When it was announced that Nintendo’s former headquarters would be turned into a hotel, I imagined the worst-case scenario: a cheesy cash-in to make a quick few yen. That certainly doesn’t seem to be the end result. The hotel appears to be a stunning tribute to Nintendo’s heritage.
The building has long been a popular pilgrimage site, with Nintendo fans trekking to stand outside and take selfies. But as of this Friday, it will open as a Marufukuro – meaning you can sleep and eat here now.
Previously we saw pictures of the headquarters before renovation. Now, a day before guests arrive, let’s take a look at what the reimagined digs look like – and I have to say, they seem spectacular.
The renovation seems nice and executed respectfully – like a restoration that lends itself accommodation.
The hotel is full of antiques.
There are Hanafuda Cards on the wall, and other nods to Nintendo’s playing card pedigree.
There’s also a library called “DNA” that pays tribute to Nintendo’s history, complete with a Famicom and digital displays showing Hanafuda cards.
The hotel consists of three interconnected buildings and has 18 rooms including seven suites. One of the buildings is the former home of the Yamauchi family.
World-renowned architect Tadao Ando designed a new extension for the hotel.
Rooms start at 100,000 yen ($822) per night. The hotel is all-inclusive, so guests get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apparently they have 24 hour snacks too.
This isn’t Nintendo’s first headquarters. In 1889, Fusajiro Yamauchi founded the Marufuku Nintendo Card Co., which manufactured traditional Japanese playing cards called Hanafuda and eventually Western playing cards. This building was demolished in 2004 and is now apparently a parking lot.
In recent years, other landmarks have been converted into hotels, with mixed end results. and sometimes not so great. However, this hotel looks Very nice.
Check in and check inSide Tour by Paolo from Tokyo in the clip below:
