Things to do in Kyoto: Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Kyoto Studio Park)

Bringing dreams and memories into your heart

In 1926 (Taisho 15), when the Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line’s Kitano-Kamashi no Tsuji opened, the first film studio was established in Uzumasa, which later became known as Japan’s Hollywood. This is Banduma Productions, founded by Tsumasaburo Bando. This first studio, built by Tsumasaburo Bando in Hachigaoka, 300 meters west of Keifuku Uzumasa Station, would later develop into the Toei Kyoto Studio.

After the closure of Bandsuma Productions, it was taken over as Shochiku No. 2 Studio, Teikoku Cinema Uzumasa Studio, and in 1931 (Showa 6), it was renamed Shinko Cinema Kyoto Studio. In 1936 (Showa 11), due to an organizational reorganization, Masakazu Nagata became the director of the Kyoto studio, and the company began producing works that pushed the entertainment direction, including historical dramas, musicals, and horror films such as the Bakeneko movie.

 

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樹林 杏(@ann.kibayashi)がシェアした投稿

On April 1, 1951, Toyoko Eiga, Taisen Eiga, and Tokyo Eiga Distribution merged to form Toei, and Toyoko Eiga Studio was renamed Toei Kyoto Studio. A double feature in movie theaters was also a success, and in 1956 Toei became the industry leader in distribution revenue. At this time, the Kyoto studio was producing 64 films a year, releasing more than one new historical drama every week.

Around this time, the first new stages (5th and 6th stages) were completed in 1954 (Showa 29) at the Kyoto Studio, which became the Toei Kyoto Studio, and Nijo Castle was built on the grounds of the Kyoto Studio. Facilities were built one after another at the studio, such as Toei Castle (currently the entrance to the movie village), which was modeled after the Toei Castle, and by around 1960, the current shape of the studio had been formed.

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura was established in 1975 as Japan’s first theme park where you can watch movie and television filming and experience the world of movies and television through open sets, events, and attractions. To date, we have received support from over 65 million customers.

 

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You can visit TV and movie filming!

The movie village of Edo no Machi is an open set. Actual TV and movie filming takes place in areas such as the recreated town of Edo, and you can watch live filming.
* Filming takes place according to the schedule of each TV or movie, so viewing may not be possible depending on the day. Also, shooting dates and times are subject to change. Thank you for your understanding in advance.
*Customers may appear on TV during filming or interviews. Thank you for your understanding.

You can experience the world of period dramas.
At Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, you can try out the same costumes as in a real historical drama (historical drama costume hall [charges apply]) and enjoy taking photos in costume with a real set in the background. The background will be combined to match the costume and a commemorative photo will be created. There are over 20 types of costumes! In addition to Maiko and Oiran, which are popular among women, there are many services for men, such as Otosama, Shinsengumi, and Ryoma Sakamoto. Choose your favorite costume. For children, we recommend Anmitsu Hime, Maiko, Shinsengumi, and Ninja. For those under 130 cm in height, we offer costumes without wigs, such as Kanzashi Hime.

 

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There are also plenty of facilities for kids.
On the second floor of Padios, you can enjoy the “Kamen Rider Super Sentai History” exhibition facility. Character events such as Super Sentai and Kamen Rider are sometimes held on weekends. The exciting character shows that can only be realized at Eigamura are very popular with children.
In Padios, there is also Ninja traps await your challenge, such as the “rope maze”, “Igeta climbing”, and the “woodblock maze”! Everyone from children to adults can enjoy moving their bodies.
“SHINOBORI” is a thrilling climbing attraction where you climb and jump off a 7m high wall. This allows you to easily experience authentic sport climbing while wearing safety equipment (harness). It can be enjoyed not only by parents and children, but also by groups of students and couples. Let’s conquer the 7m high peak. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the climbing boom right now.

At shirakabest, there is Aozora Ninja Classroom.
A hands-on event where Ninja Sensei teaches ninjutsu to little kids. You can try ninja running and ninja sword action. Little ones, gather around! Learn ninjutsu from Ninja Sensei!

In addition to attractions, the movie village also offers a variety of shows. “Clash! Ninja Show Shinobi no Kaido”, which was very popular and started in the Showa and Heisei eras, is the origin of Eigamura’s ninja shows, and is coming back as a remake. Please enjoy the battle between the public secret and the ninja over the blood warrant, and the ninja action that takes place in the audience seats and on the stage. At Nakamura-za, we will provide a humorous introduction to chanbara, which is familiar from period dramas. Please take a close look at the impressive sword fight.

 

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Evangelion Kyoto Base-The world’s first EVA you can go on board.

Apostolic reaction to Kyoto!
The special agency NERV established the Third New Kyoto City Branch and built the Evangelion Kyoto Base in Uzumasa. Needing new pilots, NERV decided to open recruitment for new pilots. Applicants will go through various aptitude tests to measure their synchronization rate, and will be asked to take a boarding test for the first entry plug.

The first Evangelion unit, 15m tall, peeking out from the L.C.L. pool has appeared! In addition to its gigantic size, the Kyoto base is the only one where you can actually ride it. *L.C.L. is the liquid that is injected into the Evangelion’s entry plug (cockpit). You can board the cockpit = entry plug = inserted into Evangelion Unit 01. After entry plug passengers enter the boarding gate, their suitability as a pilot is examined from various angles.

After entry plug passengers enter the boarding gate, their suitability as a pilot is examined from various angles. Finally, when you get into the entry plug and squeeze the control lever, your synchronization rate (the synchronization rate of the neural circuits of Evangelion and the pilot) will be measured. Aim for a high synchronization rate. The view of Kyoto seen from Eva’s perspective is truly spectacular.

You can ride on the palm of Evangelion Unit 01, which protrudes from L.C.L.’s red pool, and take an amazing photo. In addition to the Entry Plug and Eva’s Palm, there are many photo spots at Evangelion Kyoto Base. Let’s take photos that can only be taken here in the world. NERV Photo also provides a service to sell your official stills.

 

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Real Samurai Experience In Kyoto

Would you like to wear an authentic costume and experience the samurai experience with a movie set in the background? The instructors are Toei actors who appear in historical movies and dramas.
Starting with the bow, you will learn about samurai behavior and spirit, such as how to draw and hold a sword. We will provide explanations in simple English in addition to Japanese so that foreigners can enjoy the event as well. Enjoy a special experience that can only be found at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura.

Dress up in authentic costumes at the “Historical Drama Costume House”!
You can choose from five types of costumes: “Young Samurai”, “Ninja”, “Ryoma Sakamoto”, “Shinsengumi”, and “Furisode Wakashu”.
*Depending on the situation on the day, we may not be able to rent out your desired costume. Thank you for your understanding.
*The color and pattern of the costume may vary. Thank you for your understanding.

Learn how to use a sword on a movie set!
Starting from bowing, you will learn how to swing the sword, including unsheathing, sheathing, basic stance, seigan stance, direct karachiku split, kesagiri, and tosagiri.
Shooting time while moving from place to place. You can take cool photos along the way as you head to the sword fighting location. At the end, try a sword fight! An actor will shoot a short movie using your smartphone. Actors will also provide acting guidance.

Filming location guided tour with the actors! A guided tour in which Toei actors will guide you around the village, including stories behind the filming.
Toei actors dressed in costumes from historical dramas will provide a fun and entertaining tour of the historical drama sets (open sets) at Eigamura, including behind-the-scenes stories from the filming. *We will provide information to customers who gather at the time of the event.

 

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Link: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/