The spring performance of "Kyo Odori," a traditional dance from Miyagawa-cho, Kyoto's geisha district, will open on April 4, 2026, at the Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo theater in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. The final rehearsal, known as "O-zarai," took place on April 2nd. This was the first time the Kyo Odori was held at the newly rebuilt theater, and the geiko and maiko approached the rehearsal with renewed determination for the first time in five years.
The program consists of eight scenes, "Miyako Furisode Hajime," featuring 48 geiko and maiko. The O-zarai proceeded just as it would have been in the actual performance, with dance instructors and tea ceremony association members watching from the audience. Fukuha, the head of the geiko association, said, "We want to welcome the opening day as a united team from Miyagawa-cho."
The performance opened with the celebratory dance "Hashiradate," in which geiko in black crested kimonos danced to the accompaniment of a maiko's shamisen, expressing their hopes for the new Kaburenjo (theater). The stage then shifted to the world of mythology, where Iwanaga-hime, in the form of a giant serpent, and Susanoo engaged in a fierce battle.
The second half shifted its theme to Kyoto's textiles. A group dance depicted a girl weaving, guided by the god of the stars, and a woman reminiscing about a past love while looking at a beautiful bolt of cloth was portrayed with tender emotion. The traditional finale, "Miyagawa Ondo," featured a grand dance by geiko and maiko against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.
The Kyo Odori (Kyoto Dance Festival) runs from April 4th to 19th (no performance on the 13th). There are two performances each day, at 1 PM and 4 PM. Tickets are 7,000 yen for first-floor seats and 6,000 yen for second-floor seats, both including a tea ceremony ticket. Miyagawa-cho Tea House Association, telephone number 075 (561) 1151.
