In summer 2026, Toei Kyoto Studio Park will host “Uzuma, Summer Night Festival: UZUMASA BON DANCE FESTIVAL,” turning its entire Edo-period townscape into a summer festival venue.
The event will be held on selected dates from Saturday, July 18, through Sunday, August 30, 2026. Centered on bon dancing from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the nightly lineup will rotate among maiko and geiko, period-drama cast members, Toei characters, and yokai.
Here is the key takeaway: if your main goals are bon dancing and an evening stroll through the town, the Nighttime Admission Ticket from 5:00 p.m. is enough. To also enjoy signature attractions such as the Trick Ninja House, the three-dimensional maze, and Evangelion Kyoto Base, a 1DAY Admission Ticket and a daytime arrival are recommended.
One easily overlooked detail is that many paid attractions close at 5:30 p.m., while some areas close at 6:00 p.m. Entering at 5:00 p.m. with a Nighttime Admission Ticket leaves almost no time for daytime attractions.
This guide explains the differences between Part One and Part Two, how to choose a ticket, suggested routes for families and dates, and the park’s classic daytime experiences.
Information is current as of publication. Performers, event details, and operating hours may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Basic Information for Toei Kyoto Studio Park’s Summer Night Festival 2026
| Event name | Uzuma, Summer Night Festival: UZUMASA BON DANCE FESTIVAL |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 18, 19, and 20, and July 25–August 30, 2026 |
| Park closure dates | July 28; August 4, 18, and 25 |
| Event hours | 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Bon dance | 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Bon dance venue | Otemon Square |
| Festival stalls and beer garden | 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.／Otemon Square |
| Venue | Toei Kyoto Studio Park (10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto) |
| Nighttime Admission Ticket | Adults $12.50; children $8.13 |
| 1DAY Admission Ticket | Adults $17.50; children $10.00 |
| Age policy | Admission is free for children under age 3 |
| Rain | Event details or locations may change |
| Special website | https://eigamura.com/feature/bon-dance2026/ |
Child pricing applies from age 3 through elementary school, while adult pricing applies to junior high school students and older. Prices may vary by visit date, so confirm the amount on the purchase screen.
As of publication, there is no separate participation fee, advance reservation, or numbered-ticket requirement for the bon dance itself. Participation conditions for activities such as character high-five sessions vary by date.
Part One: Kyoto Nighttime Fun
Part One, “Dance with Kyoto? KYOTO BON DANCE NIGHT -Kyoto Nighttime Fun-,” runs from Saturday, July 18, through Monday, July 20, a public holiday, and from Saturday, July 25, through Friday, August 14. The park is closed on July 28 and August 4.
Maiko and geiko, period-drama cast members, actors, and Toei characters appear during this period, accompanied by music that blends CITY POP with bon dancing.
Choose a date from Part One to meet characters as a family, see Kyoto-style dance, or participate with relatives across several generations.
Part Two: Yokai Nighttime Fun
Part Two, “Dance with Yokai? YOKAI BON DANCE NIGHT -Yokai Nighttime Fun-,” runs from Saturday, August 15, through Sunday, August 30. The park is closed on August 18 and 25.
The yokai familiar from the popular annual autumn event Kaikai YOKAI Festival will appear at the park after dark. Guests can dance and take photos with them while spending a slightly mysterious summer evening in the Edo-period townscape.
Rather than a haunted-house event focused on scares, this is a summer festival combining yokai culture and bon dancing. Some young children may still find the yokai’s appearance frightening, so showing them photos before choosing a date can help.
Choose by Date: Special Guests and Toei Characters
Even within Part One, the program changes significantly by date. Guests hoping to see a favorite character or performer should choose the date before purchasing tickets.
| Date | Main program |
|---|---|
| July 18 and 19 | Maiko and geiko from Komaya in Miyagawacho |
| July 25 | Main cast of the serial period drama Shinpai Muyonosuke Tenka Gomen |
| August 1 | Ojamajo Doremi Hoshimi Tower Bon Dance Carnival!! |
| August 2, 10, and 12 | Super Sentai × Kamen Rider Superhero Bon Dance 2026 |
| August 8 | BON DANCE FESTIVAL with Hokuto |
| August 11 and 13 | Detective Precure! Hoshimi Tower Precure Bon Dance! |
| August 14 | Maiko and geiko from Komaya in Miyagawacho |
| Event dates from August 15–30 | Dance with Yokai: YOKAI BON DANCE NIGHT |
Check Participation Requirements for Ojamajo Doremi on August 1
For “Ojamajo Doremi Hoshimi Tower Bon Dance Carnival!!” on August 1, a high-five session is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the first floor of Padios.
