Take a look at Nintendojo’s suggestions for players of must-see locations and issues to do in Osaka!
Welcome to the third and remaining entry in our Nintendojo in Japan collection. 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 This time, our remaining cease in our journey takes us to Kyoto, the place very outdated historical past and modernity collide. Let’s soar 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 could not already know is that their former Showa period HQ nonetheless stands in Kyoto — nevertheless it’s been given a facelift and new lease on life as a boutique lodge known 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 fashionable facilities and touches. Classic (and a few now practically vintage) furnishings was discovered within the constructing throughout renovations, which was reused within the visitor lounge on the entrance to the lodge. Unique particulars, like lighting, tile work, molding, and even some doorways, have all been preserved and integrated into the redesign, and fashionable additions are tasteful and mix into the atmosphere seamlessly.
The hospitality we acquired 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. Visitors additionally get a number 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 authentic placard (which remains to be mounted exterior the doorway).
Visitors 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 conserving the inside design very midcentury fashionable. 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 among my very favourite moments total. Marufukuro does lots to shatter the stereotype that players are immature or juvenile and will by no means recognize an expertise like this. There’s no manner the lodge designers had been unaware of the truth that it might entice players and Nintendo followers, so that they discovered a technique to lean into embracing the gaming aspect of Nintendo’s historical past whereas conserving it relegated to 1 space of the lodge and effectively integrated into the general aesthetic of the place.
NINTENDO KYOTO
Situated a couple of 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 consider me, I’m nonetheless regretting it, as a result of how excellent was that timing?), however from the pictures Nintendo has posted it appears completely beautiful.
The shop is on the seventh flooring of the Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. division retailer, and friends are greeted by a lifesized statue of Mario hanging onto a objective pole that they’re welcomed to take pictures with. In step with the classiness of Kyoto, product shows are distinctive, clear, modern, and fashionable, such because the objects in show instances constructed into the ceiling, which look down on adoring friends. By way of 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 you probably have time. However should you’re a collector, you’re positively going to need to pop into Nintendo KYOTO to see precisely what objects this new retailer carries that the others don’t.
Whereas Nintendo’s headquarters are based mostly in Kyoto, they’re not open to the general public. Nonetheless, this new retailer ought to do a minimum of a little bit bit to minimize 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, pricey readers, however I hope I used to be in a position to level you within the course of some wonderful gaming and Nintendo associated issues to see and do whereas in a few of the nation’s main cities. In fact, please do make sure you interact in Japan’s non-gaming associated tradition you probably have the chance to go to. It’s a rustic wealthy in historical past — historic historical past you may see and contact — that had me in awe. I used to be greatly surprised even when partaking within the mundane, like shopping for an onigiri at 7-Eleven or hopping on a prepare to our subsequent vacation spot. I hope you’ll get to expertise the wonder and marvel of Japan your self sooner or later.