Geisha Culture in Kyoto
Many foreign tourists come to Kyoto to explore the famous traditional Japanese Geisha culture, watch a Geisha show, or even meet with an elaborately costumed Giesha on streets. As the ancient capital, Kyoto has over a thousand years of history and preserves the most authentic Japanese culture. Among many important elements in the culture, geisha culture is probably the most predominant. Then here comes the question: where can I encounter Geisha? Geishas are most likely to be found in the gokagai (or the “Five Flower Streets"), which are Kamishichiken, Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi (east), Pontocho, and Miyagawacho. Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi (east) are both located in Gion. In Gion Kobu, the most famous part is probably the Hanamikoji Street, which was listed as a historical site and protected by the Japanese government since 1999. Today, Gion is divided into two parts: Gion East and Gion Kobu. Many ancient Kyoto buildings such as geisha museums and tea houses remain intact in Gion East. Gion Kobu, on the other hand, retains the Kaburenjo Theatre, the most remarkable venue for geisha singing and dancing practice back in the day.
If you want to experience the Geisha culture in Kyoto, or watch a geisha show, Gion Corner is the first choice. Here you can enjoy any of the 7 traditional performing arts in Japan. Visitors can spend about 50 minutes to watch Maiko, Geisha (Geiko) dance, Bunraku Puppet show, flower arrangement, and other performances. There is also a Maiko Gallery, where theater costumes are exhibited.
Venue Address: 605-0074 Kyoto570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Yasaka Hall
Performance Date: Every day, (For the second week from December to March, only Friday to Sunday are open. closed on public holidays)
Performance time: 1st show at 18: 00. 2nd show at 19: 00.
Tickets: ¥ 3150 for adults; ¥ 2200 for 16 to 22 years old; ¥ 1900 for 7 to 15 years old; free for children under 6 years old
Additional to the scheduled Geisha show in Gion Corner, you may find occasional Geisha Show in Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi during public performance.
Miyako Odori
Venue: Minamiza Theatre
Venue Address: 605-0075 Higashiyama198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru
Performance Date: April 1 to April 27 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st show at 12:30. 2nd show at 14:30. 3rd show at 16:30.
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥5,500 (tax included); SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥4,000 (tax included)
Onsyukai
Venue: Kyoto Prefectural Culture and Arts Center
Venue Address: 602-0858 Kamigyo1 Kawaramachi-Dori Hirokurodori le Lei Tokakura Town
Performance Date: October 3-October 8 (specific dates vary from year to year)
Performance time: 16:00
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat : ¥8,500 (tax included)
Gion Odori
Venue: Gion Kaikan
Venue Address: 605-0073Kyoto323 Giommachikitagawa, Higashiyama-ku
Performance Date: November 1st to November 10th (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st show at 13:30. 2nd show at 16:00.
Tickets: ¥4,800 with Tea ceremony; ¥4,300 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
Kamishichiken is located near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Kamishichiken is built with the the remaining building materials from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine during the Muromachi period of Japan. The birthplace of geishas and tea houses, Kamishichiken has a longer history than Gion and remains as the oldest flower street in Kyoto. Though not famous as bustling rival Gion nowadays, Kamishichiken retains the tranquil elegance and the beauty of traditional culture. The "Kitano Odori" performance is hosted every March in the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre. Performance date: March 20-April 2 (the specific date varies from year to year).
Started off as a vibrant neighborhood concentrated with teahouses and wine stores, Pontocho gained popularity after the introduction of geisha and became a famous flower street. Today, Pontocho is Kyoto's most unique historical street with various food stands. Only second to Gion Pontocho is the second geisha district in Kyoto with a history of more than 300 years. Pontocho performs "Kamogawa Odori" in the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre every May. Performance dates are May 1-May 24 (the specific date varies from year to year). Show time: 1st show 12: 30, 2nd show at 14: 20, 3rd show at 16: 10.
Miyagawacho is currently one of the most well-preserved areas. With a geisha's dance venue nearby, the chances of encountering a Geisha in Miyagawacho is higher than in Hanami Koji. Most of Miyagawacho are private residence and there are a lot of restaurants, thus it probably offers the most beautiful night view in Kyoto. In addition to the performance "Kyo Odori" in April, the "Mizue Kai" in October is also an important cultural event in Miyagawacho.
