Standing in one corner of the otherwise lively UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, The Most Terrifying Haunted House gives off an especially eerie and frightening atmosphere. In this article, we report on what we experienced during a special preview held before the attraction’s official reopening.

*Even if you are not good with horror, you can choose your preferred levels of fear as explained below, and enjoy the attraction at your own pace.

A Tale of Kyoto: Ichijo Modoribashi

The twilight hour, when darkness gathers. Once you cross the bridge, there’s no turning back.

Did you know that a bridge called Ichijo Modoribashi can be found at Horikawa-Ichijo in Kyoto? Today, there is little about the bridge that appears frightening. However, when it stood on the outskirts of Heian-kyo, the ancient capital, it was said to be the subject of countless terrifying rumors.

The haunted house at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE is inspired by the supernatural legends associated with Kyoto’s Ichijo Modoribashi. With authentic sets created by the art department of Toei Studios Kyoto and compelling performances by professional actors, visitors can immerse themselves in a tale of “Kyoto’s darkness” and supernatural encounters. Once you cross the Ichijo Modoribashi inside the haunted house, you may never be able to return to this world…

You can choose your level of fear… so, there’s nothing to worry about, right?

To ensure that even visitors who think, “I can’t handle scary things!” have a chance to enjoy the attraction, The Most Terrifying Haunted House allows guests to select their own fear level. If you have come all the way to UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, you may still want to give the haunted house a try. In that case, why not begin with the least frightening option?

“Sweet and Terrifying” (Beginner)— A course for horror beginners and families.
“Intermediate” — The standard course for those unsure which level to choose.
“Great Terror” (Advanced)— The scariest course where you can fully experience the most terrifying world ever.

Naturally, I chose “Great Terror.” Admission to The Most Terrifying Haunted House costs 800 yen in addition to the regular park admission fee. The attraction is included in the “Unlimited attractions pass,” which allows guests to enjoy eligible paid attractions as many times as they like throughout the day. Please check the official website for further details.

Entering the Terrifying Haunted House

※It is difficult to convey just how frightening the attraction is through words alone, but I hope this report gives you a sense of its atmosphere.

After selecting my fear level and listening to the safety instructions, I was given a protective amulet (Gofu). With the amulet hanging around my neck, it was finally time to enter the haunted house. The bright world outside suddenly disappeared. Everything went dark, my vision was taken away, and fear immediately began to overwhelm me. I was already feeling slightly disoriented.

Meanwhile, the smiling face of the staff member guiding us only made the experience even more frightening. The door opened… As soon as the door closed behind me with a sharp click, I found myself inside the world of Ichijo Modoribashi.

The lanterns and stone statues looked as though they might begin moving at any moment. My heart started pounding, and I could feel a cold sweat running down my skin. Still, there was no choice but to keep moving. I carefully made my way forward, constantly looking from side to side.

There might be something waiting around the next corner and was that a person—or some kind of incomprehensible creature? Just as these thoughts crossed my mind, one of the ghosts suddenly let out a piercing scream and directed an empty, lifeless stare toward me!

I hurried away, only to encounter yet another corner. Somehow, I forced my trembling legs to carry me forward and eventually managed to escape. The attraction does not rely solely on ghosts suddenly appearing. It also features a variety of physical effects, including shaking floors and blasts of steam.

Instead of zombies or Western-style monsters, the attraction draws on traditional Japanese horror. Because it evokes for foreigners the fear of things that feel culturally unfamiliar, the experience becomes even more unsettling.

Will you be able to escape the world beyond Ichijo Modoribashi and return safely? Come and experience “the most terrifying” haunted house for yourself—with all five senses.

Plenty to enjoy beyond the Haunted House

Even if you cannot bring yourself to enter the haunted house—or if you would like to relax after experiencing its horrors—UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE offers plenty of other, less frightening events and attractions.

One of the first things you will want to do is take photographs among the streets inspired by Edo-period Kyoto. The extraordinary scenery makes visitors feel as though they have traveled back in time.

Live shows are held throughout the day, and visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of attractions around the park. Kimono and yukata rental services are also available as well. Put one on and stroll through the streets, and you will soon feel like a resident of Edo-period Kyoto.

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE is home to numerous restaurants and souvenir shops, making it difficult to decide what to buy. With a wide range of content for both adults and children, even visitors who are worried that they may not be able to brave the haunted house can still enjoy a full day at the park.

What about exhausted summer heat?

As the weather is still extremely hot at this time of year, as well as Kyoto, visitors may naturally be concerned about coping with the heat.

Although UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE primarily consists of outdoor areas, it also has air-conditioned indoor facilities and rest areas. Visitors therefore do not have to spend the entire day outside. Some of the restaurants sell chilled sweets, and vending machines are also available in the park. Nevertheless, please remember to bring your own items for protection against the heat.

Roofed rest areas are also available, while wind chimes and colorful pinwheels create scenery that feels both distinctly Edo-period and refreshingly summery. These seasonal decorations are another attraction that can only be enjoyed at this time of year.

If you would prefer to avoid the strongest daytime sunshine, visiting during Nighttime is another option. UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE remains open until 9:00 p.m., although some areas close at 6 p.m. Discounted tickets are also available for Nighttime, which begins at 5 p.m. Please refer to the official website for details.

Special events make Nighttime even more exciting!

During Nighttime, the park offers content exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, including “Japanese Casino” and “The House of Torture.” You may still be recovering from the haunted house, but interested visitors can also try these adult-only experiences before leaving the park.

Until the end of August, the entire park becomes a summer festival venue after dark for the “UZUMASA BONDANCE FESTIVAL“: Japanese-style summer night festival. From September 12 through November 29, the park will also host “Kyoto YOKAI Festival,” a Japanese-style Halloween event.

With various seasonal events taking place throughout the year, there is still plenty to enjoy even if you arrive later in the evening. Some restaurants also serve alcoholic beverages, allowing adult visitors to cool down while enjoying food and drinks available only at the park.

If you would like to avoid the heat—or if you are looking for somewhere to continue enjoying yourself after sunset—why not visit UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE in the cooler hours of the late afternoon and evening?

The Most Terrifying Haunted House

Fee: 800 yen (included with unlimited attractions pass)
Schedule: Last entry time: 17:30 (20:30 from August 11th to 16th) The final check-in time may be earlier depending on how busy they are.
Website: https://en.eigamura.com/attraction/ichijyou-modoribashi/

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE

Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. ※Some areas close at 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays ※The park is also open on Tuesdays in March, April and November, as well as on public holidays.

Access:
5 minutes on foot from Uzumasa-Koryuji Station on the Randen Line
13 minutes on foot from JR Hanazono Station
14 minutes on foot from Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway

Admission:
1-Day Admission: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Adults, junior high school age and over: 2,800 yen
Children aged 3 through elementary school age: 1,600 yen
Nighttime Admission: 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Adults, junior high school age and over: 2,000 yen
Children aged 3 through elementary school age: 1,300 yen

Official website: https://en.eigamura.com/https://en.eigamura.com/