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Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

Tram in front of Koryuji Temple

Film tour led by the local NPO

Scenic Beauty at Arashiyama

Boat activity on Katuragawa River

Illumination at Arashiyama sta.

Entrance leading to the Villa

Garden in the Villa

Light poles on the shopping street

Still photos at the sta.

Monument of the Grand Prix

100 years anniversary of Uzumasa's Jidaigei

Townscape in Film Park

Uzumasa Film Park

Sward-play practice

Samurai Costume

Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

Highlights

Joined 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(11 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

5 hours

Private tour (only you and Yosshi S.)

Up to 6 people

Aesthetic Sense and Matcha at a garden villa designed by a SAMURAI star.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Uzumasa/Arashiyama area had about 20 film studios (2 and a theme park still alive), and outdoor filming took place on temple grounds and riverbanks. A star (Ohkouchi Denjirou) built a garden villa to embody his aesthetic sense.

This tour takes you on the tram that runs through the center of the area, tracing the history of film production in the glory days.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

11:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel in Kyoto City center.

Arashiyama Park

>Arashiyama Park/A viewpoint overlooking the Katsuragawa River and the Togetsukyo Bridge (155m long), with Mt. Ogura (296m) and Mt. Arashiyama (382m) in the background. The park is famous for the locations of numerous period dramas as well as its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

>Arashiyama sta./ illumination at dusk with 600 poles decorated with Kyoto Yuzen-dyed fabric.

Ohkouchi Garden Villa

>Ohkouchi Garden Villa/At the west end of the bamboo grove, D. Ohkouchi, a SAMURAI film actor who starred in 1000 films in the 1900s, built his villa on the slope of Mt. Ogura, where we can overlook the entire Kyoto city area.

Retro-flavored shopping street

>Community development that people live with films/streetlamps designed with cameras, the monument to the Grand Prix at the 12th Venice International Film Festival ("Rashomon" premiered in 1950).

Uzumasa Kyoto Village

>Uzumasa Kyoto Village/the movie-themed park utilizes part of the Toei Kyoto Studio, a facility that has produced as many as 2,000 films.

Visitors can explore open sets recreating the townscapes where samurai and commoners lived during the Edo period (17th–19th centuries) and might even stumble upon an actual film shoot.

The park offers entertainment day and night, featuring dynamic ninja sword-fighting shows and various hands-on workshops (stage combat, traditional gambling games, etc.).

Ending Point

At your hotel or Uzumasa Kyoto Village

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

>guide fee, hotel pick up in Kyoto City center

What‘s not included

>Transportation fee (you and guide)/Randen (1-day ticket:700JPY(adult)), taxi(undecided)

>Admission fee (you and guide)/Ohkouchi Garden Villa (1000JPY), Uzumasa Kyoto Village(2800JPY)

>short break/lunch/dinner

Tour Important Information

>Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

>Please note that we may take longer than expected during the cherry blossom viewing season.

>This tour is not covered by insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.

>The above extra fees are often paid in CASH on site, so please bring some JPY.

Important message from the supplier

>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).

>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.

>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.

>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.

>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(11 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Yosshi S.

Thank you for visiting my page. I am passionate about guiding international travelers through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—cities that served as Japan’s capitals in succession from the 7th to the 20th centuries.

I grew up in Osaka and studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree, I worked as a government official for 20 years, striving to balance urban development with the preservation of historical assets under the City Planning Act.

Since the 7th century, powerful local clans established a national framework by building new capitals—first in Naniwa (Osaka), followed by Heijo (Nara) and Heian (Kyoto)—and implementing legal codes and administrative systems led by the emperor. These capitals housed the Imperial Palace and government districts. Court nobles built their residences and clans’ temples or shrines adjacent to the imperial palace.

After the emperor and court nobles relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo about 150 years ago, the Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and residents of these three cities have continued to work together to maintain historic structures and preserve the traditional religious rituals associated with them.

After retiring from public service, I began working as a freelance guide, sharing these historical assets with travelers from abroad.

Since these three cities are all within about one hour of each other by train, I can propose tours customized to your schedule and physical stamina. I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviews

Michelle M.

5 / 5

Jun 14, 2026

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

Jun 14, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours 30 mins

“Great Highlights of Central Kyoto”

We had an excellent tour with Yosshi. I recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He emailed about and researched our sights ahead of time. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke good English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts. He took photos of our family. He took us to the Nijo castle, Imperial Palace and Manga museum. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the metro. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Yosshi made it very special. Thank you.

Yosshi S.

Dear Michelle-san Thank you for taking the time to send me such a heartwarming review. The Kemari Garden at the Imperial Palace is a game where players pass a ball to their opponent in an easy-to-kick manner. Today, we visited a place of great importance in Japanese history, set on a vast site full of early-summer greenery. The spirit of Kemari (a football game) lives on at this turning point as well. As a guide, I tried my best to provide clear explanations. The day I spent with you has become a memorable tour for me. OH-KI-NI! (Kyoto dialect for thank you). Yosshi

James S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka

7 hours

“Great Guide!”

Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.

Yosshi S.

Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi

Drew B.

5 / 5

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka

6 hours

“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”

Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.

Yosshi S.

Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi