Kyoto

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance)

More Photos
dackelynn
dackelynn
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
4
Photos
Editor Pick

Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance)

  • April 3, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by dackelynn from Misaka, Japan
Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance)

The Miyako Odori is one of the few times that outsiders can experience the sight of a true geisha and maiko performance. Normally, one would have to be Japanese, extremely wealthy and have high connections to be entertained by a geisha. In Kyoto, there are supposed to be less than 150 geisha remaining. When I read about the Miyako Odori in the Fodor's Japan book, I jumped at the chance to attend this festival.

I got my ticket weeks in advanced. Since I can't speak Japanese, my friend called the Gion Kaburenjo Theatre and reserved the tickets. It required a bank transfer in order to secure the reservation. If you don't have a Japanese friend then supposedly one can ask the tourist office at Kyoto Station to reserve a ticket if you are able to arrive before they are sold out. Tickets start at 1900 for third-floor tatami seating (unreserved), and go up to thousands of yen for a first-class seat included with a pre-festival tea ceremony.

The Miyako Odori was started in 1872 as a way for Kyoto to assert its cultural importance after the capital of Japan was moved to Tokyo. It is held throughout the month of April as a celebration of cherry blossoms and springtime and part of November. The dance is performed by geishas and their students, called maiko.

The dances celebrate the changing of the seasons. While the sets are fantastic, the women and their costumes are stunning. The dances are slow but well-rehearsed and entrancing. A singer, the koto and other instruments accompany the geiko and maiko. There are about five or six different songs and dances, each with different sets. The seasons change as the songs progress. At the finale, all the geiko and maiko take part in a beautiful dance. The whole show lasts about an hour. It's a rare, unforgettable experience.

You can find more information at www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/info_required/traditional/kyoto_city/20/

From journal Kyoto's Imperial Charms

Compare Kyoto Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Kyoto Travel Deals