The Gion Odori dance performance, a tribute to Kyoto's autumnal Gion Higashi geisha district, kicked off on November 1, 2025, at the Gion Kaikan Hall in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Geisha and maiko captivated audiences with their lyrical dances, telling stories about fans.
This year's performance is titled "Suehirogari Ogi no Soshi." It consists of six scenes, including "Fan Sellers," in which two fan sellers who bump into each other in town compete with each other, each boasting about the best fan design, and "Fan Target," which depicts Nasu no Yoichi at the Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War.
In "Fan Butterfly," depicting a spring scene, butterflies made from fans fluttered lightly across the stage, eliciting exclamations of admiration from foreign tourists. For the finale, "Gion Higashi Kouta," a well-coordinated dance by 13 geisha and maiko was met with thunderous applause.
Until November 10th. Two performances at 1:30pm and 4pm. 6,000 yen (7,000 yen with tea ceremony). Gion Higashi Kabukai, phone number 075-561-0224.
