Step back in time to old Japan! I visited UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE in Kyoto

Hello, I’m Rina, a writer for Kodawari Times.
When it comes to spots popular with foreign tourists, Kyoto is a top choice. While places like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama are well-known, did you know there’s a theme park where you can experience the good old days of Japan from the Edo period?

This time, I attended a media preview of “UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE,” which reopened in March 2026! It’s very convenient to get to—just about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station and about 60 minutes from Osaka!
Let’s take a trip back in time to Kyoto during the Edo period.

 

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE has been renovated

“UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE” is Japan’s first period drama theme park, operated by Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Co.,Ltd. It features an open-air set recreating an Edo-period townscape, and offers visitors a glimpse into the “Toei Kyoto Studio,” one of Japan’s largest film studios with a 100-year history, often referred to as “Japan’s Hollywood.”

In recent years, Hollywood-produced Japanese period dramas have become global blockbusters, and UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE can truly be called the holy ground of Japanese period dramas, having been the birthplace of countless such works.

“UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE,” which has grown alongside Japanese cinema and is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will reopen following its first phase of renovations on March 28, 2026. Kodawari Times attended a media preview on March 19, prior to the reopening.

As soon as you step inside, true to the new concept of “Step into Edo-period Kyoto,” you’ll find yourself surrounded by the scenery of the Edo period, where samurai, ninjas, and town girls once lived.
What kind of encounters await you? We’ll introduce you to must-see events and shows, souvenirs, and local cuisine.

 

Check out our night events! Experiences for adults

One of the major changes following the renovation of UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE is the introduction of evening hours (5:00 PM–9:00 PM).
These adult-only events—available exclusively at night and restricted to those 18 and older—are perfect for a Kyoto evening and have been attracting a lot of attention.

First up is “Chohan Bakuchi (R-18),” a recreation of an Edo-period gambling house.
It’s one of Japan’s most popular forms of gambling and frequently appears in period dramas. The rules are simple: players bet on whether the sum of two dice shaken inside a pot will be an “even number (Cho-丁)” or an “odd number (Han-半).” Players place wooden chips on the side they predict—either “Cho” or “Han.”

With lively voices echoing all around, this immersive space feels just like stepping into the world of a Japanese period drama. What you’re betting isn’t money or valuables, but your heartfelt wishes. Why not leave it up to fate?

Another attraction is the “The House of Torture (R-18).”
It’s an immersive experience where you can witness Edo-period interrogation methods up close. The torture devices, recreated by the studio’s art department, are actually used, and just watching the actors’ intense performances will have you on the edge of your seat. You can even try being tortured yourself—but don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt!

The daytime shows are also packed with highlights. In the live show “360° Real-Time Drama,” which takes place throughout the entire village, you can witness stories unfolding against the backdrop of authentic daily life in the Edo period.

In particular, the sword-fighting scenes performed by samurai right before your eyes—featuring Japanese swords and other weapons—are a must-see! *The current production, “The Cherry Blossom Banquet Feauturing a Japanese Traditional Bridal Procession,” runs for a limited time only through Sunday, May 31.

In addition, you can try “Hanafuda Fortune Telling,” a fortune-telling game based on the traditional Japanese card game ‘Hanafuda’ that predicts your luck in love and finances, as well as “Kyoto Asobi:Step Into The World of Ukiyo-e,” where you can experience traditional games like juggling bean bags.
For a fee, you can also participate in various Japanese cultural activities, such as flower arrangement and the tea ceremony.
We invite you to come and experience what it was like to be a resident of Edo-period Kyoto.

Hanafuda Fortune Telling: “Financial Fortune Telling”

A photo spot decorated with Hanafuda cards

Ikebana Workshop

 

Kyoto cuisine and street food

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE isn’t just about the hands-on experiences—the food is a major draw too! It’s a great place to sample a variety of authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine.

Here is “Mimikou,” a Kyoto curry udon restaurant founded in 1969. It’s a Kyoto soul food that combines curry—a national dish of Japan—with udon.
Take a sip of the broth, and you’ll experience a mild flavor that’s spicy yet rich with the essence of dashi. The udon noodles have a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the thick, creamy broth. Plus, the thick, juicy fried tofu topping is incredibly satisfying.

I also discovered a shop specializing in traditional Japanese sweets. It’s a specialty shop for soy sauce-based sweets that uses soy sauce from “Sawai Shoyu,” a long-established Kyoto soy sauce maker. Inside, you can enjoy treats like “mitarashi dango,” which are carefully grilled one by one. The dango are melt-in-your-mouth soft with a chewy texture, and the savory aroma of the charred crust pairs perfectly with the sweet-salty flavor of the soy sauce. You could easily eat these by the dozen! They’re perfect for a quick snack or for enjoying while strolling around.

