Miyako Odori

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) from Gion Kobu — the largest geisha district in the city.

What happens

The Miyako Odori (“Dances of the Capital”) was first performed in 1872, as part of Japan’s first world fair, held in Kyoto. Very little has changed since. Acts portray the four seasons in Kyoto, culminating with the arrival of those stars of spring, the cherry blossoms.

Schedule 2023

There are three, 50-minute performances a day: 12:00 p.m., 2:20 p.m., and 4:40 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets for either ¥4,000 (second class seats), ¥6,000 (first class seats), or ¥7,000 (first class seats with a tea ceremony) can be purchased online. For the first time in seven years, the performance will once again be held at the historical Kaburenjo Theater.

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 is 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.