Kyoto Toei Uzumasa Movie Park: Bon Odori Festival with Yokai

Uzumasa Summer Night Festival at Kyoto's Toei Uzumasa Movie Park

Toei Uzumasa Movie Park in Kyoto is transforming its entire park grounds into a massive night festival from July 18 to August 30, 2026.

Marking the park's first major summer event since its grand renewal opening, the festival features a unique two-part theme.

Visitors will experience a modern twist on tradition, pairing a historic Edo-period backdrop with a soundtrack that fuses City Pop and traditional Bon Odori rhythms.

Dance with Kyoto – Maiko Performances and Period Drama Casts

The first half of the festival runs from July 18 to August 14 and brings the authentic heritage of Kyoto's culture and television history right to the dance circle.

On July 18, 19, and August 14, Maiko from Komaya, a prestigious teahouse in the historic Miyagawacho Geisha district, will make authentic appearances to perform elegant traditional dances. 

Visitors on July 25 can look forward to the Shinpai Night Celebrity Dance, where the main cast of the BS-TBS period drama Shinpai Muyonosuke: Tenka Gomen—which was filmed on-location at the Movie Park—will make a special appearance to dance with guests.

Additionally, on August 8, the renowned stage and film actor Hokuto will lead a special session blending stage combat and traditional Japanese dance movements into the festival night.

Dance with Yokai – A Supernatural Night Experience

From August 15 to August 30, the festival takes a supernatural turn as it partners with the Kyoto-based monster art collective Hyakuyobako.

The Edo-period streets will become a mystical playground where guests can dance the Bon Odori side-by-side with eccentric, eye-catching Japanese monsters (yokai), including the popular Yako Doji.

It offers a slightly spooky, magical summer night atmosphere that can only be experienced inside a movie set.

Multi-Generational Toei Character Days and City Pop Beats

Fans of Japanese pop culture will have exclusive opportunities to meet legendary characters on selected dates at the central Hoshimi Yagura festival tower:

On August 1, guests can enjoy the Ojamajo Doremi Carnival, a one-day-only event to celebrate the birthday of the protagonist, Doremi Harukaze, with a themed dance party.

Families can also look forward to the Super Hero Kids' Days on August 2, 10, and 12, where they can dance to custom-choreographed routines featuring Super Sentai and Kamen Rider heroes.

Additionally, the Pretty Cure Kids' Days on August 11 and 13 promise a fun-filled evening featuring tracks and dance choreography from the popular Pretty Cure series.

The entire event’s soundtrack is produced in collaboration with α-STATION FM Kyoto and remixed by the DJs of Kyoto’s legendary CLUB METRO, seamlessly mixing retro Japanese pop (Kayokyoku), Western hits, and City Pop for a global audience.

UZUMASA BON DANCE FESTIVAL 2026

Dates: July 18–20, and July 25–August 30, 2026
*Park closed on July 28, August 4, 18, and 25.
Hours: 17:00–21:00 (Bon Odori dancing takes place from 19:00–20:00)
Venue: Toei Uzumasa Movie Park, Kyoto
Ticket Info:
Nighttime Admission: Adults 2,000 yen / Children 1,300 yen
Premium Night Ticket: Adults 4,000 yen / Children 3,300 yen (Includes admission, 2,000 yen in park vouchers, and a limited-edition sticker).
Official Website: https://eigamura.com/feature/bon-dance2026/
Information and photo source: PR Times