On our last day in Kyoto, it was raining hard when we finished lunch at Otsuka steakhouse in Arashiyama. We knew we wouldn’t want to visit any more temples or shrines and get soaking wet. Mr. Kojima, Lisa’s friend in Kyoto who was so kind driving us around for the day, suggested a visit to Toei Kyoto Studio Park before leaving for Osaka. He thought the kids would like the place. He was right!

You know you are in Japan the moment you entered the park!

How to get to Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is about half an hour from Kyoto Station and only about 15 minutes from Arashiyma district.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is less than half an hour from Kyoto Station (lower right corner where Kyoto Tower is)

You can reach the park by Kyoto Bus, City Bus, JR, Subway or Randen Train.

You can find more detailed directions on the park’s website. The park opens from 9am to 5pm from March to November, and 9:30am to 4:30pm from December to February. Admission is a bit expensive at 2200 yen per person, and some attractions require additional entrance fees.

Unexpected fun at Toei Kyoto Studio Park

The park is actually a film set and theme park in one. Its name in Japanese is Toei Uzumasa Eigamura. The park is built essentially as a small town from the Edo Period, featuring a collection of traditional buildings that are occasionally used to film historical movies and television dramas. The park usually does unlimited shows on the street and in various theaters, with ninjas and samurai etc.

The park looks like a small town from the Edo Period.

A little town with “river” in the front

Buildings all have different looks.

Not sure what this thing is. It blows out steams then goes under the water.

It is actually very fun to go through the Nijia Mystery Maze.

Samurai anyone?

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is quite a gem. If you have kids, it is definitely worth spending a few hours here. It is full of awesomeness and a nice break from all the temples and shrines in Kyoto.