Kyoto’s Movie-Set Theme Park Gets a Brand New Look

Originally built as a film set for samurai flicks and other Edo-era (1603-1868) historical pieces, Toei Kyoto Studio Park has long been one of Kansai’s hidden gems, a Kyoto-style theme park inspired by history and movie-making magic. But with its 50th anniversary coming up soon, the theme park is preparing for a major transformation with some large-scale renovations. Starting March 28th, 2026, the park will soon begin reopening in phases, starting over under a brand new name: Uzumasa Kyoto Village (太秦映画村). The name is a nod to the Uzumasa area’s legacy as one of Japan’s great filmmaking districts, once home to multiple studios and still closely tied to the city’s screen culture.

A New Culture-Focused Kyoto Theme Park

The old “Eigamura” was a cobbled-together collection of period drama film sets and carnival-style attractions – a fun, offbeat, but ultimately low-key destination. The new facility should offer a more cohesive and engaging experience, reimagined around a clear idea: let visitors lose themselves in Edo-period Kyoto. Instead of just a set to stroll past, the new Uzumasa Kyoto Village is aiming to make visitors feel like they’ve hopped in a time machine and entered a living town from the past, with busy streetscapes rebuilt by art staff from Toei Kyoto Studio, the same teams behind recent historical films and dramas. The goal is to create a deeper, more atmospheric visit for visitors of all ages, and there’s a strong emphasis on catering to the many adult travelers in their 20s and 30s who seek immersive cultural experiences.

Uzumasa Kyoto Village Highlights

Immersive Performances

What will the new and improved Uzumasa Kyoto Village really look like on the ground? The ultimate goal is to have visitors step into a recreated Edo-era neighborhood where performances happen around them, rather than on a distant stage. On the streets of this bustling town, you might come upon a live show or performance that seems to unfold naturally, inviting you to feel like an accidental participant in a period drama. If all goes well, it should feel less like a performance, and more like wandering into a movie scene mid-action.

Cultural Experiences

Cultural workshops will be a key part of the new theme park, and current plans include tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh theater, and Kyogen comedy. The easy-entry sessions will be guided by instructors, all within the Edo-style buildings, so you never have to stray from the historical fantasy. Again, the aim is not a museum-like view of the past, but real contact with Japanese traditions, all in a matching setting. The park will also offer kimono rentals, making it easy to fit right into the historical atmosphere as you explore the streets in period dress.

New Nighttime Hours

Perhaps the biggest change for travelers visiting the theme park is the introduction of night hours. Kyoto might be a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world, but it’s famous for its short hours – many places open late and close early. Uzumasa Kyoto Village plans to extend its hours, shifting closing time from 5 in the evening all the way to 9 pm. With softly glowing lanterns and shadowed wooden facades, the romance of this historical fantasy will really come to life after dark.

Food & Souvenirs

Food is set to become a bigger presence at the park, with ten new eateries set to open as the park renovations finish. The theme is “Kyoto cuisine,” and options will range from famous local Kyoto restaurants to some newer names. Highlights include a sweets-and-snack shop from the long-established soy sauce maker Sawai Shoyu, Kyoto-style curry udon from Ajimikou, creative tuna dishes sourced from Yaizu Port, craft beer by Kyoto Brewing Co., and a casual matcha takeout stand, Uzu Chaya, operated by the park itself. Many of the eateries plan to offer options to enjoy as you roam the Edo-style streets, offering a new kind of Kyoto street food.

Three new stores will offer their wares at the park, too, making it easy to shop for souvenirs as you wander. Check out the Mino-ware tableware at Azuma-Do, the abstract everyday goods from the popular Kyoto brand Sou-Sou, and a special concept shop carrying Kyoto specialties and village originals.

A New Destination to Add to Your 2026 Kyoto Itinerary

As Uzumasa Kyoto Village begins its phased return in spring 2026, it promises a Kyoto destination that feels both cinematic and immersive. Add this new Kyoto-style theme park to your travel plans, and discover an Edo-era townscape to wander, sample, and experience from day into night!

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