In the 19 century when the Meiji Restoration was over, people worked hard to create a new Japan. In such a time, people must have been surprised and thrilled by seeing projected moving image on the screen. Kyoto is the first place in Japan that enjoyed such thrill and sensation.

In 1908, Shozo MAKINO, later called the Father of Japanese Movies, shot a movie entitled "Honnoji Kassen" (The Battle of Honnoji, his first memorable work.)

In 1910, Einosuke YOKOTA established Yokota Company with the collaboration of Shozo MAKINO and opened the first movie studio in Kyoto.

Matsunosuke ONOE was the first Japanese "Movie Star"(1875 to 1926). He was affectionately called "Medama-no-Macchan" who was loved by children and adults as well. It is amazing that he stared more than 1000 movies. You can see him here.

Tracing the root of the monuments of Shozo MAKINO, Father of Japanese Movies(1878-1929)means traveling back to the starting days of Japanese movies.

Jidai Festival is one of three biggest festivals in Kyoto. A drum and fife band called Yamaguni-tai heads the procession during the festival. What is the relation between this band and Shozo MAKINO, the farther of Japanese movies?

Why was Shozo MAKINO called the Father of Japanese Movie? There is a good place for you to find out his great contribution in the pioneer days of movie production.

In 2010, Randen(Keifuku Electric Railroad co.,ltd.) celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. You may wonder why the history of movie studios is found along Randen Kitano Line heading to the west. There are many temples including some registered as the World Heritage sites along

What is the place called "Japanese Hollywood" in a song in early Showa Period? Yes, it is Uzumasa in Kyoto. Who established the first movie studio in Uzumasa...?

After World War II，following the movie release of "Rashomon" which was directed by Akira KUROSAWA, many Japanese movies won international prizes and entered into the golden age. Most of these prize winning movies were produced here in Kyoto. Why don't you visit the memorable place that triggered the spread of Japanese movies spreading in the world?

Uzumasa, the capital of movie industry and once called "The Japanese Hollywood" started producing new type of movie.

Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Going further from Arashiyama, you will find a quiet and comfortable place called Okusaga. This is a place related to movies where you can enjoy both sightseeing and peaceful feeling at the same time.

There are a lot of famous temples with long history and typical old Japanese sceneries in Sagano. These historical landscapes have served as excellent filming locations because of their closeness to movie studios in Uzumasa.

There are many beautiful valleys in Kyoto suburbs. Why don't you go there to enjoy the popular filming locations while feeling tranquil in the lap of beautiful nature?

The history of Japanese movie production is over one century old. Therefore, Kyoto is the place where the founders of movie business are resting in peace.

This is a large theme park featuring movie production in Uzumasa, the place once called "Japanese Hollywood". This park offers children and adults joyful experience in the movie related affairs and the opportunity to see the precious exhibits.

There is another facility with the collection of movie related materials besides Eiga Bunkakan at Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

Kenji MIZOGUCHI is one of the world famous movie directors in addition to Akira KUROSAWA, Yasujiro OZU and Mikio NARUSE. Many people engaged in movie production including GODARD, a French movie director have visited the places associated with MIZOGUCHI.

The south part of Kyoto is called Rakunan. This area has many unique filming locations that no other areas can offer.

There is not a single year without a movie related event in Kyoto which has 100 year history of movie production.