Participation requires either a Nighttime Ticket with merchandise or the purchase of eligible merchandise. As capacity and quantities are limited on a first-come basis, preparation differs depending on whether you only want to watch the bon dance or also join the high-five session.
This one-day-only event celebrates Doremi Harukaze’s birthday, so expect it to draw more visitors than a regular event date.
Timing at 5:30 p.m. Matters on Hero and Precure Days
High-five sessions are also scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the first floor of Padios on the Super Sentai × Kamen Rider dates and Detective Precure! dates.
Guests using a Nighttime Admission Ticket should avoid spending too long on photos or food after entering at 5:00 p.m. Allowing for the walk from the entrance, restroom stops, and getting children ready, plan to enter right at 5:00 p.m.
Appearing characters vary by date. When visiting for a specific Kamen Rider or Super Sentai hero, carefully confirm the correct date.
Five Highlights to Experience at the Summer Night Festival
1. A Studio Park Bon Dance Where CITY POP Meets Tradition
The bon dance takes place at Otemon Square from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Music is provided by CLUB80’s, a popular regular party at Kyoto nightclub CLUB METRO. Its broad selection, from Western music to Japanese pop standards, combines CITY POP with bon dancing.
The appeal is not simply watching a traditional bon dance from the sidelines, but joining a circle that welcomes all generations. There is no need to know every move perfectly; follow the people around you and participate casually.
2. A Different World Each Day, from Maiko to Yokai
Part One centers on Kyoto culture and Toei productions, while Part Two focuses on yokai culture.
Even at the same Otemon Square, the audience and photo atmosphere change between maiko and geiko days, hero days, Precure days, and yokai days. The two-part format makes repeat visits appealing, but for a single visit the easiest choice is based on whom you want to dance with.
For three-generation family groups, maiko and geiko or hero days are easy choices. Character days suit families with preschool and elementary-age children, while Part Two’s yokai nights work well for couples and friends seeking something out of the ordinary.
3. Summer Festival Fun at the Stalls and Beer Garden
Festival stalls and a beer garden operate at Otemon Square from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Use requires facility vouchers sold in $3.13 units. They are available at the Costume Shop, Uzuwaku Machiya, and Otemon Square, and can be used at dining venues, souvenir shops, and attractions inside the park. Some shops and menu items are excluded.
Facility vouchers do not provide change and cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash. First look at what you want to eat, then buy the number of vouchers you need to reduce the chance of leftovers.
4. Photo Spots with Japanese Umbrellas, Wind Chimes, and Pinwheels
Photo spots featuring Japanese umbrellas, wind chimes, and pinwheels will appear at Mugen Pond and in front of Unoya and Torisei on Karasu Street.
In daylight, colors and patterns are easier to capture clearly. After dusk, lanterns and building lights create distinctly cinematic Studio Park photos. Even when night photography is your main goal, take photos in the 6:00 p.m. hour because crowds tend to gather at Otemon Square just before the 7:00 p.m. bon dance.
For dates or outings with friends, pairing yukata or SOU・SOU Japanese-style clothing rental with the Edo-period townscape makes an especially good visual match.
5. Studio Park Radio at 8:00 p.m. on Selected Dates
RADIO is scheduled at Otemon Square from 8:00 p.m. on July 18, 19, and 25, and August 8, 15, 16, 23, and 30.
On some dates, guest talks continue immediately after the bon dance. Rather than heading straight for the exit at 8:00 p.m., it can be worthwhile to remain at Otemon Square.
Families with young children and day-trippers from farther away need to consider the trip home. Decide in advance whether to stay until the end or begin leaving when the bon dance ends at 8:00 p.m. to avoid disagreements.
