Uzumasa Kyoto Village

In short

A theme park born in 1975 (Showa 50) by opening the outdoor sets of the Toei Kyoto Studio, which has continued to produce jidaigeki (period dramas), to the public. It opened as Japan's first theme park where visitors could watch period drama filming right before their eyes, and was long affectionately known as "Toei Uzumasa Eigamura."

• ​Kyoto Town of the Edo Period​​: The townscape crafted by the staff of the Toei Kyoto Studio has sights such as samurai residences and an arched bridge (taikobashi)
• ​Shows and Cultural Experiences​​: Shows and events, such as stories of the capture of criminals, are held throughout the village. Visitors can also don a kimono and experience Japanese culture such as the tea ceremony and Noh theater
• ​Step-by-Step Renewal​​: The village is undergoing a phased, comprehensive renewal over approximately five years from 2024 to 2028, and on March 28, 2026, it marked its Phase 1 reopening after renewal

History and Highlights

​Uzumasa Kyoto Village​ is a theme park established in 1975 (Showa 50) by opening the outdoor sets of the Toei Kyoto Studio, which has continued to produce jidaigeki (period dramas), to the public. It opened as Japan's first theme park where visitors could watch period drama filming right before their eyes, and was long affectionately known as "Toei Uzumasa Eigamura." Today, it goes by the name "Uzumasa Kyoto Village," and on March 28, 2026, it marked its Phase 1 grand reopening after a major renewal.

Kyoto is said to be the birthplace of Japanese cinema because Inabata Katsutaro, who had studied in Paris, brought back the Cinematograph and held Japan's first film screening in Kiyamachi. In 1926 (Taisho 15), the young star Bando Tsumasaburo cleared the bamboo groves of Uzumasa to open a film studio, leading many actors and crew members to relocate here. At its peak, eight film studios were established, and Uzumasa came to be called "Japan's Hollywood." Uzumasa Kyoto Village was born under the slogan "Keep the flame of Japanese cinema alive" amid a decline in film production caused by the spread of television.

Highlights and Experiences

• ​Kyoto Town of the Edo Period​​: Inside the park is an Edo-period Kyoto townscape crafted by the staff of the Toei Kyoto Studio. With sights such as samurai residences and an arched bridge (taikobashi), visitors can stroll around as if they have wandered into the world of a period drama.
• ​Shows and Cultural Experiences​​: Shows and events depicting stories such as Edo-period captures are held throughout the park. Visitors can also don a kimono and experience Japanese culture such as the tea ceremony and Noh theater.
• ​Step-by-Step Renewal​​: The village is undergoing a phased, comprehensive overhaul over approximately five years from 2024 to 2028. Depending on when you visit, you can encounter newly opened areas.

Travel Tips

To the front entrance, it is a 5-minute walk from Randen Uzumasa-Koryuji Station, 13 minutes from JR Hanazono Station, and 14 minutes from Uzumasa Tenjingawa Subway Station. There is also a Studio Gate (Satsueisho-guchi), which is 5 minutes from JR Uzumasa Station and 2 minutes from Randen Satsueisho-mae Station. About 250 meters to the southwest is Koryu-ji Temple, about 1.3 kilometers to the northeast is Myoshin-ji Temple, and about 1.6 kilometers to the north is Ninna-ji Temple, allowing you to combine your visit with historic temples in Uzumasa.