There is also a merchandise corner where you can purchase soy sauce-flavored sweets such as soy sauce croissant pies and rice crackers. Sawai Shoyu’s “Yaki-okoge” is a rice cracker with a rich, savory soy sauce flavor that’s sure to become an addiction. Be sure to pick some up as a souvenir!

The movie village’s original teahouse, “Uzuchaya,” offers a wide selection of takeout drinks. The “Uji Matcha Sakura Latte,” a seasonal special available through the end of April, lets you enjoy the flavors of Kyoto’s Uji matcha and spring-like cherry blossoms. It’s visually stunning and perfect for photos.

This is our hot “Uji Matcha Latte.” It lets you savor the rich flavor of authentic matcha, making it the perfect choice when you want to take a moment to relax.

There’s still plenty of delicious food to enjoy, including tuna, eel, and yakitori. We highly recommend UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE as a theme park where you can also savor Kyoto’s exquisite cuisine. Be sure to stop by for lunch or dinner, and don’t miss the chance to stroll through the village’s streets while sampling the local fare.

 

A Collection of Kyoto Souvenirs

A wide variety of quintessentially Japanese items, including products from Kyoto’s leading brands and original merchandise from UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, are all gathered here. You can also enjoy souvenir shopping at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE.

“SOU・SOU” is a Kyoto-based brand that creates textile designs offering a playful take on Japan’s four seasons and traditional charm. The brand has opened a store within UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE called “SOU・SOU Senya.”

The brand’s signature “SO-SU-U” pattern features hand-drawn Arabic numerals arranged in a playful, pop-art style—a design loved by people of all ages and nationalities. Popular items include tote bags, coin purses, and tabi socks.

The tabis, available exclusively at the “SOU・SOU Senya” store, feature a playful and cute design adorned with the letters “UE MONOGRAM” (where “UE” stands for UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE).
They make a great souvenir from UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, whether you’re a SOU・SOU fan or trying the brand for the first time.

In addition, the souvenir shop at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE brings together renowned Kyoto shops and up-and-coming brands.

For example, here you’ll find a wide selection of furoshiki—traditional Japanese wrapping cloths—featuring rich, quintessentially Japanese designs from the specialty shop “Musubi.”
These include motifs such as Kabuki, Hyottoko, and Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave.” The charm of furoshiki lies in their versatility: they can be used not only for wrapping items but also as tablecloths or bags.

Next up is the incense section featuring products from “Shoeido,” a 300-year-old Kyoto-based incense shop. You can choose from a variety of items, including assorted incense sticks and scented pouches.

We also offer original products from UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, such as period-drama-themed hand towels and washi paper masks. Why not try some easy cosplay with these fun and whimsical accessories?

Their original sweets are truly unique, such as “Katana Candy,” which comes in a sword-shaped package, and “Okago Candy,” shaped like an “okago”—a traditional human-powered carriage used to transport people!
If you hold a piece of Katana Candy, you can even pretend to be a samurai, just like in a period drama.

There were also plenty of other food items, including Kyoto specialties like yatsuhashi and sake. The souvenir shop is located right by the exit, so be sure to pick up some souvenirs before you leave!

 

Let’s take a trip back to the good old days of Japan!

“UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE” is a place where you can experience the world of period dramas while enjoying Kyoto’s traditional scenery, and where you’ll find a wide selection of Kyoto’s gourmet foods and souvenirs.

The reopening we’ve introduced here marks the first phase of the renovation. In spring 2027, the second phase is scheduled to open, featuring five new food and retail shops along with a red-light district zone. In spring 2028, the third phase will see the opening of the “Nakamura-za” theater (tentative name).
Keep a close eye on UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE as it continues to grow and evolve!

Not only can you enjoy a full day of fun with the 1-Day Pass, but we also recommend the Night Pass, which is available from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Come experience it as a sophisticated theme park where you can savor the nighttime atmosphere of Kyoto!

Facility Details

Facility Name: UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE
Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashi-Hachioka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 (Phase 1 Reopening)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays (Open on Tuesdays in March, April, and November, as well as on national holidays)
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Randen “Uzumasa Koryuji” Station
Approx. 13-minute walk from JR “Hanazono” Station
Approx. 14-minute walk from Subway “Uzumasa Tenjingawa” Station
Admission Fees (Fees valid until the Phase 2 opening in Spring 2027):
Daytime (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM) Adults (Junior high school students and older) 2,800 yen, Children (3 years old – elementary school students) 1,600 yen
Nighttime (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Adults (junior high school students and older) 2,000 yen, Children (ages 3–elementary school students) 1,300 yen
*Children under 3 years old are free.
*Prices may vary depending on the date of your visit.
Official Website: https://en.eigamura.com/