Kyo Odori

The annual Kyo Odori is a spring performance by the geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) of Kyoto’s Miyagawacho district. What sets this performance apart from similar ones happening in April is the style of dance, which has kabuki influences.

While historically performed at the Kaburenjo Theater, this year the show will be held at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture.

There are two 45-minute performances per day, at 1pm and 4pm. Tickets cost ¥5,500 and are onsale from March 9th through March 30th. They can be purchased online (in Japanese), through a travel agent, or by fax (by March 18th). Note that due to the pandemic there will be no tea service this year; audience members are required to wear masks throughout the performance.

Geisha performances in Kyoto

Kyoto’s public geisha performances are the best way to see the city’s iconic performing artists for a (comparatively) reasonable price. (And it’s much politer than chasing them through the streets).

Other performances on the annual calendar include:

To learn more about geisha and their arts, as well as recommendations for additional events and experiences, check out our complete guide to seeing geisha, geiko, and maiko in Kyoto.