Back in January we shared some photos that emerged from the refurbishment of Nintendo's iconic former headquarters, which is now a hotel called 'Marufukoro'. It's certainly aiming for the higher end of the market - a double room reservation on the official website starts at around $700 a night, and that's with an introductory 10% discount.
It has a relatively small number of rooms available in the original building, with an annex ensuring the hotel can welcome more guests. The original building is certainly the hub, though, and the website emphasizes that the owners have strived to retain the history of Nintendo's card business and the Yamauchi family, while also having a modern feel.
Kagiyacho, Kyoto – tracing back to 1889, there stood the very first head office of Nintendo. The landmark is once again brought back to life, transformed into the brand-new hotel “Marufukuro”.
With a newly-built annexe designed by Tadao Ando, Marufukuro brings an old-time stately ambience and a modern approach together.
Apart from rooms there are restaurant areas, a lounge (image at the top of this page) and a library; the latter (below) is our favourite.
The library embodies Nintendo's history and culture as interpreted by founder Yamauchi family. The unique space is filled with playful, original items, weaving a story encompassing memories from the past and thoughts on the future.
If ever you're in Kyoto and have a reasonable budget at hand, it may be worth a stay.
[source marufukuro.com, via thegamer.com]
Comments 16
$700 is much less than I would expect a room here to cost.
It's still out of budget for a lot of people (myself included), but it's still a pleasant surprise that guests won't be completely price gouged.
Damn! For a second there, I thought Nintendo re-opened their 'love' hotel.
By the way, Marufukuro translates to "round bag". Lol
That's great man
If it doesn't have a Kirby Café I'm not staying.
@invictus4000
A better translation would seem to be the 'Marufuku Building', or the 'encircled-fortune building'.
It seems that encircled-fortune glyphs (福) were used all over the design of the building, even on signs obviously dating back to the Nintendo days.
So it sounds like it really is a building covered in 'marufuku' / 'encircled-fortune' glyphs.
The previous name of Nintendo Co., Ltd. was even Marufuku Co., Ltd., with 'Marufuku' being used for being the yagou of the Yamauchi family.
It’s a shame that the original building is now lost to time, but it’s cool to see that the hotel wants to make an effort in preserving Nintendo’s history in some capacity.
With that price it feels more as a tourist trap to be honest. I'll be satisfied by only taking a selfie on the old sign for free.
The name reminds me of a 'term of endearment' with initials MF.
I absolutely love the design and would want to stay there even if there was no connection to Nintendo. Time to reconsider my negative attitude towards bank robbing...
That library is stylish! Got to wonder what the lounge looks like
I purchased a night at the hotel as an NFT for a much more reasonable $350. I had a fantastic stay.
I think.
Interesting, looks like it could be one of those smaller boutique hotels.
$700 per night is obscene. I expect the price will quickly drop once people realise there's nothing "Nintendo" about the building, much less the rooms, other than a placard out the front. I would expect the higher end of the market will still choose major hotels with sweeping views right near Kyoto Station. In fact, right now, hotel prices are ridiculously low in Japan due to tough covid rules for entry into the country. Essentially, tourists are still banned.
Thats pretty cool (and the library looks nice). I wouldn't stay in there myself though, a selfie outside the building would be enough for me.
@HalBailman
"In fact, right now, hotel prices are ridiculously low in Japan due to tough covid rules for entry into the country."
"covid"?
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