663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFestival · Kyoto
Miyako Odori
都をどり
The Miyako Odori is the spring dance of Gion Kobu, performed every April by its geiko and maiko at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theatre. It began in 1872 for Kyoto's first exposition and has become one of the city's great spring traditions.
The hour-long show moves through the seasons in a series of scenes, with painted sets, live shamisen music and a stage full of dancers in matching kimono. For visitors it is the easiest way to see Gion's geiko perform.
What to see and do
Geiko and maiko dance a programme of seasonal scenes to live music and song.
Higher-priced tickets include matcha and a sweet served before the show.
The theatre in Gion's historic heart, a short walk from Hanamikoji street.
What’s on
Good to know
- Book early: popular times sell out.
- Arrive in time for the tea ceremony if your ticket includes it.
More art nearby
Kyoto National Museum
Treasures from Kyoto’s temples and court, in a red-brick hall that opened in 1897.
Nicholas & Debra Jewell · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsKawai Kanjiro’s House
The home and climbing kiln of a folk-craft potter, kept the way he left it.
Kakidai · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsMinamiza
Kabuki started on this riverbank in the early 1600s. Minamiza is Japan’s oldest kabuki theatre.
663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsGion Corner
Seven traditional arts on one stage in an hour: tea ceremony, koto, flower arranging, kyogen, bunraku and maiko dance.