Written by JC Team
This is the last of Kyoto’s spring geisha dances, held annually in May, and featuring the geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) from Pontochō.
What happens?
The performance has two parts: the first is a kind of drama in dance and the second is a style of dance called odori emaki, which something like “dancing picture scroll.”
The Kamogawa Odori has been a tradition since 1872, when it was performed for the first Kyoto World Fair. It’s now held at Pontochō Kaburenjō, a specially built theater that was completed in 1927.
Tickets 2025
Tickets start at ¥4,000 for a regular seat, plus ¥1,200 if you want to add tea service, while special seats are ¥6,000 (or ¥7,000 with tea service).
Tickets go on sale April 4 at 10 a.m. JST. Special seat tickets can be purchased over the phone or online. Regular tickets can be purchased from a travel agent, such as JTB, View Plaza, etc.
Geiko and maiko performances in Kyoto
Every spring and fall, Kyoto’s hanamachi (geisha districts) put on public dance performances. In our opinion, this is the best way to see the city’s iconic performing artists for a (comparatively) reasonable price. And is much politer than trying to photograph them on the street paparazzi-style.
Other performances on the annual calendar include:
To learn more about geiko and maiko, as well as recommendations for additional events and experiences, check out our complete guide to seeing geisha in Kyoto.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 153 m from Sanjō Station Keihan Main Line (KH40)
- 270 m from Sanjō Keihan Station Tōzai Line (T11)
- 404 m from Kyōto Shiyakusho-ma Station Tōzai Line (T12)
