By Brian Ashcraft

It's difficult to believe, but Nintendo's main office sits across from a rice paddy. The company is tucked away in the Kyoto suburbs, away from the bright city lights. For some, taking this trip might be a pilgrimage. Others, it might satisfy some curiosity. This isn't a retelling of Nintendo history, but directions on how to visit the present company. Here's how:

From JR Kyoto Station take the JR Nara Line and get off at Tofukuji Station. It's the next station, and the ticket should cost only 140 yen (approximately $1.25 US).

At Tofukuji Station, follow the signs for the Keihan Line. A series of corridors and winding staircases take you directly towards the platform. Buy a 150 yen (approx. $1.35 US) ticket and get off at Tobakaidou Station. It's directly after Tofukuji on the Keihan Line.

Exit Tobakaidou Station and turn right. There will be a coffee shop, where you should hang another right and head down a same residential street. Follow the street until you reach a white wall. This is the company's research center.

Double back to the coffee shop and turn right again, moving in the opposite direction of the station. Head down the street, crossing a small bridge. Continue walking straight on this street (called Jyuujou Dori).

Go straight several blocks until you come other bridge. Cross.

Keep heading down the street until you come to a pachinko parlor. Turn left. The name of this small street is "Shin Machi Dori."

Pass a ramshackle karaoke parlor and several run-down apartment buildings. On your left, you will see a large, white building — Nintendo's HQ.

Map Here [Nintendo]