Written by Aarohi
Niigata may not have Kyoto’s name recognition, but its geigi (geisha) tradition runs more than 200 years deep.
What happens?
Just a short bus ride away from Niigata Station, the old port district of Furumachi is home to a small but mighty cohort of geigi who entertain at luxurious venues. While seeing and interacting with a geigi is typically an exclusive affair reserved for important occasions, the annual Niigata Odori is open to all.
The elegant showcase features all the district’s geigi performing classical music and dance numbers — including ones unique to Niigata City that you may not see in Tokyo or Kyoto.
Schedule 2026
Furumachi Niigata Odori takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Ryutopia Niigata City Performing Arts Center Theater. There are two performances: Part 1 starts at 12 p.m., with doors opening at 11:30 a.m., and Part 2 starts at 3:30 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m.
A beginner’s guide to appreciating Furumachi Niigata Odori will be held on Saturday, September 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sakyukan. After the main performance, the Furumachi Niigata Odori Night Festival will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 6:30 p.m. at Nabedyaya, priced at ¥30,000 (all inclusive).
Tickets 2026
Tickets are ¥6,000 for S seats and ¥4,000 for A seats. U25 tickets are available for those aged 25 or younger, at ¥3,000 for S seats and ¥2,000 for A seats. A limited number of SS seats, which include original Furumachi Niigata Odori merchandise and prime viewing seats, are available for ¥8,000.
Member pre-sale starts June 18, with general sales from June 25. Tickets are available through Ryutopia online, by phone on 025-224-5521, at the Ryutopia box office if seats remain from the next business day after sales open, and through the Niigata Sangyo Cooperative Association on 025-222-2237.
Tickets cannot be changed or canceled after purchase, and preschool children are not admitted.
How to get there
The venue is the Ryutopia Niigata City Performing Arts Center Theater.
From Tokyo, take the Jōetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station. Various buses departing from Niigata Station, including the S21, B10, and W20, will get you in the vicinity, followed by a 10-minute or so walk to the venue.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
