Few people know about Miyako Odori, but those who are staying in Kyoto in April, can  see this wonderful geisha concert.

In 1869 the capital of Japan was relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo. The people of Kyoto were very concerned that Kyoto would go downhill after the relocation, so the Governor planned an exposition in order to promote Kyoto industry. A famous ochaya (tea house), a place where geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) entertain, received a request from the government to perform a dance by geiko and maiko to the public as part of the exposition. In March 1872, the dance “Miyako Odori” was performed with a chorus and musicians in a house located in Gion district. This performance was the start of Miyako Odori. The same dance school in Gion has been performing since this time and has been handed down from generation to generation. The theme of dance changes from year to year.

While in Kyoto in 2006, I saw the 134th Miyoki Odori. The first concert of the year is very special and tickets are sold out well before the event. I had purchased my ticket some months before, so was very excited to be going to the opening performance. My ticket also enabled me to experience a tea ceremony beforehand demonstrated by a geiko and maiko. As the tea ceremony is held first, we had to be there 40 minutes before the concert. Once the doors opened, everyone filed in and took their seats in front of long rectangular tables. At the front, on stage was a beautiful geiko preparing green tea with a maiko seated to one side. A group of young ladies in kimono came out and served everyone with green tea and a Japanese sweet on a special Gion ceramic dish (which were were able to keep as a souvenir). Everything involved with a tea ceremony is given careful aesthetic attention. Watching the geiko gracefully prepare the tea, you can see why this is an artform. One person in the room receives the tea the geiko has prepared. I happened to be that lucky person. After a photo session we all moved to the main theatre.

The concert only lasts for about one hour and is divided into eight scenes, incorporating different seasons of the year. With 60 performers, this is a rare chance for the public to be entertained by the top geisha and maiko of Kyoto, which is normally reserved for wealthy businessmen. The dancing is made more spectacular with vivid costumes, amazing background scenes, and the all women musicians and chorus.

If you would love to experience Miyako Odori, join our Getaways for Girls spring tour to Japan.