Uzumasa: Uzumasa Kyoto Village and the Miroku Bodhisattva of Koryu-ji Temple

Uzumasa is a film studio district that has long produced period dramas (jidaigeki). Enjoy Uzumasa Kyoto Village with its recreation of Edo-period Kyoto streets, view National Treasure No. 1—the Miroku Bodhisattva—at the nearby Koryu-ji Temple, and ride the Randen to Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine. This course explores Uzumasa, where the history of Japanese cinema overlaps with the ancient history of the Hata clan.

History and Regional Appeal

Uzumasa served as the base of the Hata clan, who migrated from the Korean Peninsula in ancient times. The Hata clan is said to have built a large weir on the Katsura River to open up the Sagano area. Koryu-ji Temple, regarded as the oldest temple in Kyoto, is said to have been founded by Hata no Kawakatsu to enshrine a Buddhist statue bestowed upon him by Prince Shotoku.

Later, in 1926 (Taisho 15), film star Bando Tsumasaburo cleared bamboo groves in Uzumasa to open a film studio. At its peak, eight studios were established here, leading Uzumasa to be called "the Hollywood of Japan." In 1975 (Showa 50), the village was created by opening the open-air sets of the Toei Kyoto Studio to the public. Heading west on the Randen leads to Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine, which enshrines the late Heian-period Confucian scholar Kiyohara no Yorinari. Within its grounds is also Geino-jinja Shrine, dedicated to the deity of the performing arts and entertainment.

Key Highlights

• ​Uzumasa Kyoto Village​​: A theme park featuring an Edo-period Kyoto streetscape created by the staff of the Toei Kyoto Studio. Visitors can walk past samurai residences and arched bridges, watch shows such as criminal chases, and try experiences such as tea ceremony or Noh theater while dressed in kimono. The entire facility is undergoing phased renovations from 2024 to 2028.
• ​Koryu-ji Temple​​: A Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded in 603 (the 11th year of Empress Suiko's reign). Enshrined in the Reihoden (Treasure Hall) is the wooden Seated Statue of Miroku Bodhisattva in Pensive Pose, an Asuka-period statue designated as the very first National Treasure of Japan, famous for its contemplative posture with its right hand gently resting against the cheek. The Lecture Hall and the octagonal Keikyu-in Main Hall are also key sights.
• ​Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine​​: The shrine's name originates from an incident where the shaft of Emperor Gosaga's ox cart broke in front of the shrine. The shrine has a strong tradition of stone worship and is known for its "Kinen Shinseki" prayer stones, where worshippers write words of gratitude on a stone and return it once their wish has been granted. The auxiliary Geino-jinja Shrine features more than 4,000 vermilion fence panels (tamagaki) inscribed with stage names and pen names.

Recommended Route and Duration

The entire course takes approximately 5 hours. From Uzumasa-Koryuji Station on the Randen, it takes about a 5-minute walk to the main entrance of Uzumasa Kyoto Village. From JR Hanazono Station, it is about a 13-minute walk. Take your time to enjoy the townscapes and shows inside the village.

After leaving the village, walk southwest for about 250 meters to reach Koryu-ji Temple. At the Reihoden, observe the Miroku Bodhisattva and Buddhist statues spanning periods from Asuka to Kamakura. From Uzumasa-Koryuji Station in front of the temple, take the Randen bound for Arashiyama, and you will arrive at Kurumazaki-jinja Station in about 7 minutes. On foot, it is approximately 1.6 kilometers to the west.

Kurumazaki-jinja Station is right in front of the entrance to the shrine's rear approach (urasando). Visitors are guided to first pay their respects at the Kiyome-no-yashiro shrine located beside the stone torii gate at the start of their visit. From Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine, it is about 1.1 kilometers west to Togetsukyo Bridge, allowing you to extend your walk further into Arashiyama.

Summary of the Experience

Step into the period-drama streets at the village, quiet your mind before the gentle smile of the Miroku Bodhisattva at Koryu-ji Temple, and entrust your wish to a stone at Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine. Enjoy the ride on the Randen through Uzumasa, where cinema culture stands side by side with ancient places of prayer.