If you’re visiting the Nintendo Museum, don’t rush back to Kyoto right away.
Uji （宇治） is more than just the home of Nintendo—it’s a quiet, historic town known for its beautiful river views, temples, and some of Japan’s best green tea.
In this half-day itinerary, we’ll show you how to spend 2–3 hours at the Nintendo Museum in the morning, then continue on to classic Uji sightseeing in the afternoon.
Morning: Nintendo Museum (2–3 Hours)
Plan to spend about 2–3 hours at the Nintendo Museum.
This gives you enough time to explore the exhibits, enjoy the interactive game area, and take a break inside the museum without feeling rushed.
From our visit, the museum starts getting noticeably busier around 11:00 am, especially in the game area.
If you’re lucky enough to get the 10:00 am entry slot, you’ll be able to enjoy the space more comfortably before the crowds arrive.
(Tickets are lottery-based, so early entry isn’t always possible—but it’s worth aiming for if you can.)
Inside the Museum: What to Expect
Inside the Nintendo Museum, you’ll find a mix of exhibits, interactive game areas, and a café-style restaurant, all designed to be enjoyed at your own pace.
Hatena Burger: A Fun (and Stress-Free) Lunch Option
One highlight inside the museum is Hatena Burger, where you can customize your own burger by choosing different ingredients.
It’s fun, casual, and works well whether you’re visiting solo or with family.
After the Museum: Head into Uji Town
After spending the morning at the Nintendo Museum, it’s time to slow things down and explore the town of Uji.
From the Nintendo Museum, head toward to JR Ogura Station and take just one stop to JR Uji Station.
After exiting the station, walk toward Uji Bridge Street Shopping District（宇治橋通り商店街）, where you can;
- Browse tea shops
- Enjoy Matcha sweets
- Pick up local souvenirs
As you stroll along the street, the warm, roasted aroma of tea often fills the air.
Byodoin Temple（平等院）
Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1052, best known for its iconic Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂 Hou-ou-dou).
The Phoenix Hall is celebrated for its overwhelming beauty, so familiar to many Japanese as the design featured on the 10-yen coin.
The Phoenix Hall is said to represent the Pure Land, a Buddhist paradise, brought into the human world.
Hours & Admission
| Area | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Garden | 8:45 am–5:30 pm (Last entry: 5:15 pm) |
| Phoenix Hall Interior | 9:30 am–4:10 pm (Every 20 minutes / Max 50 people per visit) |
| Byodoin Temple Museum | 9:00 am–5:00 pm (Last entry: 4:45 pm) |
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥700 |
| Junior High & High School Students | ¥400 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥300 |
Ujigami Shrine（宇治上神社）
After the calm beauty of Byodoin, a visit to Ujigami Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a different atmosphere.
The shrine is known for its rabbit symbolism, which represents guidance and making the right choices.
Enjoy a Quiet Moment in Uji
Even with limited time, Uji offers a well-balanced experience of modern culture, tradition, and quiet reflection.
Starting with the Nintendo Museum, enjoying tea along the street, and ending at Byodo-in and Ujigami Shrine creates a natural flow — from excitement to calm.
If you’re looking for a meaningful half-day trip from Kyoto, Uji is an easy and rewarding choice.
Klook.com