Part working film studio, part theme park, Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Uzumasa Eigamura) lets you walk straight into a samurai movie. Built around the back-lot sets where countless Japanese period dramas (jidaigeki) have been filmed, it recreates the streets of Edo-period Japan — wooden shopfronts, a Nihonbashi bridge, a red-light district, a courthouse — complete with costumed actors, live ninja and samurai sword shows, and the chance to dress up as a samurai, ninja, or even an oiran courtesan. It’s especially fun for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about how Japanese historical films are made.

This guide covers what’s there, the shows and experiences, ticket info, and how to visit.

🗓️ Quick Reference
What Movie-set theme park & working film studio
Location Uzumasa, western Kyoto
Admission ~¥2,400 adults (extra fees for some attractions)
Time needed Half a day (3–4 hours)
Best for Families, kids, history & film fans
Hours Daytime; check seasonal closures/days off

What Is Eigamura?

“Eigamura” literally means “movie village.” Toei, one of Japan’s major film studios, opened part of its Kyoto back lot to the public, and films and TV period dramas are still shot here — you may glimpse actual filming. The standing sets recreate Edo-period townscapes so convincingly that they double as both a film location and an immersive attraction. Walking the streets, you’re surrounded by feudal-era buildings, costumed staff in character, and the atmosphere of old Japan as imagined on screen.

What to See & Do

The Edo Streets & Sets

Stroll recreated period streets — merchant houses, a wooden bridge, an old courthouse, a ninja house, even a haunted-themed attraction — all built as film sets. Great for photos and soaking up the atmosphere.

Live Shows

Scheduled samurai sword-fighting and ninja action shows demonstrate stage combat and stunts, often with humour and audience interaction. There are also character shows for kids. Check the daily schedule on arrival and plan around showtimes.

Costume Experiences

Dress up and become part of the scene: rent a samurai, ninja, princess, or oiran courtesan costume, and stroll the sets or get studio photos. A highlight for many visitors.

Attractions & Indoor Areas

Family attractions, a ninja maze/trick house, anime and tokusatsu (think classic Japanese superheroes/kaiju) exhibits, haunted attractions, and indoor displays on filmmaking and period drama make-up and effects.

Is It Worth It?

  • Great for: Families with children, fans of samurai/ninja culture and jidaigeki, and anyone who enjoys interactive, themed attractions and dressing up.
  • Less ideal for: Travellers seeking only authentic historical sites — this is a recreated film-set park, not a preserved heritage district (for that, see Higashiyama). But taken for what it is, it’s genuinely fun and distinctive.

Tickets & Tips

  • Base admission (~¥2,400 for adults; reduced for children) covers the grounds and many shows.
  • Some attractions and the costume/photo experiences cost extra — budget more if you want the full ninja-maze-and-dress-up day.
  • Arrive earlier in the day to catch more show slots; get the schedule at the gate.
  • Check operating days — the park has occasional closure days and seasonal hours; verify before going.
  • Discounted combo tickets are sometimes available online.

Combining Your Visit

Uzumasa is in western Kyoto, near several worthwhile sights:

  • Koryu-ji: A very ancient temple nearby, home to a famous, serene wooden statue of Miroku Bosatsu — a quiet contrast to the park.
  • Arashiyama: A short ride west — combine the studio park with the Arashiyama bamboo grove and river for a full western-Kyoto day.
  • For more family-friendly ideas, see our Kyoto family trip guide .

Getting There

  • Randen (Keifuku) tram: Uzumasa-Koryuji Station, a short walk away — the tram ride itself is charming and connects to Arashiyama.
  • JR Sagano Line: Uzumasa Station.
  • Subway Tozai Line: Uzumasa-Tenjingawa, then a short walk/tram. The park is well signposted from the stations.