Nighttime Admission or 1DAY: Which Ticket Should You Choose?
The most important ticket question is what you want to do besides the night festival.
Choose Nighttime Admission for the Festival and Evening Scenery
The Nighttime Admission Ticket is valid from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and costs $12.50 for adults and $8.13 for children.
It works well for a route that starts at 5:00 p.m. and includes a high-five session, festival stalls, photo spots, and the bon dance from 7:00 p.m. It is also convenient after daytime sightseeing in Kyoto or Arashiyama.
However, many paid attractions close at 5:30 p.m. It is not realistic to enter with a night ticket and then visit the Ninja House, maze, and NINJA BATTLE in sequence.
Choose 1DAY for Ninja Experiences and Hero Exhibits
The 1DAY Admission Ticket is valid from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and costs $17.50 for adults and $10.00 for children.
Compared with Nighttime Admission, the difference is $5.00 for adults and $1.88 for children. Because the child-price difference is small, 1DAY is an easy choice for families who also want daytime attractions.
Families with children will especially enjoy spending the day on ninja experiences and character exhibits, taking an early-evening break, and then heading to the bon dance.
Who Should Choose the Premium Night Admission Ticket?
The Premium Night Admission Ticket includes Nighttime Admission from 5:00 p.m., $12.50 in facility vouchers, and a limited-edition event sticker.
Regular prices are $25.00 for adults and $20.63 for children. Purchase by 9:30 p.m. on July 17 for an early price of $23.13 for adults and $18.75 for children.
With early purchase, the package is $1.88 less than buying Nighttime Admission and facility vouchers separately. It is a straightforward option for guests certain to spend all $12.50 on stalls, food, drinks, or eligible attractions.
Conversely, guests who only want bon dancing and photos without eating may not use all the facility vouchers. Because they provide no change or refunds, do not choose impulsively just for the limited-edition sticker; think through how you will use them.
Classic Toei Kyoto Studio Park Experiences to Enjoy During the Day
The Summer Night Festival begins at 5:00 p.m., but the classic daytime experiences are essential for a full day of Studio Park atmosphere.
Walk and Photograph the Edo-Period Townscape
Start with the renovated Edo-period townscape.
During the day, building details, signs, and the depth of narrow lanes are easy to see. At night, lantern light transforms the scene. Taking a daytime and nighttime photo in the same location produces entirely different results.
Photos can make the area look quick to tour, but each street offers a different background, and snacking or taking pictures can easily fill the time. Allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for an unhurried walk.
Trick Ninja House
The Trick Ninja House is one of Toei Kyoto Studio Park’s classic attractions.
Searching for hidden doors and mechanisms makes it an exciting experience for families and groups of friends. Admission is $3.75 for guests age 3 and older, and the attraction is included in the Attraction Pass.
Standard attraction hours during the Summer Night Festival period generally end at 5:30 p.m., so do not leave this experience until late afternoon.
NINJA BATTLE -Uzumasa Oni Showdown-
For an active taste of ninja action, consider NINJA BATTLE -Uzumasa Oni Showdown-. Individual admission is $5.00 for guests age 3 and older, and it is included in the Attraction Pass.
Children can become absorbed in the experience, but it requires energy in summer. On days when you will stay until night, do it earlier in the day and schedule food or an indoor break between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Three-Dimensional Maze: Ninja Fortress
This indoor high-rise maze is 10 meters tall and three stories high. Choose either a physical or intellectual course, then work through rope mazes and wooden mechanisms to reach the goal.
Admission is $3.75 for guests age 3 and older. Because the attraction includes athletic elements, wear easy-to-move-in clothing such as pants and sneakers.
Take care when combining this attraction with a yukata or period-drama costume. Some outfits cannot be worn on certain attractions, so it is easier to complete the maze first and change into a yukata afterward.
Evangelion Kyoto Base
This classic spot offers an entry-plug boarding experience and photos with a gigantic Evangelion Unit-01.
Final admission is at 5:15 p.m., but it may end earlier depending on crowd levels. Entering at 5:00 p.m. with a Nighttime Admission Ticket may leave too little time after entry procedures and the walk to the attraction.
