5 festivals where you can see geisha in Japan

Every April, at the Miyagawacho Theatre in Kyoto, the Kyo Odori invites you to celebrate the arrival of spring. For the occasion, geiko (geisha) and maiko (geisha apprentices) sing and dance to the rhythm of traditional instruments. Between their colorful kimonos, cherry blossoms and the theater's woodwork, the show is a thing of beauty!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Shunjuza Theater, 2-116 Kitashirakawa Uryuzancho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8252

DATES: early April

This is one of Kyoto's most popular festivals. Every spring, the Miyako Odori transforms the Gion district into a showcase of beauty and grace. Decked out in sumptuous kimonos, maiko and geisha bring the city's legends to life through dance and song. A breath of poetry that befits the hanami season.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Gion Kaburenjo Theater, 570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074

DATES: all of April

Every year in late spring, the Kamogawa Odori (literally "Dances of the Kamo River") brings the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre to life. Three daily performances, held on two different stages, offer a poetic spectacle in an intimate atmosphere, sublimated by lanterns. The first stage is closer to Kabuki (an epic form of classical Japanese theater), while the second is more dance-oriented. It's worth noting that the Pontocho and Gion districts are the only ones in Kyoto where you can still come across geisha on a street corner.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, 30 Hashishitacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8003

DATES: all of May

In early November, the geisha of the Gion Odori take over the Kaikan Theatre. What's on the program? Dances, games, songs, ikebana (traditional flower arrangement) and tea ceremonies will enliven these autumn days.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Gion Kaikan, 323 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073

DATES: November 1 to 10