Toei Movie Village

If you’re after something a little more Japanese than nearby Universal Studios, Kyoto’s Toei Movie Village is a fantastically kitsch alternative and provides a great day out for families. Don’t expect thrilling rides and polished film sets: this is an entirely different brand of theme park, and excellent in its own way. We highly recommend the lesson in movie-style sword fighting, anime-drawing at the artists’ tables, or forking out the extra fee to dress up in samurai costume.

A great day out in Kyoto is Toei Eiga Mura, a unique theme park and movie set in one! Here you can step right into a samurai film and stroll the streets of replica traditional Japanese buildings from the Edo Period (1603-1868). Other sets include a replica of the old Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional court house, a Meiji Period (1867-1912) police box and part of the former Yoshiwara entertainment district. 

Sometimes actual film shooting takes place here; on these occasions theme park visitors are welcome to watch the action. Other attractions include live action stunt performances, a haunted house, a large souvenir shop and exhibitions about popular samurai TV series. It is also possible to dress up and get photographed in more than 30 costumes; why not become a samurai, geisha or ninja? 

It is a little kitsch and there is nothing flash or glossy about this theme park. But Toei Eiga Mura makes for a great day out with the kids or for any adults looking for something a bit different to do in Kyoto.