*Kitano Odori (Kamishichiken)
“Haru no Odori” are annual spring dances held by maiko and geiko, bringing elegance to Kyoto’s cherry blossom season.
From late March through May, four of Kyoto’s traditional geiko and maiko districts (known as kagai) – Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, and Kamishichiken – will perform at their Kaburenjo theaters and other venues.
Since each district belongs to a separate school of dance, you can explore and compare their unique styles and approaches to traditional arts by going to see different performances.
Kitano Odori (Kamishichiken)
Kitano Odori is the annual spring performance by geiko and maiko of Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest traditional entertainment district. It is held in Kamishichiken Kaburenjo, a traditional Japanese-style theater that is normally unavailable for public visits.
Event dates: March 20th (Fri) – April 2nd (Thu), 2026
Time slots: 1) 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM / 2) 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM each day
Venue: Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 6,000 – 7,000 yen
Miyako Odori (Gion Kobu)
Gion Kobu is Kyoto’s largest maiko and geiko district. Their spectacular Miyako Odori performance has been part of Kyoto’s spring traditions since 1872. This year’s show commemorates the 400th anniversary of the “Kan’ei Imperial Visit” to Nijo-jo Castle, a major event that signified the start of harmony between the Imperial Court and the Edo Shogunate.
Event dates: April 1st (Wed) – 30th (Thu), 2026
Time slots: 1) from 12:30 PM / 2) from 2:30 PM / 3) from 4:30 PM each day
Venue: Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 4,000 – 7,000 yen
Kyo Odori (Miyagawacho)
This year’s Kyo Odori celebrates the newly renovated Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater, kicking off with a group of geiko in black crested kimono, transporting the viewers into the world of myth. The first part of the play presents the showdown between a monstrous serpent and Susano-o, the god of the sea. The second part showcases the world of dyeing and weaving, deeply tied with the history and culture of Kyoto.
Event dates: April 4th (Sat) – 19th (Sun), 2026 (*no performance on April 13th (Mon))
Time slots: 1) 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM / 2) 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM each day
Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 6,000 – 7,000 yen
Kamogawa Odori (Pontocho)
Pontocho’s Kamogawa Odori has been held since 1872, and boasts the largest number of performances to date among all five geiko districts. This performance is divided into two parts: the first a dance drama, and the second a pure dance performance.
Event dates: May 5th (Tue) – 22nd (Fri), 2026
Time slots: 1) from 12:30 PM / 2) from 2:20 PM / 2) from 4:10 PM each day
Venue: Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater
Admission fee: 4,000 – 7,000 yen
