The geiko and maiko of Kyoto, keepers of time honored traditional dance and music, are concentrated in five kagai (geisha districts), across the city. Each of the districts performs a large-scale dance for the public once a year, and Kamishichiken's district's Kitano Odori runs from March 25th to April 7th to usher in the spring. Two performances are held each day, at 1:30pm and 4:00pm. and tickets cost 4,300 yen. For an additional 500 yen guests can enjoy a cup of green tea and a sweet before the play, which also comes with a commemorative plate. Tickets can be purchased online for those with Japanese credit cards, procured through travel agents, or reserved with assistance at the Tourist Information Center in Kyoto Station.
The Kitano Odori usually consists of three sections: a multi-scene story play, a collection of themed dances, and the ever popular Kamishichiken Serenade finale piece. With the exception of the finale, the other performances change each year. Recent story plays have included "Enishi no Miya", a romance about two lovers trying to prove they are meant to be together, "Naniwa Utazaimon", a comic adaptation of a classic love suicide tragedy, and "Shijō Kabuki", a dramatic story about the woman who invented kabuki theater.
Celebrating its 65th year in 2017, the Kitano Odori was officially begun in 1952 to commemorate the 1,050th anniversary of the founding of Kitano Tenmangū, the shrine located next to the Kamishichiken geisha district. Kamishichiken's elegant geiko, charming maiko apprentices, and skilled musicians come together on this scale only once a year to put on the Kitano Odori, so don't miss out during your spring trip to Kyoto!
Kitano Odori Ticket (Performance Only): 4,300 yen
Kitano Odori Ticket (Includes Tea Ceremony): 4,800 yen
Kitano Odori Program: 600 yen
For more information, check out Kamishichiken's official page:
www.maiko3.com/event/ev-4.html