4 Real and Wacky Nintendo Experiences in Japan to Make You Go Wahoo!

Japan, the land of the rising… erm, miniature italian man with a red hat bouncing on top of a mushroom? It’s-a me, Mario!

Nintendo is one of Japan’s best exports and its quirky games have been loved by children and adults all around the world since the 1980s when Donkey Kong was released. You’d be hard pressed to find someone that hasn’t heard of one of these iconic Nintendo franchises: Super Mario Bros, Zelda, Pokémon and Animal Crossing - just to name a few! 

But did you know in Japan you can also experience many famous Nintendo games for yourself in real-life too? Pika Pika! From go karting in Tokyo, to an actual Yoshi Kingdom in Osaka and at Pokémon Centers scattered around the country, Japan is really a gamer’s delight. 

The best part is, these experiences are already on the list of some of the top things to do in Tokyo and Osaka so it’s not like you have to be an avid Nintendo fan to enjoy them. So here it is, the real-life Nintendo experiences in Japan to make you go wahoooooooo! 

You can imagine how excited fans were when Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka finally opened in 2021 after 5 years of delays - and not to mention a pandemic to boot! Similar to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s an entire world within the theme park that feels completely separate from the rest of the park (you can’t see any of the other rides). Everything kinda feels like you’re in a second dimension - like you’re stuck in a Nintendo Game Boy!

The first thing you should do in the park is purchase a Power Up Band (~3,200 yen or $35 AUD). With the Band, you will be able to collect stamps when you complete activities across the park. There’s also a leaderboard, so you can race your friends. Here we go! 

By far the most elaborate ride at the park is the Mario Kart one. Set in Bowser’s Castle, you’ll be handed a VR headset before you jump into a bumpy car where you shoot turtle shells at your enemy’s heads - just like the real thing! If you’re looking for something a little less intense for the kids though, Yoshi’s Adventure is also a heap of fun. The ride’s details are so bubbly and Yoshi-like, it’s sure to make you feel a little giddy inside. 

Not only is Universal Studios Japan ranked as one of the number one things to do when in Japan, but with this extra addition of Super Nintendo World, the park has been stepped up a notch. We heard on the grapevine Universal Studios Hollywood is also opening up a Nintendo World! But the OG is a must-see first. Let’s-a-go! 

Riding go karts in the public streets of Tokyo whilst dressed up in onesies?! Mamma mia! 

This is one of the wackiest and most thrilling things to do in Tokyo. Zip around the streets of Tokyo and ride alongside the locals in a go kart you’d find at one of your mate’s birthday parties they hosted at a raceway all those years ago. There will be a tour guide to show you the routes, so don’t worry about getting lost in translation with only a go kart and Yoshi costume! 

Make sure you have your International Driving Licence on you (unfortunately an Aussie Driver’s Licence won’t suffice). You will be given a mask to not inhale the exhaust fumes (and COVID) and the ticket prices include gas and liability insurance. Obviously no racing, but it’s as close as you’re going to get to the real thing. And the best part, driving is on the left side of the road in Japan so for us Aussies, it should be a walk in the park! 

Are you trying to catch ‘em all? Well in that case, you’re in luck! There’s Pokémon Centers scattered all over Tokyo, with the largest one conveniently located right near Tokyo Station called Pokémon Center TOKYO DX & Pokemon Cafe. Here you can find literally any Pokémon ever invented in card-form, soft-toy form, key-chain form or various other forms too long to list! 

There’s also a really cute Pokémon Cafe which serves really quirky meals like a Pikachu Curry, a Snorlax Pancake, and a Poké Ball Dessert Bowl. Not going to Tokyo? Have no fear - there are also Pokémon Centers in Sapporo, Hokkaido and Fukuoka.  

Now if you’re wanting to pay homage to the brains behind the company, this is the place to do it. Set inside Nintendo’s former headquarters dating back to 1933, a new Art Deco hotel titled Marufukuro opened its doors this year. The hotel has maintained many of Nintendo’s old-fashioned and traditional styles. 

Hint! True fans may even find original playing card patterns hidden on the hotel’s windows. It may not look like a Pokémon Center, but it is where the magic was made.