When Evangelion Kyoto Base is one of your priorities, visit during the day with a 1DAY ticket.
Kamen Rider and Super Sentai History
This exhibit featuring generations of Kamen Rider and Super Sentai heroes is a family-friendly classic.
On a Superhero Bon Dance date, see the History exhibit during the day and then head to the high-five session in the early evening for a consistent theme throughout the day. For children who love the characters, this creates richer memories than watching the bon dance alone.
Yukata and Kimono Rental
Yukata rental at the Costume Shop pairs especially well with the Summer Night Festival. Rental costs $15.63, dressing takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the outfit must be returned by 8:00 p.m.
Standard kimono rental and Japanese-style clothing rental from Kyoto brand SOU・SOU also cost $15.63 each. SOU・SOU requires an additional $12.50 deposit.
Yukata are available for guests at least 150 centimeters tall, with no children’s sizes offered. Hair styling and touch-up makeup are not included, so arranging your hair before check-in makes it easier to move directly to photography.
The bon dance and the yukata return deadline are both at 8:00 p.m. Returning the outfit after dancing to the very end creates a timing conflict, so confirm the return procedure and deadline at reception that day.
Cultural Experiences: Tea Ceremony, Kyoto Dance, Noh, and More
After its renovation, Toei Kyoto Studio Park also offers programs where guests can experience Japanese culture, including tea ceremony, Kyoto dance, Noh, kyogen, shamisen, and traditional festival music.
Advance reservations receive priority, and preferred times may fill up. Because programs and daily schedules can change, check cultural-experience times as well as the bon dance dates.
Combining Kyoto dance or tea ceremony with a date featuring maiko and geiko creates a distinctly Kyoto-style day, different from a character event.
A Puzzle-Solving Activity Open into the Evening
“Puzzle Solving: The Shinsengumi and the Mysterious Bandit Hiding in Kyoto” begins June 29 and is listed as available until 9:00 p.m. The fee is $3.13.
Because many attractions close at 5:30 p.m., this is a valuable classic experience that can continue into the evening. When doing it during the gap from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., assess your progress around 6:30 p.m. so you can return to Otemon Square before the bon dance.
Check the Haunted House Renovation Period
“The Scariest Haunted House Ever” temporarily closed on June 28, 2026, with a renovated reopening planned for around mid-August.
It will not be available during the first half of the Summer Night Festival, so avoid a July visit when the haunted house is your main goal. The exact reopening date had not been announced as of publication.
To combine Part Two’s yokai event with the new haunted house, wait for an additional reopening announcement before choosing a date.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy the Park by Travel Group
Families with Children
For families with elementary-age children, enter in the morning with a 1DAY ticket and enjoy the Ninja House, maze, hero exhibits, and other daytime attractions.
On dates with a 5:30 p.m. high-five session, finish restroom stops and a break during the 4:00 p.m. hour, then move toward Padios shortly after 5:00 p.m. Children may become irritable if they wait hungry until the 7:00 p.m. bon dance, so an early light meal around 6:00 p.m. is practical.
Preschool children may become sleepy around 8:00 p.m. Rather than insisting on watching the bon dance from beginning to end, keep the option of leaving early based on the child’s condition.
Couples and Dates
For a date, combine yukata or SOU・SOU Japanese-style clothing rental with the Edo townscape at dusk, photo spots, and the bon dance.
Instead of heading directly to Otemon Square after changing, photograph Mugen Pond and Karasu Street first, then return to the same places after dark for different images.
However, yukata must be returned by 8:00 p.m. Since this overlaps with the end of the bon dance that begins at 7:00 p.m., confirm the day’s procedure at reception.
Groups of Friends
Friends can compete at NINJA BATTLE or the three-dimensional maze during the day, then continue with festival stalls, food, and bon dancing in the evening.
During Part Two’s yokai period, it is easy to take photos unlike those at an ordinary summer festival, and groups can have fun posing together. Look beyond straight-on shots and find positions that include Edo-period buildings and lanterns in the background.
When drinking alcohol, pay attention to attraction restrictions. Complete active experiences first, then enjoy the beer garden at night.
Visiting Alone
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is also enjoyable solo.
