Nintendo Check In — Local services in Narita

Most airports welcome you with a grey wall, a customs lineup, and the smell of overcooked eggs. Narita? They hit you with Mario, Luigi, and Bowser screaming “WELCOME TO JAPAN” before you’ve even found baggage claim. It’s brilliant.

This isn’t a shop, it’s an experience wall. Escalators wrapped in Nintendo characters: Peach with her dainty “Hello ♥,” Goombas stacked like interns on Red Bull, Bowser looking like he’s about to upsell you on duty-free whiskey. It’s a marketing ambush disguised as a hug. And it works. I saw adults stop mid-jetlag, phones out, grinning like kids at Christmas.

What I love is the confidence: Japan knows its cultural exports. Sushi, anime, Nintendo. Why not roll out the red carpet with the one thing literally everyone on Earth recognizes...Mario and friends? It’s less “welcome sign” and more “brand flex.”

Does it add time to your airport exit? Absolutely. People stop for selfies, clog escalators, and cause the kind of pedestrian traffic jam Bowser himself would approve of. But compared to the cold efficiency of most airports, this is joyful chaos.

Bottom line: Nintendo Check-In is Narita saying, “Yeah, you made the right choice coming here.” And they’re right.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for sheer fun. Japan welcomes you with Goombas. Your...

It's at Narita terminal 1 level 1 at the central area (before security), it's a little area to get the gacha controller keychain and play some switch games. Best welcome when you land, and best place to spend a few yens before leaving. Make sure you...

We loved the Nintendo pop up. It was the first thing we saw in Japan and my kids were super excited. They got to play while we were sorting out sim cards, wifi and getting local currency. They got fans and took very cool pics as well....