Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Toei Kyoto Studio Park 東映太秦映画村
Overview
In addition to visiting the former film studio and current theme park - Toei Kyoto Studio Park - this ride will take in several interesting temples.
The main stop is the Toei Kyoto Studio Park - locally known as Eiga Mura - which opened in 1975. It was the first theme park in Japan devoted to the history of film. It is also an actual working studio, where filming of period dramas (samurai movies) takes place. It is also possible to try on period costumes, tour outdoor sets, and see various events. Kids will enjoy these.
The theme park is on the grounds of a once great film studio. From the 1920s - 1960s, Kyoto - or, to be more precise, the area of Uzumasa - was known as the Hollywood of Asia. Following the bankruptcy in 1971 of Daiei, one of three studios then in Kyoto, the industry moved (back) to Tokyo for the first time since the early 1920s.
The second stop is around the corner: Koryuji Temple. Koryuji is the oldest temple in Kyoto, and is best known for its wooden image of Bodhisattva called Miroku-Bosatsu-Hanka-Shii-zo. Prince Shotoku Taishi, who promoted Buddhism early in Japan, gave the image to Hatano Kawakatsu in 603. However, it is believed to have originally been a gift from the Korean court to Shotoku Taishi. The temple was destroyed by fire in 818 and 1150 but was restored thereafter.
After this, it is a short ride to Hokongoin Temple - retracing your steps back to Marutamachi Dori - which is rightly known for its gardens and lotus blossoms. Hokongoin is part of the Ritsu sect, and located across and down the street from JR Hanazono Station. The temple is thought to have been founded by Emperor Montoku in 858 C.E.
The last stop is Myoshinji Temple. Founded in 1337, it is one of the great Zen temples in Japan. It is a city behind walls with many, many sub-temples. Peaceful and vast, it is a wonderful and not very crowded temple. Moreover, unlike more famous temles, Myoshinji is open twenty-four hours a day, year-round.
The public bath on this route, Hanazono Yu, is a real local place. Nothing fancy but it will more than do the job.
Getting to the Starting Point
The starting point is Kyoto City Hall. From here, ride along Oike Dori, pass Nijo Castle, and head up the short cut that follows the JR Saiin Line tracks. Go along Marutamachi Dori, and then after a left turn a bit beyond Hanazono Station, will take you to the film park.
Directions
From City Hall, ride west on Oike until you come to Horikawa Dori. Nijo Castle will be across the street to your right. Continue west on Oike. At Senbon Dori, cross and continue west. After 50 meters, you will come to the train tracks - over head - and should turn right onto a small street that follows the tracks. Ride for 10 minutes until this road ends, at Nishioji Dori. At the traffic light to your right, cross and continue west now on Marutamachi Dori. Ride for 10 minutes or so and you will pass Hanazono Station on your left. Continue for another five minutes on Marutamachi. You will see a sign for the film studio. Turn left. On your right after 2-3 minutes.
Total Riding Time
3 hours.
More information
Kyoto Studio Park
10 Uzumasa-Higashi hachigaokacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8586
075 841 3381
Hours: March-November 9:00 am - 5;00 pm; December-February 9:30 am - 4:00 pm; Closed December 27-31, 2010
Entrance Fee: 2,200 yen adults; 1,300 for junior and senior high school students; 1,100 yen for children older than 4.
Koryuji Temple
32 Hachiokacho, Uzumasa, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8162
075 861 1461
Entrance Fee: 700 yen
Hokongoin Temple
49 Hanazono Oginocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8044
075 461 9428
Entrance Fee: 400 yen
Myoshinji Temple
Hanazono, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
075 463 3121
Entrance Fee: Free
Hanazono Yu Public Bath
075 462 6880
Entrance Fee: 410 yen (closed Fridays)
Map
Kyoto Film Studio Route
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