
Management promises “comfortable hospitality for both domestic and international travelers.”
As the cultural and historical heart of the country, Kyoto deserves a spot on any Japan travel itinerary. However, with the city welcoming so many travelers, sometimes it can be hard finding a hotel with vacant rooms on the nights you wish to stay.
But if you are looking for a place to stay in Japan’s former capital, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a new hotel currently getting ready to receive guests. In a nod to local history, the building is actually the former headquarters of a local company. Maybe you’ve heard of it; it’s called Nintendo.
Here’s something even more old school: Nintendo’s old headquarters (prior to their 1963 name change to “Nintendo Co., Ltd.” when they were primarily a playing card manufacturer). pic.twitter.com/FAuJEFkili
— James Burns (@kuribojim) January 7, 2019
Back in the pre-video game era, Nintendo made playing cards, and later branched out into children’s toys. After the release of the Famicom/NES, though, the company rapidly grew into one of the most successful entertainment media companies on the planet, and that expansion meant it eventually had to move out of the office building it had been working in since 1933.
https://twitter.com/shonyaku/status/752061173206437889The building still stands, complete with its bilingual “Nintendo Playing Card Co.” signs, but it’s been idle for some time. However, that’s going to change when the old Nintendo HQ reopens as a hotel, to be managed by Plan Do See, a Tokyo-based company that specializes in renovating unused historic buildings and giving them a second life.
The plan is to retain and refurbish the existing building, while adding on to the structure with new construction. In addition to guestrooms, the hotel will have a restaurant, bar, gym, and spa. It’s also in an excellent location, just two blocks from the scenic Kamogawa River and within easy walking distance of Shichijo Station, Shoseien Garden, and Higashi Honganji Temple.
The hotel, for which an official name has yet to be announced, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2021.
Source: Plan Do See via Denfaminico Gamer via Hachima Kiko
Images: Plan Do See
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he’d recommend grabbing a drink at Kon’s Bar near Kamogawa, except it’s now closed down.


Former Nintendo headquarters reopens as hotel in Kyoto
Nintendo HQ-turned-hotel shows off beautiful guestrooms waiting for travelers to Kyoto【Photos】
Nintendo buys five-billion yen plot of land, will build new development headquarters in Kyoto
Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters is back to normal after replacing N that blew away in typhoon
Nintendo files multiple new trademarks for hotel/restaurant operations in Japan
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
How to ride Japan’s awesome Pokémon Sandshrew Train【Photos】
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
New sakura cherry blossom viewing sheets bring old-school beauty to hanami picnics
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Nintendo to convert former Kyoto factory into museum of the company’s history
129-year-old photo of Nintendo headquarters shows company hasn’t always been run from a gray box
The restaurant that powered the team behind one of Nintendo’s biggest hits
Nintendo’s newest Switch game will teach you how to make games of your own【Video】
Cute and comfy women’s-only hotel in Kyoto has everything you need for the perfect girls’ trip
After years of stomping on enemies, Nintendo’s Mario becomes a stamp series in Japan
Nintendo’s first smartphone app creates a virtual you that does social networking all on its own
Fire breaks out in Kyoto hotel, mobile battery to blame
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Nintendo Tokyo, Nintendo’s first ever dedicated shop in Japan, opens–here’s the awesome merch!
Nintendo opens free gameplay area in Japan’s Kansai International Airport
Foreigners welcomed to apply for jobs as designers on Nintendo’s new Legend of Zelda game
Mario World: The awesome Nintendo-themed apartment you can rent for your next short stay in Tokyo
Gigantic Super Mario head statue will welcome fans to new Nintendo shop in Kyoto【Pics】