Miyako Odori is a special performance that can
only be seen in spring when the cherry blossoms are in
season. For one month (April 1st-30th) people can enjoy
a
dance performance by maiko and geisha. It is a
performance that has been around for more than 100
years.
Miyako Odori is a special
performance by maiko
(apprentice geisha) and geisha (courtesans), which is
accompanied by shamisen music (nagauta) and
narrative music (joruri). In the one program there are
eight scene changes that reflect the seasons
changing
in Japan. These performances are an annual event
that
lasts from April 1st to 30th. The schedule coincides
with
the peak of cherry blossom season. Miyako Odori is
not
only enjoyed by Japanese people, but by foreigners
too.
It is a popular event where all the performances are
usually sold out since the building can hold 900
people
at a time.
The first performance of Miyako Odori was in 1872 as
part of the Exhibition for the Promotion of Domestic
Industry at a time where feudalism was being
shunned.
This was due to the fact that the nation’s capital was
moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and caused a decline in
the
city. Emperor Meiji wanted a capital based on
western
influences and Kyoto represented the old traditional
ways. Miyako Odori showcased traditional arts that
helped bring national recognition to Kyoto.
The performances were created and choreographed
by
Yachio Inoue the III, the master of the Kyomai Dance
School, as a request from the vice governor of Kyoto
at
the time, Masanao Makimura. Today the
performances
are handled by the Kyomai Dance School under the
instruction of Yachio Inoue the V, who is listed as a
Living National Treasure. Aside from the first year the
Miyako Odori was held it has always been performed
in
the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre.
Inside the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre there are a
variety options available to choose from. The
cheapest
seats are on a tatami mats on the floor. If that is not
the
experience you are looking for then you can opt for
the
reserved seats that include a small tea ceremony
about
one hour before the actual performance. Regardless
of
where you are located within the theater, the Miyako
Odori is worth it.
Please see
below for tours that include Miyako Odori in Kyoto:
