Back in early 2020 it was announced that Nintendo's iconic previous headquarters in Kyoto would be converted into a hotel. Owned now by the Yamauchi family, it's the HQ from the period of Nintendo's extensive growth in selling playing cards, and was also its home as it started to explore moves into children's toys and gadgets. That progression would eventually lead the company into arcade development and releasing the original Famicom; the rest is history.
It's a famous building, and one that Nintendo fans still visit in order to take their picture with its famous sign. The hotel project has taken a while to progress due to the disruption of the past couple of years, and the impact on the hospitality sector, but is due to open its doors in April. Now Kotaku has shared some images that have been distributed by development company Plan See Do, which is overseeing the renovation. The images give a rare look at the building before its conversion into a hotel space.
It's a lovely inside a building that, aside from very old images and rare videos, has been shut away and out of sight for a long time. You can see the gallery below.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments (19)
Wow I would love to stay there. I fear it would be very touristy though...
TORANPU taruka? What does that mean on the sign?
OOOH wait, for whatever reason the hiragana, just like the kanji, are supposed to be read from right to left... (The kanji from right to left read Yamauchi Nintendo, as I found).
TRUMP "karuta". Trump / Triumph (or at least in Spanish, triunfos) or suit cards. Western cards. As in playing cards. Nintendo's original business.
Nice!
Some real muddy textures in this game though.
I would love to stay here one day, although I know I’ll never get the chance because it’ll probably be ludicrously expensive and constantly packed full of tourists, lol. But hey, a guy can dream I guess.
My wife and I walked around that neighborhood until we found this building for some photo ops, and it was such a lovely walk. Kyoto is beautiful.
It's beautiful, almost has an Art Deco style, although I think the building predates it, built in 1899 apparently. In any case, I'm glad its being preserved. If it were here they'd probably knock it down to build another bloody condo.
@inenai that is some fine detective work right there!
It's looking good! Needs more water though.
This makes me want to play a dark crime game or dark souls and I love it.
I wonder what Nintendo HQ would look like if ran through AI. 😂
Like.. an fiction satellite location or if it were still open today.
If anything, we'd get some really awesome impressionistic art out of it.
I’m assuming they’re keeping the plaque? I somehow completely forgot to get a photo of it last time I was in Kyoto, despite going to and photographing Nintendo HQ at least a couple of times. I was hoping I’d be able to see it next time I return.
It looks like something out of a Zelda game, actually!
@CactusMan orr screenshot and save yourself some money.
Strong Luigi's Mansion vibes
@Lewchick I was about to comment the same thing! I would love them to make a Luigi’s Mansion game in this setting. Or a new Famicom Detective Club or Eternal Darkness game.
I walked past there in 2019 completely by accident. Was staying in a guest house just 2 streets away. Back then it was just an abandoned building.
I love how the green accentuates the mood of the building
@OldManHermit over here in the u.s. we would call it racist then make it into a multicultural center haha
@inenai Weird flex to "figure out" what it says while you're writing a comment, but ok.
"... in the castle of 'Agggggghhhhhh'."
"What was that?"
"He must have died, while writing it."
I've got a photo here, thought it would be a lot bigger! The neighborhood itself is rather quiet, it's near a big river and you can bike to some nearby Torii gates.
Tap here to load 19 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...