Visit Toei Kyoto Studio Park: Edo-Era Theme Park

Step into samurai cinema

Tokyo may have the neon, but Kyoto has the drama, and at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, the curtain never comes down. This isn't your typical museum; it's a genuine, breathing movie set where you can wander through an Edo-period street, duel with samurai, and see behind the scenes as Japan's cinematic magic unfolds.

This open-air theme park, located in Kyoto's Uzumasa area is nicknamed "Japan's Hollywood" and allows you to walk through history, star in your own period photo shoot, and possibly even witness real actors filming jidaigeki. Families enjoy the costumes. Film enthusiasts adore the settings. Anyone who has ever wanted to shout "Cut!" will be in cinematic nirvana.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park: The Essentials

What to Expect at Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Consider it a cross between Universal Studios and traditional Japan. Every nook, whether a theme park or a functioning studio, tells a story and sometimes literally.

• Movie sets: Walk through Edo-era streets, Kyoto alleyways, samurai houses, and merchant quarters that are all ready for filming. 

• Live shows: Sword-fighting stunts, ninja skirmishes, and amusing period comedies (some with English voiceover).

• Costume experiences: Transform into a samurai, ninja, or oiran (courtesan) with full hair, makeup, and photo sessions.

• Attractions: Haunted house, ninja mystery maze, trick art museum, anime character exhibits, and a small theater.

• Film studio tours: See real shooting stages and props from classic Toei films.

• Shops & cafés: Themed snacks, souvenir swords, and adorable ninja sweets.

It's immersive, entertaining, and unexpectedly educational, all packaged in cinematic style.

Seasonal Events, Live Filming & Special Shows

Seasonal highlights

• Spring: Cherry-blossom themed streets and events

• Summer: Extended ninja shows and kids’ programs

• Autumn: Fall foliage backdrops and historical reenactments

• Winter: New Year and samurai-era ceremonies

Live filming

• Real TV dramas and movies are occasionally filmed on site

• Filming schedules are not guaranteed and may change daily

• Visitors may be asked to stay quiet or avoid certain areas

Special performances

• Sword-fighting demonstrations

• Ninja action shows

• Period comedy skits (some with English support)

How Toei Kyoto Studio Park Compares to Other Major Attractions

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

• Focus: Edo-period film sets, live samurai & ninja shows

• Experience style: Interactive, theatrical, family-friendly

• Time needed: Half day

• Best for: Japanese cinema fans, families, costume experiences

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

• Focus: Hollywood & anime theme park rides

• Experience style: Large-scale attractions, thrill rides

• Time needed: Full day

• Best for: Theme park lovers, blockbuster franchises

Toei Animation Museum (Tokyo)

• Focus: Anime production history

• Experience style: Educational, indoor, free

• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

• Best for: Anime fans, quick cultural stops

Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto

• Focus: Historical explanation + short performances

• Experience style: Compact, educational

• Time needed: 1 hour

• Best for: Travelers short on time

Quick takeaway

Choose Toei Kyoto Studio Park if you want to walk inside a samurai movie set and actively participate, rather than just observe.

Who Is Toei Kyoto Studio Park For?

• Families with kids: Plenty of hands-on fun, costumes, and shows.

• Couples: Romantic (and Instagram-ready) Edo-style backdrops.

• Film enthusiasts: Access to authentic Toei movie sets used in Japanese period dramas.

• Culture seekers: Learn about Kyoto’s long film legacy while sipping matcha.

• Solo travelers: Easy to explore in half a day; friendly staff and clear signs.

Accessibility: The park is mostly flat with wheelchair access, rest areas, and stroller rentals.

Pro Tips

• Best time to go: Weekdays or early mornings to beat the crowds.

• Tickets: Buy online or at the gate; combination passes with local attractions may offer savings.

• Must-bring: Camera, sunscreen, cash, and a Pocket Wi-Fi,  you’ll want fast uploads for all those cinematic selfies.

• Duration: Plan 2–3 hours minimum; add more if you book a photo session or show.

