TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK

Photo Credits: trysomethingfun.com

Are you someone who's totally into ninjas, samurais, sword fights, or ancient Japan itself? If yes, you couldn’t get luckier, because Toei Uzumasa Eigamura would be your ultimate destination.

Also known as Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a theme park and studio operated by the Toei Company. On the outside, the studio looks completely modern and sleek, but on entering you are instantly transported to Japan’s Edo period. With traditional Japanese houses, a replica of the old Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional courthouse, a Meiji Period police box, stalls, restaurants, shops, and attendants dressed in historic costumes, this place looks exactly like that from the movies. Why wouldn’t it look alike when they were literally shot here? Over 200 jidaigeki films or period dramas are reportedly shot here every year. If you are lucky enough, you would even see a live film shooting and your favorite actors performing here. If you’ve seen Japanese horror movies, you’d not want to miss the Haunted House that is claimed to be one of the scariest in Japan.

Indoor theater for Ninja Show (Photo Credits: trysomethingfun.com)

Another fun place is the Ninja Mystery House where you can pay and make your way through rooms discovering hidden passages and traps. The Anime Museum featuring original pictures, animation cells, and life-sized statues from some of Toei’s classic productions like Hustle Punch, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon are present here.

Optical illusions maze, ninja lessons, a 360-degree 3D theatre, and similar seasonal shows are frequently held too. Guests are also welcomed to rent period-style attires including samurai, geisha, and ninja to wear as they enjoy the park.

The Toei Eigamura is easily accessible by either a metro or bus from Kyoto or Arashiyama. Next time you visit Kyoto make sure to visit this super fun place and truly indulge in Japanese culture.