As cherry blossoms begin to adorn Kyoto, the Miyako Odori dance performance from the Gion Kobu entertainment district will begin on April 1, 2025 at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. On the previous day, March 31, there was a "Ozarae（final rehearsal）" performance for invited guests, where geisha and maiko portrayed the charm of Kyoto through their dance in each season.
This year's performance is "Colors of the Four Seasons of the Capital" (8 scenes in total). At the beginning, geisha and maiko appeared from both runways with the call "Miyako Odori wa yoiyasaa." Their light blue kimonos stood out against the silver sliding doors of the stage, and the audience was thrilled by the traditional beauty.
Along with scenes of Hinamatsuri at Hokyo-ji Temple, autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera Jojuin Temple, and snow at Myoman-ji Temple, the festival also included anecdotes such as Ushiwakamaru and Benkei's meeting at Gojo Bridge, and concluded on a cheerful note with a group dance at Heian Shrine amidst the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Maiko Yuzuha (21), who will be changing her stage name in May, said with enthusiasm, "I want to remember the feeling of my first performance, try not to get too nervous, and enjoy my last performance (as a maiko)."
April 1-30 (no performance on the 15th). Three performances at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. First place is 6,000 yen (7,000 yen with tea ceremony), second place is 4,000 yen. Gion Kobu Kabu-kai: 075 (541) 3391