Kyo Odori
Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo
Venue Address: 605-0801ShimogyoMiyagawasuji, Higashi-ku
Performance Date: April 1 to April 16 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 12:30~ 2nd 14:30~ 3rd 16:30~
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥5,500 with Tea ceremony; ¥4,900 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥3,000 with Tea ceremony; ¥2,400 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
Mizue Kai
Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo
Venue Address: 605-0801ShimogyoMiyagawasuji, Higashi-ku
Performance Date: October 10-October 13 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 16:00~(October 10-11)；1st 13:00~ 2nd 16:00~(October 12-13)
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥8,000 (tax included); SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥4,000 (tax included)
In addition to the performances at each flower street, you can also meet Geisha at several annual festivals in Kyoto.
Setsubun of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated the day before the beginning of spring. Yasaka Shrine is among the many temples around the country that hold a ceremony on Setsubun. The holiday is usually celebrated on February 2 or 3, during which maikos wear delicate makeup and gorgeous kimonos to perform graceful dance. Then the maikos would throw beans at the worshippers and bless them health and happiness in the new year. The festival lasts for 2 day in the Yasaka Shrine. Geisha (Geiko) and Maiko in the area will be invited to the shrine to perform dances. During the festival, participant can enjoy their dance as well as receive blessing from the sprinkling beans. The event is usually from February 2nd to 3rd at the Kyoto Yasaka Shrine.
Dance festival of GO-KAGAI (Miyako no Nigiwai)
Venue: Minamiza Theatre
Venue Address: 605-0075 Higashiyama198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru
Performance Date: June 27th and 28th (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 11:00~ 2nd 14:30~
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥12,000; SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥6,000 ; Special Seat: ¥13,000
GION MATSURI
As one of the top 3 festivals in Japan, the Gion Matsuri is the oldest, largest, and longest festival. Every year from July 1st, joyful atmosphere begins to permeate throughout the streets and alleys around Kyoto. The Gion Matsuri takes place in the whole Kyoto, and the event runs the entire July. During the peak of the festival, from July 16 to 25, you will find lively parade. During this period, you can often see Geisha (Geiko) and Maiko at performances.
Hassaku (A Mid Summer day)
Hassaku is celebrated on August 1st every summer, and it is a gratitude day for Kyoto geishas. On this special day, geishas in Kyoto would wear kimonos and visit their masters who have taught them singing and dancing. They would also visit and send gifts to restaurants and tea houses that they work with to express gratitude. So on the day of Hassaku, you may find many geishas walking around the street.
Many foreign tourists come to Kyoto to explore the famous traditional Japanese Geisha culture, watch a Geisha show, or even meet with an elaborately costumed Giesha on streets. As the ancient capital, Kyoto has over a thousand years of history and preserves the most authentic Japanese culture. Among many important elements in the culture, geisha culture is probably the most predominant. Then here comes the question: where can I encounter Geisha? Geishas are most likely to be found in the gokagai (or the “Five Flower Streets"), which are Kamishichiken, Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi (east), Pontocho, and Miyagawacho. Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi (east) are both located in Gion. In Gion Kobu, the most famous part is probably the Hanamikoji Street, which was listed as a historical site and protected by the Japanese government since 1999. Today, Gion is divided into two parts: Gion East and Gion Kobu. Many ancient Kyoto buildings such as geisha museums and tea houses remain intact in Gion East. Gion Kobu, on the other hand, retains the Kaburenjo Theatre, the most remarkable venue for geisha singing and dancing practice back in the day.
If you want to experience the Geisha culture in Kyoto, or watch a geisha show, Gion Corner is the first choice. Here you can enjoy any of the 7 traditional performing arts in Japan. Visitors can spend about 50 minutes to watch Maiko, Geisha (Geiko) dance, Bunraku Puppet show, flower arrangement, and other performances. There is also a Maiko Gallery, where theater costumes are exhibited.
Venue Address: 605-0074 Kyoto570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Yasaka Hall
Performance Date: Every day, (For the second week from December to March, only Friday to Sunday are open. closed on public holidays)
Performance time: 1st show at 18: 00. 2nd show at 19: 00.
Tickets: ¥ 3150 for adults; ¥ 2200 for 16 to 22 years old; ¥ 1900 for 7 to 15 years old; free for children under 6 years old
Additional to the scheduled Geisha show in Gion Corner, you may find occasional Geisha Show in Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi during public performance.
Miyako Odori
Venue: Minamiza Theatre
Venue Address: 605-0075 Higashiyama198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru
Performance Date: April 1 to April 27 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st show at 12:30. 2nd show at 14:30. 3rd show at 16:30.
