old Nintendo factory site where they used to make trading cards and repair toys and game consoles. It’s like a unique home where Nintendo’s history comes alive! You’ll see everything from the company’s start in 1889 with playing cards to today’s coolest video games.

Inside, visitors can discover two floors of fun activities and exhibits. With your ticket, you get coins to try out different games. On the first floor are nostalgic games where you can try playful challenges. You can shoot at moving targets or use the Ultra Machine, a baseball pitching toy Nintendo sold from 1967 to 1974. The second floor is packed with displays showing old and new Nintendo game consoles and toys. There’s even a spot where you can paint and play with Hanafuda cards, Nintendo’s first product.

Moreover, the museum also has a store stocked with Nintendo merchandise. You can find toys, games, and unique collectibles that celebrate Nintendo’s history. If you need a break, there’s a cafe for snacks and drinks!

Yokai Street

Yokai Street, also known as Taishogun Shopping Street, brings traditional Japanese folklore to life! Located on Ichijo Dori Street, this 400-meter-long path has around 30 small shops and stalls. Each has something special, like handmade yokai (monster) figures at the entrance. Japanese legends and stories inspire these quirky creatures in all shapes and sizes.

The story of Yokai Street goes back to the Koho Period (964-968 AD) when Kyoto was still called Heian-kyo. Legend says that old items thrown away during a big cleanup gained spirits and became tsukumogami (living objects). Angry at being thrown away, these items turned into yokai and joined the “Night Parade of 100 Demons”, causing chaos in the city. Today, this parade is celebrated yearly with a lively festival, where locals and visitors dress up as yokai and celebrate through monster-themed events.

Besides, you’ll also find shops selling yokai-themed bread, monster masks, and special ramen. Don’t miss Mononoke Ichi (Ghost Market) for spooky jewelry, cute plushies, and yummy snacks!

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Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a lively and historic shopping street located in downtown Kyoto. It has been part of Kyoto’s culture for over 400 years, with its roots as a fish market in the early 1300s. It’s a vibrant place filled with hundreds of shops and stalls selling everything from fresh ingredients to local sweets and handmade crafts.

Here, you’ll find classic Kyoto treats, including pickles made from local veggies, tofu, and yuba (tofu skin). Also, try yummy snacks like soy milk doughnuts and ready-to-eat bites such as yakitori (skewered chicken) and tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelet)!

Many stalls even let you sample their products or try small dishes on the spot. The market isn’t just for food lovers; it also offers a selection of high-quality kitchenware, including knives, ceramics, and chopsticks.

The cobblestone path and colorful arcade canopy add to the distinctive look of this place. After browsing the shops, you can enter the nearby Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, decorated with beautiful lanterns.

Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

Situated in the historic streets of Ninenzaka in Kyoto, Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is unlike any other Starbucks worldwide. Set in a building over 100 years, this store perfectly blends the charm of old Kyoto with the modern coffeehouse experience.

From the outside, it looks like a traditional wooden townhouse. A small tsukubai (stone basin) greets you at the entrance. Step through the noren curtain, and you’ll find a cozy space that feels like a tea house. 

Inside, the design celebrates Japanese traditions. One of the highlights is the tatami seating area on the second floor. Guests must remove their shoes and sit on cushions made from traditional Kyoto fabrics. There’s also a space that looks out over a peaceful garden!

The coffee shop feels like a little art gallery, ideal for sipping your drink and admiring the views! Art made from washi (traditional Japanese paper) and fabrics woven using Nishijin-ori techniques add a touch of luxury. This Starbucks even sells exclusive souvenirs like charms crafted by local artisans!

Why should I head to Kyoto?

Kyoto offers a fantastic mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it a destination worth visiting. From the nostalgic world of the Nintendo Museum to the spirited vibe of Nishiki Market, there’s so much to see and do!

The prefecture provides experiences that resonate with both the past and the present, allowing every visitor to find something meaningful. The peaceful atmosphere and timeless charm make it a perfect escape from the hustle of modern life. So, what part of Kyoto would you love to discover most? Share your thoughts in the comments!