• Seasonal highlights: Cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn turn the Edo streets into pure magic.

• Etiquette: Be respectful near active filming areas because silence is golden.

How to Get to Toei Kyoto Studio Park

By Train:

• From Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in Line to Hanazono Station (10 min). Walk about 13 min to the park.

• Or take the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Uzumasa-Koryuji Station (5 min walk).

By Bus:

Kyoto City Bus #75 stops near the park entrance. Expect 30–40 minutes from central Kyoto depending on traffic.

By Taxi:

Around ¥2,500 from Kyoto Station; ideal for families or groups.

By Car:

Paid parking available (¥1,000 per day). Easy access from Route 162.

By Bike/Foot:

Cycling routes from Arashiyama are scenic, about 20 minutes through local streets.

Nearby Recommendations

Food & Drinks

• Uzumasa Café: Japanese-Western lunch sets and desserts.
  
  

• Ramen Muraji: A cozy spot for Kyoto-style soy broth noodles.
  
  

• Matcha stand-in-park: Don’t miss the ninja-themed soft-serve.

Attractions & Experiences

• Koryu-ji Temple: Kyoto’s oldest temple, just next door.
  
  

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 20 minutes by train; perfect add-on for the day.
  
  

• Nijo Castle: Historic UNESCO site easily reached via bus or taxi.

Shopping

• Toei Studio Store: Exclusive memorabilia and replica swords.
  
  

• Kyoto Handicraft Center: For fans of kimonos, ceramics, and local art.

More About Toei Kyoto Studio Park

The park, which opened in 1975, is owned by Toei Company, Japan's famed film studio that has produced innumerable samurai epics, Godzilla-era tokusatsu shows, and even Power Rangers. More than 200 films and plays have been shot on these sets, and many are still in production.

Fun facts? The park once featured live filming for Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. The main street's props change daily to accommodate ongoing plays. And, yes, you can see actors casually walking around in armor during lunchtime. Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a live history museum rather than a nostalgic one.

Planning Your Visit

Stay:

• Book hotels near Arashiyama or Central Kyoto for easy access. JapanDen offers hand-picked stays near Uzumasa and the Arashiyama line, from boutique ryokan to modern family hotels.

Transport:

• If you’re traveling across Japan, grab a JR Pass, it covers Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and beyond.

• For local adventures, a Kansai Area Pass (2-day) is perfect, it includes Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka transport.

Connectivity:

• Keep your journey smooth with Pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card, both available when you book your JR Pass or Regional Pass. Ideal for navigation, translations, and photo sharing on the go.

Personal Assistance:

• Need help on arrival? Add JapanDen’s Meet & Greet Service and we’ll guide you from the airport to Kyoto Station and help activate your pass before you say “action.”

Japan Basics:

• Cash is still king in smaller attractions.

• IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) make local travel seamless.

• Kyoto etiquette: quiet voices, queue neatly, bow when thanked.

FAQs About Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Do I need a ticket?

Yes. Entry costs about ¥2,200 for adults and ¥1,100 for children (subject to change).

How long should I spend there?

Most visitors stay 2–3 hours, but film fans often stretch it to half a day.

Are there English signs?

Yes, English maps, show schedules, and friendly bilingual staff.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely, there are ninja mazes, stunt shows, and hands-on costume zones.

Is the park outdoors?

Mostly yes, though several attractions and cafés are covered, bring an umbrella on rainy days.

What is Toei Kyoto Studio Park known for?

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is known for being a real working film set and theme park where visitors can explore Edo-period streets, watch live samurai and ninja shows, and even dress up as historical characters.

How long do you need at Toei Kyoto Studio Park?

You'll need approximately 2 to 3 hours to comfortably tour Toei Kyoto Studio Park, which includes live performances, a stroll around the film sets, and a costume experience.

How much do Toei Kyoto Studio Park tickets cost?

Tickets for Toei Kyoto Studio Park cost around ¥2,200 for adults and ¥1,100 for children (ages 3–12). Special experiences like costume rentals or photo sessions cost extra, usually between ¥1,500–¥8,000, depending on the package.