The Nintendo Museum, located in Kyoto, Japan, offers visitors an immersive journey through the storied history of Nintendo, showcasing its evolution from a humble playing card company to a global video game powerhouse. Given the museum’s popularity and limited daily capacity, securing tickets requires careful planning and understanding of the ticketing process. This article provides a comprehensive guide on when and how Nintendo Museum tickets become available, ensuring you have the best chance to experience this unique attraction.
Ticketing System Overview
The Nintendo Museum employs a reservation-based ticketing system to manage visitor numbers effectively. Tickets are not available for purchase at the museum entrance and must be obtained in advance through the official Nintendo Museum Ticketing Website. The ticketing process consists of two primary phases: a monthly lottery (drawing) and, if tickets remain, a subsequent first-come, first-served sale.
Monthly Lottery (Drawing) System
Each month, the museum releases tickets for specific dates and times three months in advance. For instance, tickets for June 2025 are made available through a lottery held in March 2025. This system allows prospective visitors to plan their trips well ahead of time.
Application Period:
The lottery application period typically runs until the end of each month. For example, the drawing for June 2025 tickets is open until March 31, 2025, at 23:59 Japan Standard Time (JST).
How to Apply:
Nintendo Account: A free Nintendo Account is required to enter the lottery. Ensure you have an active account before proceeding.
Application Submission: Log in to the Nintendo Museum Ticketing Website and select your preferred visit dates and times. You can typically choose up to three options. Each person can enter the drawing only once per month.
Personal Information: Provide the full names and contact details of all visitors. Identification will be verified upon entry to the museum.
Notification of Results:
Drawing results are announced on the first day of the month following the application period, usually in the afternoon. For example, results for the June 2025 lottery will be available on April 1, 2025. Notifications are sent via email, and you can also check the results on the ticketing website.
Payment Deadline:
If selected, you must complete the ticket purchase by the 7th of the month in which results are announced, by 23:59 JST.
Failure to pay by this deadline will result in the automatic cancellation of your reservation.
First-Come, First-Served Sales
After the lottery concludes, any remaining tickets due to cancellations or unclaimed reservations may become available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. These sales are announced on the ticketing website and can occur at any time, so regular monitoring is advisable.
Availability:
Tickets for time slots up to two months in advance may become available during these sales. For example, in March 2025, tickets for dates up to May 2025 might be offered.
How to Purchase:
Visit the Nintendo Museum Ticketing Website regularly to check for announcements regarding first-come, first-served sales. Once tickets are released, act promptly to secure your desired date and time.
Ticket Pricing
The museum offers tiered pricing based on age groups:
Adult (ages 18+): 3,300 yen (including tax)
Youth (ages 12-17): 2,200 yen (including tax)
Child (ages 6-11): 1,100 yen (including tax)
Preschooler (ages 0-5): Free
Discounted rates are available for visitors with accessibility needs who possess accepted certification or a Mirairo ID.
Important Considerations
Identification: Tickets are issued in the name of the visitor. Ensure you carry valid identification matching the ticket details on the day of your visit.
Payment Method: Only credit cards are accepted for ticket purchases.
QR Code Issuance: Tickets are provided as QR codes. Starting from 14:00 on the day before your visit, you can issue your QR code via the ticketing website. Once issued, tickets cannot be canceled.
Resale Prohibition: Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold. Ensure all bookings are made for personal use.
Tips for Securing Tickets
Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar with the lottery application periods and result announcement dates to stay informed.
Set Reminders: Given the high demand, set reminders for application deadlines and result announcements to act promptly.
Monitor Announcements: Regularly check the official ticketing website for updates on first-come, first-served sales and other relevant information.
Prepare Payment: Ensure your credit card is ready and has sufficient funds to complete the purchase within the specified timeframe if selected.
Stay Flexible: Having multiple preferred dates increases your chances of securing a ticket through the lottery system.
Conclusion
Securing tickets to the Nintendo Museum requires attentiveness to the monthly lottery schedule and prompt action during first-come, first-served sales. By understanding the ticketing process and planning accordingly, you can enhance your chances of experiencing the rich history and interactive exhibits that the Nintendo Museum has to offer.
