Take a look at Nintendojo’s suggestions for avid gamers of must-see locations and issues to do in Osaka!
Welcome to the third and ultimate entry in our Nintendojo in Japan sequence. Within the earlier two entries, I mentioned the locations in Tokyo and Osaka I might suggest any gamer or Nintendo fan ought to take a look at. This time, our ultimate cease in our journey takes us to Kyoto, the place very outdated historical past and modernity collide. Let’s bounce proper in.
MARUFUKURO
Nintendo’s early historical past as a hanafuda maker and toy firm has been instructed and retold numerous occasions. Nonetheless, what many individuals might not already know is that their former Showa period HQ nonetheless stands in Kyoto — however it’s been given a facelift and new lease on life as a boutique lodge referred to as Marufukuro.
Accomplished in 1930, nearly all of the unique HQ’s buildings stay and have been transformed into an 18-room luxurious escape which pays homage to the structure of the time whereas incorporating trendy facilities and touches. Classic (and a few now almost vintage) furnishings was discovered within the constructing throughout renovations, which was reused within the visitor lounge on the entrance to the lodge. Authentic particulars, like lighting, tile work, molding, and even some doorways, have all been preserved and included into the redesign, and trendy additions are tasteful and mix into the atmosphere seamlessly.
The hospitality we obtained right here was second to none. From the second we entered the foyer to the second we drove away after trying out, we had been handled with the utmost heat and respect. Friends additionally get lots of perks, from free snacks and drinks all day to a high-end, non-public breakfast expertise. There are a handful of souvenirs you should purchase right here to commemorate your keep, together with a mini steel reproduction keychain of the constructing’s unique placard (which continues to be mounted exterior the doorway).
Friends have 24/7 entry to the lodge’s library, self-serve bar, and balcony, and Nintendo followers completely mustn’t skip the library. That is the place the lodge designers allowed themselves to get a little bit extra playful and pay the best homage to Nintendo’s gaming historical past, whereas nonetheless preserving the inside design very midcentury trendy. Numerous consoles are on show among the many gaming books (which can be found to learn), in addition to artwork impressed by Nintendo’s IPs. I can’t consider a spot that extra completely encapsulated my persona and design sensibilities than Marufukuro’s library and, effectively, Marufukuro in its entirety.
This was my favourite lodge of the journey by far, and staying right here was one in all my very favourite moments total. Marufukuro does quite a bit to shatter the stereotype that avid gamers are immature or juvenile and will by no means respect an expertise like this. There’s no manner the lodge designers had been unaware of the truth that it will entice avid gamers and Nintendo followers, so that they discovered a approach to lean into embracing the gaming facet of Nintendo’s historical past whereas preserving it relegated to 1 space of the lodge and effectively included into the general aesthetic of the place.
NINTENDO KYOTO
Positioned a few 24 minute stroll from Marufukuro, Nintendo KYOTO opened two days into our two-week keep in Japan. Sadly, our plans didn’t actually work out to allow me to go to (and imagine me, I’m nonetheless regretting it, as a result of how good was that timing?), however from the images Nintendo has posted it seems completely gorgeous.
The shop is on the seventh ground of the Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. division retailer, and friends are greeted by a lifesized statue of Mario hanging onto a purpose pole that they’re welcomed to take images with. In step with the classiness of Kyoto, product shows are distinctive, clear, modern, and trendy, such because the objects in show instances constructed into the ceiling, which look down on adoring friends. When it comes to wares, a lot of what they carry appears to be the identical as what I noticed in Nintendo TOKYO and Nintendo OSAKA, however there are additionally some objects I didn’t see there. Every retailer has its personal persona, in order that in itself makes it price checking all of them out when you have time. However should you’re a collector, you’re undoubtedly going to wish to pop into Nintendo KYOTO to see precisely what objects this new retailer carries that the others don’t.
Whereas Nintendo’s headquarters are primarily based in Kyoto, they’re not open to the general public. Nonetheless, this new retailer ought to do not less than a little bit bit to reduce the sting of being so near greatness, but unable to do a lot however marvel it from afar.
Our whirlwind tour throughout Japan has come to a detailed, expensive readers, however I hope I used to be capable of level you within the path of some superb gaming and Nintendo associated issues to see and do whereas in a number of the nation’s main cities. In fact, please do remember to have interaction in Japan’s non-gaming associated tradition when you have the chance to go to. It’s a rustic wealthy in historical past — historic historical past you possibly can see and contact — that had me in awe. I used to be stunned even when participating within the mundane, like shopping for an onigiri at 7-Eleven or hopping on a practice to our subsequent vacation spot. I hope you’ll get to expertise the wonder and marvel of Japan your self at some point.