Toei Kyoto Studio Park: Step into Japan's Samurai Movie World
- Published on : 26/06/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Démonstration de combat de samouraïs au Kyoto Studio Park.
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Located in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward, Toei Kyoto Studio Park, also known as Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is one of Japan's most distinctive attractions. Part working film studio and part historical theme park, it allows visitors to step into the world of samurai films, Edo-period dramas, ninja stories, and classic Japanese entertainment.
Since opening in 1975, the park has served as a filming location for countless historical television dramas, period films, and tokusatsu productions. Its streets are designed to recreate the atmosphere of old Japan, with merchant houses, samurai residences, traditional storefronts, and narrow alleyways that are still used for filming today.
Unlike a standard theme park, Toei Kyoto Studio Park gives visitors the feeling of walking directly onto a movie set. Depending on the filming schedule, guests may even see a production in progress. The park also offers live performances, costume experiences, cultural workshops, and family-friendly attractions, making it a memorable stop for travelers interested in Japanese history, cinema, or pop culture.
Highlights of Toei Kyoto Studio Park
One of the main highlights is the park's detailed Edo-period streetscape. Visitors can walk through realistic recreations of feudal Japan, including merchant districts, government offices, traditional homes, and samurai-style settings. These areas are especially popular for photography, particularly for guests who choose to rent costumes and explore the park dressed as samurai, ninja, townspeople, or other historical characters.
The park is also known for its live performances. Samurai sword-fighting demonstrations, ninja shows, action scenes, and seasonal parades bring the movie sets to life throughout the day. Many performances are led by professional actors and stunt performers, giving visitors a close-up look at the physical skill and theatrical style behind Japanese period dramas.
Interactive attractions add another layer to the experience. Guests can try ninja-themed activities, throwing star practice, mazes, haunted attractions, and other adventure-style experiences. The park also features areas connected to popular Japanese franchises, including the well-known Evangelion Kyoto Base, which has become a favorite photo spot for anime fans.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
@Maksym Grinenko on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dress like a samurai or ninja
One of the park's signature experiences is costume rental. Guests can transform themselves into samurai, ninja, geisha, courtesans, townspeople, or other historical characters before exploring the streets.
Walking through the authentic film sets in costume creates some of the best photo opportunities in Kyoto and offers a memorable way to experience the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Samurai actors at Toei Kyoto Studio Park
@Japanexperterna on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Traditional cultural experiences
Beyond movie-themed attractions, the park regularly hosts hands-on cultural activities that introduce visitors to traditional Japanese arts.
Depending on the schedule, experiences may include tea ceremony, flower arranging, Noh and Kyogen performances, traditional Kyoto dance, shamisen performances, and seasonal cultural workshops.
Book tickets to Toei Kyoto Studio Park!
Seasonal events and Edo Period Nights
Throughout the year, Toei Kyoto Studio Park hosts limited-time seasonal events, but one of its most atmospheric experiences is its special evening opening, often known as Edo Period Nights or similar seasonal night events.
During these evenings, the historic streets remain open after dark and are illuminated with lanterns and traditional lighting, creating a dramatically different atmosphere from daytime visits. Guests can stroll through the quiet Edo-style town, enjoy nighttime performances and seasonal food and drinks, and experience the sets much as they might appear during the filming of historical dramas.
Depending on the season, the park may also host yokai-themed festivals, special illuminations, cultural performances, and exclusive evening entertainment. As these events are held only on select dates and themes change throughout the year, it is recommended to check the official event calendar before visiting.
Tips for visiting
- Allow 4 to 6 hours to fully enjoy the park and its attractions.
- Arrive early if you hope to watch live filming or participate in popular cultural experiences.
- Costume rentals require additional aime and are best reserved early in the day.
- Performance schedules vary daily, so check the show timetable upon arrival.
- Weekdays generally offer a quieter experience than weekends and holidays.
Getting there
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is located in western Kyoto, approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
The park can be reached by:
- JR Sagano Line: Get off at Uzumasa Station, then walk approximately 5 minutes.
- Keifuku Randen Arashiyama Line: Get off at Uzumasa-Koryuji Station, just a short walk from the entrance.
- Kyoto City Bus: Several routes stop near the park.
Its convenient location also makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions such as Arashiyama, Koryu-ji Temple, or the Kyoto Railway Museum.
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