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Exploring the 'Movie Town' of Kyoto - Daiei Street Shopping Arcade -

Alleyways enveloped in the scent of movies

The small shopping arcade in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, still retains the traces of being a movie town. There used to be a huge movie studio here, and it was said that you could see actors, directors, and staff coming and going as part of daily life.

As you step into the shopping arcade, the first thing that catches your eye is the imposing 6m-tall 'Daikaiju statue' in front of the Super Fresco. You will involuntarily stop to admire its presence. It was installed in connection with the filming of the movie 'Daikaiju' and has become the symbolic presence of the shopping arcade.

Movie-related props preserving the atmosphere of the movie town

As you walk through the shopping arcade, you will notice movie-related props scattered here and there. The streetlights are each shaped like a camera, and the pavement is adorned with patterns that resemble movie film. Thanks to these, you can immerse yourself in the feeling of walking through a movie.

Proceed down the one-way small alley, and you will come across the 'Movie Shrine,' also known as the Miyoshi Inari Shrine. It was popular among movie professionals, and many directors and actors' handprints are said to remain here.

Spots where you can experience the history of movies

Further along, you will see a monument for the 'Former Daiei Kyoto Studio' next to the middle school gate. Just beside it, there is a small square where a replica of the award trophy from the movie festival, which the director Akira Kurosawa won for his masterpiece 'Rashomon,' is placed. It is known as the 'Grand Prix Plaza.'

A little further down the street is where the Toei Studio's filming studio used to be. There are no remnants left now, but only the gateposts still retain the trace of those times.

Route to the Toei Kyoto Studio Park

If you continue further down this shopping arcade, it will lead you to the popular tourist spot, the 'Toei Kyoto Studio Park.' If you visit the movie village after thoroughly experiencing the atmosphere of the movie town, the experience should be even more authentic.

When you visit Kyoto, be sure to take a walk along Daiei Street Shopping Arcade. You will be able to savor a different side of Kyoto where you can feel the golden age of Japanese movies.