The bon dance is easy to join rather than only watch, and you can photograph the nighttime townscape, wind chimes, and Japanese umbrellas at your own pace. The radio program beginning at 8:00 p.m. on selected dates is also easy to enjoy attentively alone.
For photos that include yourself, check that day’s rules and the areas where a compact smartphone stand may be used. Avoid opening a tripod or selfie stick in crowded spaces.
First-Time Visitors to Toei Kyoto Studio Park
A common first-time mistake is trying to visit every attraction after 5:00 p.m.
Although the park stays open into the night, many attractions close at 5:30 p.m. and some areas close at 6:00 p.m. Clearly separate your goal: choose 1DAY for classic experiences or Nighttime Admission for the evening atmosphere.
The park also has a Main Entrance and a Studio Entrance. Entry through the Studio Entrance ends at 5:00 p.m. and exit ends at 6:00 p.m., so night-event guests will find the Main Entrance less confusing.
Repeat Visitors
Repeat visitors may find it fresher to focus on experiences that change by time of day, such as the Edo town at night, yukata, limited photo spots, and the radio program, rather than packing in familiar daytime attractions.
Visiting Part One and Part Two once each lets you compare a character-centered summer festival with a yokai-centered one.
It is also worth photographing the same composition by day and night. For theme-park fans, seeing how the renovated townscape changes between natural light and lanterns is especially engaging.
Long-Distance Visitors and Kansai Day-Trippers
Visitors traveling from farther away should avoid overloading the day after the event. Staying until 9:00 p.m. means a late return toward Kyoto Station or Osaka.
Even for a day trip from within Kansai, decide in advance whether to stay for the radio program from 8:00 p.m. or leave when the bon dance ends at 8:00 p.m.
The Main Entrance is a five-minute walk from Randen Uzumasa-Koryuji Station, 13 minutes from JR Hanazono Station, and 14 minutes from subway Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station. Account for crowds and transfers on the return trip, and check a comfortably timed train rather than relying on the last service.
Sample Itineraries from Daytime to Night
1DAY Family Course
10:00 a.m. Enter and head to a popular attraction
10:30 a.m. Trick Ninja House
11:15 a.m. Three-Dimensional Maze: Ninja Fortress or NINJA BATTLE
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Kamen Rider and Super Sentai History
2:30 p.m. Evangelion Kyoto Base
3:30 p.m. Indoor break, snack, and restroom
4:45 p.m. On character dates, move to Padios
5:30 p.m. High-five session or festival stalls
6:00 p.m. Early dinner and photo spots
6:40 p.m. Head to Otemon Square
7:00 p.m. Bon dance
8:00 p.m. Leave based on the children’s energy
For families, it is important not to overschedule after 5:00 p.m. Finish most play during the day and make the bon dance the main evening activity for greater satisfaction.
Yukata Date Course
2:00 p.m. Enter with a 1DAY ticket and explore the Edo town
3:00 p.m. Take a break at a café or restaurant
4:00 p.m. Rent a yukata at the Costume Shop
4:30 p.m. Photograph the townscape in daylight
5:15 p.m. Photo spots at Mugen Pond and Karasu Street
6:00 p.m. Festival stalls, food, and drinks
6:40 p.m. Head to Otemon Square
7:00 p.m. Bon dance
8:00 p.m. Because this overlaps with the yukata return time, follow reception instructions
After 8:00 p.m. Radio program on selected dates and night photography
A yukata plan does not end once you put it on; include the return deadline in the schedule. Since it may overlap with the liveliest part of the bon dance, confirm arrangements in advance.
Nighttime Course from 5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. Enter through the Main Entrance
5:10 p.m. On a high-five session date, go directly to Padios
5:30 p.m. Festival stalls, beer garden, and an early meal
6:10 p.m. Photograph Mugen Pond, Karasu Street, and the Edo town at night
6:40 p.m. Check your location at Otemon Square
7:00 p.m. Bon dance
8:00 p.m. Radio program on selected dates or stroll through the nighttime town
8:40 p.m. Souvenirs and departure preparations
Nighttime Admission provides four hours, but the bon dance occupies 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In practice, free-roaming time is 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., so set priorities for food and photography.
