If you are interested in Japan, you are probably no stranger to Japanese folklore. What if I told you that instead of reading about Japanese demons in books, you could meet one? Why not come and watch a parade full of demons dancing?
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11月 2, 2026
Kyoto Fun Adventures
After years in Japan, I have been to Kyoto more times than I can count. I’m probably one of the best guides for unique and creative activities in the Kansai area. You can catch some of my favorite adventures here.
*My Experience at Kyoto’s Hiei Museum Garden.
*7 Unique Kyoto Experiences/Eateries for YOU!
*Into Kyoto’s Vortex: Team Lab Bio-vortex
That being said, I’m always on the lookout for new activities to do. I’m also always searching for activities that ignite my passions!
Here’s where Japanese folklore enters the picture! So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw that there was a huge festival being held from September 12, 2026, until November 29, 2026.
Youkai: Japanese Demons and Folklore
There are so many unique supernatural creatures in Japanese culture that you may not have realized you have seen before.
Think of the bald-headed kappa or even the Amabie (アマビエ), a spirit believed to ward off illnesses, which you may have seen displayed in many stores and restaurants back when COVID was rampant.
The point is that between oni (ogres), kitsune (magical foxes), tengu (mountain spirits), and more, there is always SOME new demon to explore.
If you’re also interested in biking around the countryside to take pictures with demons, you’ll love going to Fukusaki City. Check out this article here to learn about this yokai adventure: Youkai Watch! Come Hunt Demons In Fukusaki City!
What is Uzumasa Kyoto Village?
You may also know this village by its previous name, Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
This used to be a movie-themed attraction in Kyoto filled with historical Japanese streets. It has been open since 1975, though it went through a huge renewal and reopened in March 2026.
If you’re interested in seeing what life was like during the Edo period (1603–1868), walking through settings that resemble the television dramas and films from that time makes this the perfect place for you.
Now, there are so many new attractions, and the village even holds its own demon festival featuring demons created specifically for this event!
Youkai Parade Information:
- Location: 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8586
- Travel time: A little over an hour from Umeda
- Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Adult admission: ¥2,800
- Child admission: ¥1,600
- Night admission: ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,300 for children
*Extra fees apply to certain games and activities at this facility. There are also discounted admission options for visitors entering after 5:00 PM.
Make the Most of Your Time in Kyoto Uzumasa
Activities and Attractions
If you are someone who likes to do a variety of activities, you may want to spend the extra money on the activities ticket add-on (¥1,500).
You can do things like shoot a bow and arrow, enter a ninja escape room, or go inside the Evangelion Kyoto Base. You also have the option to pay for each individual event at a different price.
If you’re hoping for a more chill experience, my friend Junko and I didn’t pay for the extra ticket, though we did watch the ninja show (which was AMAZING), played konpira, and did many omikujis (paper fortunes).
Film
It was exciting to see the actual film sets of the old village. But when you enter the 100 Years of Uzumasa’s Jidaigeki area, you really get a wonderful learning experience as you walk through and see props from actual films, as well as watch some of the informational movies they have.
It even made me interested in The Legend and Butterfly, a famous movie starring Takuya Kimura, who you may also know as the voice of Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle!
Anime
Of course, this is the perfect place for any anime lover or anyone who is a die-hard fan of Kamen Rider.
It was fun to see the huge Evangelion structure that you can actually take pictures with. It was also fun to see what felt like hundreds of different Kamen Rider uniforms all lined up from the TV show.
Food
There’s a lot of food available, so if you’re looking for a light snack, I highly recommend going to Shuiro Maguro in the facility, since they advertise smaller snacks rather than full meals.
If you’re looking for something a bit heavier, definitely walk around not only at the front but also towards the back of the studio, where the attraction plaza is, so that you can take your pick of whichever food you like.
There are so many options, so you’ll definitely find something delicious to eat!
Parade
Now, what you have all been waiting for: the parade!
I highly recommend arriving earlier at Otemon Plaza, at least 30 minutes before the actual show, so that you can get a spot right at the front. If you can’t get a spot right at the front, I recommend standing second from the front, behind the white line, because you’ll want to see all of the amazing demons.
My friend and I went early to save a spot and just waited the 30 minutes before the show actually began. There are different yokai performances throughout the day, so you can plan your visit around the show you want to see.
The parade starts at the entrance, and as the demons come pouring in, they all make their way to the stage to act their hearts out.
It’s an experience you’ll definitely not want to miss, and one that will stay with you as each performer smiles and really pulls you into the performance.
Not to mention, you’ll also get the opportunity to dance with them! Right before the show, they teach you the dance, or you can watch the YouTube video that teaches you beforehand.
If you’re even more interested in the activity, you can sign up to actually dress up like a demon, cosplay, and join the parade. You’ll have to check their webpage for that.
Regardless of whether you are sitting down and watching or actually joining the parade, it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss!
Souvenirs
The trains will be packed right after the parade ends, so I thought it was the perfect time to shop!
I spent an extra 20 minutes looking at the Kyoto- and demon-themed goodies before catching one of the next trains when it wasn’t too crowded.
Happy Youkai Demon Dancing!
Whenever I go to Kyoto with Junko, we always have this joke that it’s always hit or miss with the activities we do.
I can say without a doubt that this place was a 10 out of 10 experience, and I recommend it to anyone who is hoping for a thrilling experience, who loves Japanese yokai, or who just wants to learn more about Japanese culture and what life was like in the past.
Please check it out soon, since it’s only available until the end of November!
Until the next article, please stay happy, healthy, and excited for Japanese demon folklore in Japan!
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