Gion Odori (Gion Higashi)
Gion Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performance held annually from November 1 to 10 at Gion Kaikan.
It features original scripts that incorporate songs and dances performed by the geiko (regional name for geisha) and maiko of Gion Higashi. Among the Five Kagai (classical entertainment quarters) of Kyoto, it is the only main dance performance held in autumn, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
This year’s performance is themed around “water,” an indispensable element of natural beauty as well as the source of life. Gion Odori will portray the scenery of Kyoto in relation to water through various dance scenes.
Event dates: November 1st (Sun) – November 10th (Tue), 2026
Time slots: 1) 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM / 2) 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM each day (doors open 1 hour before)
Venue: Gion Kaikan Theater
Admission fee: Regular admission ticket – 6,000 yen
Special admission ticket with tea ceremony – 7,000 yen
Where to purchase tickets:
・On the official website
On sale now through October 28th (Wed).
*After payment, a voucher number will be sent instead of a physical ticket.
・Gion Kaikan Theater (at the ticket counter)
Sold from October 30th (Fri) 11:00 AM to November 10th (Tue), 4:00 PM.
Other geiko and maiko performances
Although Gion Odori is the only comprehensive geiko and maiko dance performance held in autumn, there are a number of other similar events held during this time at the other four Kagai of Kyoto.
Onshu-kai (Gion Kobu)
The Onshu-kai originally began as a review session for maiko and geiko to showcase the results of their daily training and receive evaluation from their teachers, seniors, and patrons. Those sessions have become an annual event open to the general public in recent years.
Event dates: October 1st (Thu) – 6th (Tue), 2026
Time: From 4:00 PM (doors open 1 hour before) *The performance lasts about 2 hours
Venue: Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 6,000 – 10,000 yen
Mizue-kai (Miyagawa-cho)
Mizue-kai is a well-known event where Miyagawa-cho’s geiko and maiko showcase their skills through performances centered on classical works. The finale, “Miyagawa Kouta,” is a song and dance piece celebrating the scenery of the Miyagawa-cho district through changing seasons.
Event dates: October 8th (Thu) – 11th (Sun)
Time slots: 1) 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM / 2) 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
*On October 8th (Thu) and 9th (Fri), only the performance starting at 4:00 PM will be held.
Venue: Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater “Mitsuwaza”
Admission fee: 8,000–10,000 yen
Suimei-kai (Pontocho)
The Suimei-kai dance performance is named after the clear waters of Kamogawa River, flowing next to the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater. Around 40 geiko and maiko take part in this grand event.
Event dates: October 15th (Thu) – October 20th (Tue), 2026
Time: From 3:30 PM (doors open 30 minutes before) *The performance lasts just under 2 hours
Venue: Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 5,000–10,000 yen
Kotobuki-kai (Kamishichiken)
Every autumn, the geiko and maiko of Kamishichiken showcase the results of their daily training to great acclaim. Their performance is held at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater, which is normally closed to the public.
Event dates: November 12th (Thu) – 18th (Wed), 2026
Time: From 4:00 PM (doors open 30 minutes before) *The performance lasts about 2 hours
Venue: Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 10,000 yen
