How To Get To The Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto Japan

The Ancient Capital

If you find yourself traveling through Japan, you are bound to make a beeline straight to the historic town of Kyoto. This ancient capital has served as the residence for emperors for generations. Therefore the entire city is jam-packed full of castles, temples, and palaces.

Due to the historical significance of Kyoto, the city was spared from the carnage of World War II. When looking over targets to drop the atomic bombs, Kyoto was saved due to the cultural and historical significance of the city.

Wanting to experience even more history in Japan? Be sure to travel to Himeji Castle!

Kyoto Off The Beaten Track

From the geisha district of Gion to the imperial palace, your days are sure to be spent immersing yourself in all things Japanese. It doesn’t matter what time of year you decide to travel to Kyoto. Lines and tour groups will be swarming all of the most famous temples and shrines.

The only way to enjoy the serenity of Kyoto’s temples is to arrive right when the doors open. You won’t be able to appreciate the ornate details and intricate craftsmanship put into the architecture with an elbow in the side and a selfie stick in the face. Fed up with the droves of tourists. It won’t be long before you start researching what lays off the beaten track in Kyoto.

Looking for another city to visit in Japan? Be sure not to miss Takayama!

Japan’s Geek Culture

There are few countries in the world which are as diverse as Japan. Some nations have nothing more than a stretch of white sand beach to attract tourists. Japan is blessed with natural beauty, a rich culture, ancient history, and modern novelties which have travelers dying to book their tickets to this island nation.

When planning your trip to Japan you may be quick to focus on the food streets, temples, and volcanoes. Eventually, it will dawn on you that Japan is also home to some of our favorite video game characters and comic books. Your itinerary will then shift from places such as Osaka Castle to anime hubs such as Den-Den Town and Akihabara.

Kyoto does not offer the same whimsical streets lined with cosplayers and glowing neon signs. But it is home to one of the most famous video game corporations in the world. For many travelers or video game enthusiasts, paying your respects to the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto is a dream come true.

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How To Get To The Nintendo Headquarters In Kyoto

Making the pilgrimage to the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto can not even be considered a day trip. Located in the unassuming neighborhood of Minami-ku (南区), the Nintendo HQ nearly blends right in with the surrounding office buildings and residential blocks.

The best time to visit the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto is when you decide to hike through the famous red tori gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. From the summit of the temple, you can even look out over the Kyoto skyline and spot the glistening Nintendo HQ.

The easiest way to get to the Nintendo Headquarters is to take the train to Fushimi-Inari Station. While the Fushimi Inari Shrine is located to the east of the station the Nintendo Headquarters is located directly to the west. Therefore the best time to gawk at the pristine office building is just before you decide to head back from the Fushimi Inari Shrine to your hotel.

While exploring Japan you will not want to miss Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps!

Where The Magic Happens

Eventually, the grey uniform neighborhood opens up to reveal the Nintendo Headquarters. This massive pearl cube with slightly blue-tinted windows almost looks like it has been rendered in a video game. Other than the simple minimalist architecture of the office, the only things to really marvel at is the Nintendo logo plastered on the side of the building.

Many may decide to linger around the outside of the office for a while. Hoping someone will usher you into the inside of the Nintendo compound. Sadly, the pipe dream of being given a Willy Wonka-esque tour is just a step outside of reality. The Nintendo Corporation is a company deep-rooted in tradition. The office is more on par with a law firm in terms of atmosphere and aesthetic.

You can find the old Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto as well. Sadly, it is also nothing more than a plaque against the outside of a building. For video game fans, even just strolling around the outside of the Nintendo HQ is a treat in itself.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to explore all the latest games and consoles being developed within Nintendo’s walls. The novelty of the experience, however,  is sure to make the trip worth your while. Especially when paired with the Fushimi Inari Shrine, traveling to the Nintendo Headquarters makes for the perfect addition to your itinerary in Kyoto.