Kyoto’s movie set theme park reopens after major renewal
Uzumasa Kyoto Village is Kyoto's only movie set theme park. The park recreates a typical Kyoto village set in the feudal era, where visitors can experience life during the days of the samurai. Uzumasa Kyoto Village is undergoing a major improvements in two phases. Phase 1, which introduces new and updated attractions alongside existing ones, was completed, and the park reopened on March 28, 2026, following a month-long closure. Phase 2 is scheduled to open in spring 2027. In addition, opening hours have been extended until 21:00.
The movie village is also home to the filming studios used by Toei Company, one of Japan's major film companies, for producing period dramas known as jidaigeki. Visitors may get the chance to watch a live filming at the studio park depending on schedule.
I visited the studio park five days after the renewal opening, and this is what I found. New to the movie village are a live drama that uses the entire movie village as its set, paid cultural activities like flower arrangement and tea ceremony, a samurai training school and a museum displaying props and sets used for filming period dramas. With the extended opening hours, night time entertainment at the studio park comes in the form of a gambling experience and a torture interrogation, both only for those over 18. Note that the gambling experience does not involve real money.
Some highlights from my visit included watching the live drama unfold across the different parts of village, staying into the evening as the crowds thinned and the lanterns lent a romantic atmosphere, and trying my hand at the self-styled Japanese casino. While I had a stellar experience at the Uzumasa Kyoto Village, I thought that non-Japanese speakers might have a difficult time getting the full experience. However, atmosphere and actions do not require language abilities, so the studio park is still enjoyable for all.
Kimono rental is also available at the studio park, which I thought would be fun for a date or if going out in a group. Dressing up in period-appropriate outfits while strolling in a well done movie village adds to the atmosphere and fun.
Popular favourites that have remained include paid attractions like a ninja course, ninja maze and a horror dollhouse. Additionally, a free ninja performance titled "Ninja Mission" is another crowd favourite at the movie village. It should be noted that all of the paid experiences and activities can be done only in the day time.
Rounding up the renewal at Uzumasa Kyoto Village are the restaurants and gift shops that are open till closing time. The lines were long for some restaurants when I was there, so I had my chance in the evening when there were fewer people.