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥5,500 (tax included); SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥4,000 (tax included)
Onsyukai
Venue: Kyoto Prefectural Culture and Arts Center
Venue Address: 602-0858 Kamigyo1 Kawaramachi-Dori Hirokurodori le Lei Tokakura Town
Performance Date: October 3-October 8 (specific dates vary from year to year)
Performance time: 16:00
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat : ¥8,500 (tax included)
Gion Odori
Venue: Gion Kaikan
Venue Address: 605-0073Kyoto323 Giommachikitagawa, Higashiyama-ku
Performance Date: November 1st to November 10th (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st show at 13:30. 2nd show at 16:00.
Tickets: ¥4,800 with Tea ceremony; ¥4,300 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
Kamishichiken is located near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Kamishichiken is built with the the remaining building materials from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine during the Muromachi period of Japan. The birthplace of geishas and tea houses, Kamishichiken has a longer history than Gion and remains as the oldest flower street in Kyoto. Though not famous as bustling rival Gion nowadays, Kamishichiken retains the tranquil elegance and the beauty of traditional culture. The "Kitano Odori" performance is hosted every March in the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre. Performance date: March 20-April 2 (the specific date varies from year to year).
Started off as a vibrant neighborhood concentrated with teahouses and wine stores, Pontocho gained popularity after the introduction of geisha and became a famous flower street. Today, Pontocho is Kyoto's most unique historical street with various food stands. Only second to Gion Pontocho is the second geisha district in Kyoto with a history of more than 300 years. Pontocho performs "Kamogawa Odori" in the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre every May. Performance dates are May 1-May 24 (the specific date varies from year to year). Show time: 1st show 12: 30, 2nd show at 14: 20, 3rd show at 16: 10.
Miyagawacho is currently one of the most well-preserved areas. With a geisha's dance venue nearby, the chances of encountering a Geisha in Miyagawacho is higher than in Hanami Koji. Most of Miyagawacho are private residence and there are a lot of restaurants, thus it probably offers the most beautiful night view in Kyoto. In addition to the performance "Kyo Odori" in April, the "Mizue Kai" in October is also an important cultural event in Miyagawacho.
Kyo Odori
Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo
Venue Address: 605-0801ShimogyoMiyagawasuji, Higashi-ku
Performance Date: April 1 to April 16 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 12:30~ 2nd 14:30~ 3rd 16:30~
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥5,500 with Tea ceremony; ¥4,900 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥3,000 with Tea ceremony; ¥2,400 w/o Tea ceremony (tax included)
Mizue Kai
Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo
Venue Address: 605-0801ShimogyoMiyagawasuji, Higashi-ku
Performance Date: October 10-October 13 (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 16:00~(October 10-11)；1st 13:00~ 2nd 16:00~(October 12-13)
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥8,000 (tax included); SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥4,000 (tax included)
In addition to the performances at each flower street, you can also meet Geisha at several annual festivals in Kyoto.
Setsubun of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated the day before the beginning of spring. Yasaka Shrine is among the many temples around the country that hold a ceremony on Setsubun. The holiday is usually celebrated on February 2 or 3, during which maikos wear delicate makeup and gorgeous kimonos to perform graceful dance. Then the maikos would throw beans at the worshippers and bless them health and happiness in the new year. The festival lasts for 2 day in the Yasaka Shrine. Geisha (Geiko) and Maiko in the area will be invited to the shrine to perform dances. During the festival, participant can enjoy their dance as well as receive blessing from the sprinkling beans. The event is usually from February 2nd to 3rd at the Kyoto Yasaka Shrine.
Dance festival of GO-KAGAI (Miyako no Nigiwai)
Venue: Minamiza Theatre
Venue Address: 605-0075 Higashiyama198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru
Performance Date: June 27th and 28th (the specific date varies from year to year)
Performance time: 1st 11:00~ 2nd 14:30~
Tickets: FIRST CLASS Seat: ¥12,000; SECOND CLASS Seat: ¥6,000 ; Special Seat: ¥13,000
GION MATSURI
As one of the top 3 festivals in Japan, the Gion Matsuri is the oldest, largest, and longest festival. Every year from July 1st, joyful atmosphere begins to permeate throughout the streets and alleys around Kyoto. The Gion Matsuri takes place in the whole Kyoto, and the event runs the entire July. During the peak of the festival, from July 16 to 25, you will find lively parade. During this period, you can often see Geisha (Geiko) and Maiko at performances.
Hassaku (A Mid Summer day)
Hassaku is celebrated on August 1st every summer, and it is a gratitude day for Kyoto geishas. On this special day, geishas in Kyoto would wear kimonos and visit their masters who have taught them singing and dancing. They would also visit and send gifts to restaurants and tea houses that they work with to express gratitude. So on the day of Hassaku, you may find many geishas walking around the street.
Kyoto Geisha Tours
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