Crowds, Time Needed, and Photography Tips
Times Most Likely to Be Crowded
Expect visitors to gather at the following times:
・Immediately after Nighttime Admission begins at 5:00 p.m.
・Before the 5:30 p.m. character high-five session
・Before the bon dance begins at 7:00 p.m.
・Weekends, public holidays, and the Obon period
・The one-day-only Ojamajo Doremi event
・Dates featuring Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, or Precure
・The final day of Part One and the opening or final day of Part Two
No official crowd forecast has been announced, but scheduled events naturally draw people shortly before their start. Instead of arriving at Otemon Square exactly at 7:00 p.m., move there around 6:30 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. for a calmer arrival.
Relatively Easy Times to Move Around
During the 5:00 p.m. hour immediately after entering with a night ticket, going first to photo spots is an option on dates without a high-five session.
During the 7:00 p.m. bon dance hour, many visitors gather at Otemon Square. Watching only part of the dance and then moving to photograph the townscape may make other areas easier to navigate, though this does not suit guests who want the full bon dance experience.
After 8:00 p.m., crowd flow differs between dates with and without the radio program. On radio dates, more people remain at Otemon Square, so moving to another area can be good for nighttime townscape photography.
Estimated Time Needed
For the Summer Night Festival alone, allow the full four hours from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to experience the stalls, photos, and bon dance.
Arriving around 6:30 p.m. is enough when the bon dance is your only goal, but entry, restroom time, and walking to the venue leave little margin.
When including classic daytime attractions, plan a full day rather than half a day. Ninja attractions, exhibits, meals, town walks, and breaks can make the time from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. pass surprisingly quickly.
Make One Photography Round Before the Bon Dance
A good approach is to photograph once while daylight remains, then retake the scenes as night views after the bon dance.
At Mugen Pond, include the water’s surface and Japanese umbrellas. On Karasu Street, frame the wind chimes, pinwheels, and buildings together for a summery image. In the Edo town, create depth through eaves or latticework instead of only photographing straight down the street.
At the bon dance venue, trying to take close-up photos only of performers tends to draw people toward the front. Also aim for wider images that include the venue, dance tower, lanterns, and circle of dancers; even from farther away, they convey the summer festival atmosphere.
Common Mistakes for First-Time Visitors
Trying to Visit Classic Attractions After 5:00 p.m.
This is the biggest mistake. Many paid attractions close at 5:30 p.m., and final admission to Evangelion Kyoto Base is at 5:15 p.m.
The park staying open at night does not mean every facility is available until 9:00 p.m. Choose 1DAY when daytime experiences are a priority.
Using the Studio Entrance for the Night Event
The Studio Entrance is close to Randen Satsueisho-mae Station and JR Uzumasa Station, but entry ends at 5:00 p.m. and exit ends at 6:00 p.m.
For the night event, remember to use the Main Entrance. It is a five-minute walk from Randen Uzumasa-Koryuji Station.
Leaving Premium Ticket Facility Vouchers Unused
Facility vouchers are issued in $3.13 units and provide no change. They also cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash.
Before purchasing, check whether you plan to use them on food or festival stalls and whether your group can spend the full $12.50.
The Yukata Return Deadline Overlaps with the Bon Dance
Yukata, kimono, and SOU・SOU Japanese-style rentals must be returned by 8:00 p.m. Since the bon dance also ends at 8:00 p.m., dancing until the end leaves no extra return time.
Confirm the day’s return method and deadline at reception, and leave the bon dance slightly early if necessary.
Assuming the Park Is Closed Every Tuesday
Tuesday is usually a park closure day, but summer event operating dates are set individually.
The summer 2026 closure dates are July 28 and August 4, 18, and 25. Tuesday, August 11, is listed as a Precure bon dance date.
Check operation by calendar date rather than weekday alone.
Tips for Rainy and Hot Days
Rainy Days
In rainy weather, event details or locations may change. The outdoor bon dance and photo spots at Otemon Square may not operate as usual.
Do not assume cancellation; check the day’s announcement. In addition to a folding umbrella, a raincoat that keeps both hands free makes moving around and taking photos easier.
Wet ground can soil yukata and long hems, and is not suited to active attractions such as the three-dimensional maze. On rainy days, a plan with more indoor exhibits, cultural experiences, and dining is more comfortable.
