Kyoto has a wealth of cultural attractions. No wonder millions of tourists come here to experience its glory. Boasting luxury hotels and the traditional comforts of bed and breakfasts, Kyoto remains a thriving travel destination. And at the heart of its heritage are the geisha. While there are many women who walk around wearing the traditional attire of geisha, there is only a handful who are trained in the art of professional hosting and entertainment in the traditional Japanese style. In Kyoto, full-fledged geisha are called geiko, while trainees are known as maiko, and they are mainly concentrated in five kagai - or geisha districts - across the city. Even then, entry to performances and tea ceremonies are limited and is often exclusive. However, there are some that are open to the public. Check out this list if you’re interested in knowing where to watch a geisha show in Kyoto.
1. Maikoya geisha dance performance in Gion Dsitrict
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Within the storied walls of a historic tea house in the Gion district, the Maikoya Geisha Show unfolds. Securing a ticket here is experiencing more than just the show. A great prelude to the geisha performance is a delightful Gion walking tour that takes about 30 to 45 minutes. With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide as your companion throughout, you’ll discover hidden gems, geisha movie locations, and restaurant suggestions.
After the tour, a captivating traditional dance performance by the geisha enchants the audience for 45 minutes. The experience feels extra authentic as it is held in a classic Japanese-style room and guests have photo opportunities with the geishas after the performance.
Geisha Show in Gion District
Address: 100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Website: Geisha Show in Gion District
Opening hours: 5:45pm – 6:30pm (Gion walking tour); 6:30pm – 7:15pm (Geisha show)
Price: 90 USD (+ tax)
2. Witness the buyo dance at the Maiko Theater (Starts from 7,300 USD)
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
This option provides you with the opportunity to catch a maiko performance featuring the traditional buyo dance, a Japanese dance that is said to have roots right in Kyoto. For an additional fee, you can also enjoy tea and sweets served by maiko, a framed photo, and special merchandise from the theater on top of having seats to the buyo dance.
Maiko Theater
Address: 302-2 Daikokucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0832, Japan
Website:
Price: Starts from 7,300 USD
3. Attend a Maiko show at the Kansai Tourist Information Center At Kyoto Tower
The Kansai Tourist Information Center At Kyoto Tower regularly hosts 45 minutes-long maiko shows that include dance performances and photo opportunities with the performers. The audience will also be given the chance to ask questions to the maiko to get to know more about their culture and way of life.
Kansai Tourist Information Center At Kyoto Tower
Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1 京都タワービル 3階
Website: Kansai Tourist Information Center At Kyoto Tower
Price: 26.50 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Miyako Odori at Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jo Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The cherry blossom season is considered a special period in Japan, and one of the ways in which this is celebrated is through the Miyako Odori, where geiko and maiko of the Gion district come together to perform their cherry blossom dance, distinguishable because of its delicate movements.
Their dances and songs are often accompanied by musicians, who also appear on the stage, behind the geisha. These geisha performances in Kyoto are held at at the Gion Kōbu Kaburenjo theatre, which is close to the Yasaka Shrine.
Miyako Odori at Gion Kobu Kaburenjo
Address: 198 Nakano-cho, Shijo-dori, Yamato-oji nishiiru, Higashiyama-ku, 605-0075 Kyoto
Website: Miyako Odori at Gion Kobu Kaburenjo
Takes place: April
5. Kyo Odori at Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kyo Odori is the annual spring performance of geiko and maiko from the Miyagawa-chō geisha district and is intended to welcome arrival of the season. The program is filled with several dances, songs, and musical performances. The performance culminates with the Miyagawa Ondo dance, presented by a group of geiko and maiko dressed in gorgeous kimonos.
Kyo Odori at Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre
Address: Japan, 〒605-0801 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Miyagawasuji, ４−306
Website: Kyo Odori at Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre
Opening hours: 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm (daily from 1-16 April)
Price: Starts from 22.75 USD
6. Gion Odori at Gion Kaikan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Gion Odori is the Gion Higashi District’s annual geisha show, which takes place from 1-10 November, right when the leaves start to change color in autumn. It is relatively smaller compared to the other annual geisha performances in Kyoto, making this a good choice who prefer more intimate events, particularly considering that Gion district is considered to be the most prestigious among all the geisha districts.
