The Uzumasa Edo Sakaba Festival: Immerse yourself in historic Japan

The Uzamasa Edo Sakaba Festival held at the Toei Eigamura in Kyoto provides a unique and historic experience based on Edo Period Japan!

Toei Eigamura in Kyoto is a theme park created by Toei Animations, the world-famous production studio renowned for works such as the anime versions of One Piece, Dragon Ball, and more! At this park, historic Japan has been recreated with a number of attractions around, such as a haunted house, traditional Japanese entertainment shows, interactive experiences with famous media franchises, and more! Visitors can even have the chance to don the attire of a traditional samurai and learn katana techniques. Toei Eigamura simultaneously functions as a live movie and TV set, meaning that park patrons may have a chance to witness filming in progress. It’s at this park that the Uzamasa Edo Sakaba takes place. To fully fulfill this dynamic and cinematic feel, the Toei Eigamura finds itself as the perfect host, and once the sun sets on the day of the Edosakaba, the park transforms into the nightlife-filled Kyoto of antiquity.

Evangelion at Toei Eigamura

Evangelion at Toei Eigamura

@Japan Experience

Toei Eigamura Entrance

Toei Eigamura Entrance

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A "nankintamasudare" performance at Toei Eigamura

A "nankintamasudare" performance at Toei Eigamura

@Japan Experience

You would be hard-pressed to find a festival or event quite like the Uzamasa Edo Sakaba. One of its defining features is that it fully embraces the seedier elements of the Edo Period, portraying a Kyoto where culture is on the up, but a seedy underground also follows.

Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) lessons happen in one building, while simulated gambling occurs in another. Delicious street food is sold at stands with all-you-can-drink sake available at every corner. At the center, an Awa Odori dance circle is reminiscent of more “typical” festivals, but nearby, Edo-period ghost stories are presented by a professional orator. Simply explaining the Edo Sakaba on paper is not enough to capture the distinct vibe of the event itself. 

The actors prioritize their showmanship just as much as authenticity, playfully reacting to modern technologies like smartphones with a playful ignorance as well as using more time-period-accurate language when speaking. Fully adorned with makeup and traditional garb, seeing them walk around the park grounds with the traditional architecture surrounding is uncanny in how legitimate it feels. To further the feeling of authenticity, guests can also rent yukata (casual, cotton versions of kimono) to participate in the festivities with traditional attire themselves! During cooler months, guests can even dress in actual silk kimono for a one-of-a-kind experience!

There are multiple Edo Sakaba events throughout the year, and depending on the season, the aesthetic and events for the night change. 

Samurai Cosplayer at Edo Sakaba in Kyoto

Samurai Cosplayer at Edo Sakaba in Kyoto

@Japan Experience

Actor at the Edo Sakaba in Kyoto

Actor at the Edo Sakaba in Kyoto

@Japan Experience

Travel to Kyoto to see the Edo Sakaba!

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Transportation
  • Included : Economic and simple, Unlimited travel
JRP Regional
  • Included : Free Wifi access, You decide your departure time, Easy access between Kansai airport and Kyoto, Will drop you off all the place of your choice in Kyoto
Airport Transfer
  • Included : Comfortable bus, Easy access between Kansai airport and Kyoto
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