Hot Days
Kyoto remains humid even on summer nights. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., but a full 1DAY visit beginning during the day requires considerable energy.
Think about salt as well as hydration, and schedule at least a 30-minute indoor break between daytime attractions and the evening bon dance.
Families with children should not assume they will dance for the full hour. Bring drinks and towels so breaks are easy. Yukata look great in photos but can trap heat, so avoid overexertion.
Who Is the Toei Kyoto Studio Park Summer Night Festival Best For?
It is recommended for anyone who wants both a Kyoto-style summer festival and the extraordinary atmosphere of a theme park.
It especially suits families who love Toei characters, couples who want yukata photos, groups of friends interested in yokai culture, and repeat visitors eager to walk through the renovated Studio Park at night.
It is not suited to guests hoping to enter at 5:00 p.m. and conquer several attractions. To focus on rides and athletic activities, enter with a 1DAY ticket during the day.
Families should also consider the stamina and comfort of toddlers who struggle to stay awake late, children frightened by yokai appearances, and anyone sensitive to outdoor heat before deciding, especially for Part Two.
Summary: Separate Daytime Classics from the Night Festival to Avoid Mistakes
“Uzuma, Summer Night Festival: UZUMASA BON DANCE FESTIVAL” is more than an event for watching bon dancing.
In Part One, guests dance with maiko and geiko, period-drama cast members, and Toei characters; in Part Two, they spend a summer night with yokai. With festival stalls, a beer garden, Japanese umbrella and wind-chime photo spots, and radio programs on selected dates, there is plenty to enjoy from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
However, daytime classic attractions have different operating hours.
Choose Nighttime Admission for the night festival alone. Choose 1DAY to add the Ninja House, maze, Evangelion Kyoto Base, and hero exhibits. Making this distinction before visiting can greatly improve satisfaction.
A major highlight is enjoying the renovated Edo town both by day and by night. Rather than only packing in attractions, spend the day noticing the bright streets, lantern-lit streets, and crowds gathering for the bon dance; those changes over time create a distinctly Studio Park summer memory.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park Summer Night Festival 2026 FAQ
Q. Can I enjoy the Ninja House and maze with a Nighttime Admission Ticket?
Nighttime Admission begins at 5:00 p.m., but many paid attractions close at 5:30 p.m. Entry procedures and walking time make it difficult to visit several attractions, so choose a 1DAY Admission Ticket when the Ninja House or maze is a priority.
Q. Who is the Premium Night Admission Ticket best for?
It suits guests certain to spend the full $12.50 in facility vouchers on festival stalls, food, drinks, or eligible attractions. Purchase by 9:30 p.m. on July 17 for a $1.88 discount, but because vouchers provide no change or refunds, decide how to use them before choosing this ticket.
Q. What time should families with children arrive?
To enjoy ninja experiences and hero exhibits, enter in the morning with a 1DAY ticket and take an indoor break between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For the night festival alone, entering at 5:00 p.m. is sufficient. On high-five session dates, arrive in time to enter right at 5:00 p.m. because the session begins at 5:30 p.m.
Q. Is Part One or Part Two recommended?
Choose Part One for maiko and geiko, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Precure, or Ojamajo Doremi. Part Two suits visitors who want photos with yokai and the atmosphere of a slightly mysterious night festival.
Q. Is the bon dance held on rainy days?
In rainy weather, event details or locations may change. Since normal outdoor operation is not guaranteed, check that day’s announcement and bring a raincoat and shoes that are comfortable when wet.
Q. Can I rent a yukata and enjoy the bon dance until the end?
Yukata rentals must be returned by 8:00 p.m., and the bon dance also ends at 8:00 p.m. Because the times overlap, confirm the day’s return procedure at reception and plan to leave the dance slightly early if necessary.
Q. Which entrance should I use for the night event?
The Main Entrance is the clearest choice at night. The Studio Entrance only allows entry until 5:00 p.m. and exit until 6:00 p.m., so it is not suited to a Summer Night Festival visit lasting until 9:00 p.m.
Exchange rate used in this article: US$1 = ¥160.
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