Guests have the option to watch the performance alone or get tickets that would allow them to enjoy a cup of matcha and a sweet snack before the performance, along with a commemorative plate as souvenir.
Gion Odori at Gion Kaikan
Address: 323 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Website: Gion Odori at Gion Kaikan
Opening hours: 1:30pm and 4pm (daily from 1-10 November)
Price: Starts from 38 USD
7. Kamogawa Odori at Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kamogawa Odori is the annual performance of the geiko and maiko of the Pontocho area, one of the oldest districts in Kyoto. This performance is composed of two parts: the first half of the performance is a dance drama, which is accompanied by female musicians singing while playing instruments such as shamisen, drums, and flutes. The second half of the show is the performance of Kyoto Utagoyomi, which is composed of five scenes, each of which is distinguishable thanks to the use of moving backdrops.
What makes this performance stand out from other geisha performances is that it incorporates Western and modern touches and not just traditional Japanese elements.
Kamogawa Odori at Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Address: 130 Hashishitacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8003, Japan
Website: Kamogawa Odori at Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Opening hours: 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 6:10pm (daily from 1-24 May)
Price: Starts from 23.75 USD
8. Kitano Odori at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre
The Kitano Odori is the annual performance of the geisha of the Kamishichiken District. The performance is typically segmented into three sections: a short play, themed dances, and the finale, the Kamishichiken Serenade. The first two sections typically change every year, but the finale remains the same with every performance. Guests have the option to watch the performance alone or pair it with a tea ceremony hosted by maiko.
Kitano Odori at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre
Address: Japan, 〒602-8381 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, 今出川通七本松西入真盛町742
Website: Kitano Odori at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre
Opening hours: 2pm, 4:30pm (daily from 1-25 April)
Price: Starts from 47 USD
9. Enjoy an evening of Maiko performance with kaiseki-style dinner at Gion Hatanaka (from USD 186.0)
This tour package allows guests to enjoy a dinner and a show in the company of maiko at Gion Hatanaka, a cultural center located in a geisha district. Prior to the actual dinner, the host will give you an overview of the cultural significance of the dinner and performance that you will be taking part in. The traditional Japanese meal is prepared by a chef and is paired by a combination of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Maiko serve as your hostesses and provide musical and dance performances throughout the dinner.
Kyoto Maiko Performance with Kaiseki Dinner and Drinks
Duration: 2 hours
10. Enjoy Japanese-style dinner along with traditional Japanese performances (from USD 125.0)
Make the most out of four hours by enjoying traditional Japanese food and entertainments. This activity will allow you not just to witness the dance performance of maiko, you will also be able to enjoy listening to gagaku court music and watching a puppet theater. Bundled in the package is a tea ceremony followed by a fantastic dinner. This activity is limited to a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring intimacy in the evening entertainment.
Gion Evening Culture Tour with Dinner and Show from Kyoto
Duration: 4 hours
11. Catch a Maiko performance at Gion District (from USD 58.0)
This activity allows guests to immerse themselves in Maiko culture. Besides being provided a background on the maiko and watching them perform, it will also give them the chance to have conversations and play games with them. This package is inclusive of the services of an English interpreter. You will get the chance to get a name card and photos with the maiko as souvenirs.
【Every Tue＆Fri】MAIKO (Geisha) Performance ＠Gion Area
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Catch a geisha performance in Kyoto
If one of your agenda in Japan is to witness geisha dances, Kyoto must be on your itinerary. It is the heart of culture in Japan, which is why catching geisha performances should not be missed during your trip. Use this list as your guide to finding the perfect place to witness the geisha show in Kyoto, Japan.
Frequently asked questions about the geisha shows in Kyoto
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
Kyoto Guide -The Embodiment of Japan's Culture and NatureTrip101 Editorial -
-
-
-
-
Top 10 Recommended Spots To Visit Near Kyoto StationTrip101 Editorial -
13 Best Places To Enjoy Tea Ceremony In Kyoto - Updated 2024Virginia Maryann Dcruz -
-
-
-
12 Best Museums In Tokyo, Japan - Updated 2024Richard Dean
Create an account to