Permanent Exhibit on Kagai Art Culture
An introduction to the world of geiko, maiko and their culture through a diverse range of exhibits, from exquisite hand-painted Yuzen kimono and Nishijin brocade obi sashes, to personal belongings and makeup used by maiko. Exhibits feature precious items such as kanzashi hair ornaments for each season and black crested formal kimono, which are rarely seen in the Gion quarter. Along with photographs conveying the unique atmosphere of the Kagai district, immerse yourself in this secretive yet glamorous world.
Kyomai Dance Performance by Geiko or Maiko
A geiko or maiko will perform 2 Kyomai (Kyoto mai) dances. A rare opportunity for visitors to see this graceful dance up close, which normally can only be seen at the Miyako Odori Dance Performance or at a tea house, and to experience the permanent exhibit more intimately.
The 2 dances will be performed by a geiko or maiko (performance time: approximately 15 minutes), conforming to the tradition of the ozashiki banquet rooms where they usually perform. Geiko and maiko practice every day with their master to learn these dances.
Other highlights of the performances are the kimono, obi sashes and makeup worn by the geiko and maiko. Each item is the epitome of traditional culture and style, reflecting the skills of the craftsmen of Gion, which is indispensable to the beautiful performance by the geiko and maiko.
We welcome you to come and witness the allure the geiko and maiko, which can only be experienced in a live performance.
No photos during dance performance.
- Schedule
- 1st performance 13:30~
2nd performance 14:20~
3rd performance 15:00~
4th performance 16:00~
5th performance 16:30~
Performance time is approximately 15 minutes (2 dances)
Advance tickets can be purchased on this website by clicking on “Tickets”. Performances can be reserved up to approximately 1 month in advance.
Tickets on the day of the performance will be available from 11:00 at the Museum (limited capacity; first come first serve basis)
Performance times cannot be changed after purchase.
- Capacity
- Maximum of 60 people per performance
Elementary & junior high school students on school excursions: 10 students per performance.
- Fee
- 1,600 yen
Separate admission fee applies for entering the Gion Kagai Art Museum.
Visitors with these tickets will be able to re-enter the museum.
Schedule
- 13:30〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko1st performance
- 13:50〜
Photo Session with
Geiko or Maiko1st session
- 14:20〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko2nd performance
- 15:00〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko3rd performance
- 15:20〜
Photo Session with
Geiko or Maiko2nd session
- 16:00〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko4th performance
- 16:30〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko5th performance
Photo Session with Geiko or Maiko
A unique opportunity to take a commemorative photo with a geiko or maiko using your smartphone. You will also receive an Instant Film photo with a senjafuda sticker with the name of the geiko or maiko, which will be handed to you in an original pouch bag.
- Schedule
- 1st session 13:50 ~
2nd session 15:20 ~
Tickets for each session will be available from 11:00 on the day of the photo session (sold in order of arrival).
Session times cannot be changed after purchase.
- Capacity
- Maximum of 20 groups per session (up to 5 people per group)
- Fee
- 2,000 yen per group
Separate admission fee applies for the Gion Kagai Art Museum.
Visitors with these tickets will be able to re-enter the museum.
Schedule
- 13:30〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko1st performance
- 13:50〜
Photo Session with
Geiko or Maiko1st session
- 14:20〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko2nd performance
- 15:00〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko3rd performance
- 15:20〜
Photo Session with
Geiko or Maiko2nd session
- 16:00〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko4th performance
- 16:30〜
Kyomai Dance Performance
by Geiko or Maiko5th performance
Chisen Water Garden
This water garden was created in 1913, and renovations were completed in March 2024. A tea house named Jo-an and a stone bridge are skillfully arranged around a pond reflecting the surrounding greenery. We hope you enjoy the beauty of nature in this garden, which provides a contrast to the striking artificial beauty seen in the maiko exhibit. In the evening, the garden is transformed by illuminations.
Kaburenjo Main Building Theater
Sections of the Kaburenjo Main Building Theater, a traditional Japanese-style grand theater, where geiko and maiko perform the Miyako Odori Dance Performance, is exceptionally open to the public. This two-story building, built entirely with Japanese hinoki cypress, incorporates elements of traditional Japanese design throughout the building, including the ceilings and lighting fixtures. A documentary on the Miyako Odori Dance Performance will also be shown on a special screen.
The Kaburenjo Main Building Theater may be closed at certain times of the year. Please check the website prior to your visit. Sections available for viewing may vary depending on the time of year.
Exhibit on the Miyako Odori Dance Performance
In addition to the audience seats, passages used by maiko during the Miyako Odori Dance Performance in April, when they begin the performance with the invigorating cheer of “Yo-i-Yasa-!'', will be open to the public.
Lantern Illuminations
Red lanterns adorned with the emblem of sweet rice dumplings are symbols of the Gion Kobu quarter of the Kagai district, their soft light illuminating the traditional townscape and exuding elegance and a sense of otherwordliness. These red lanterns are also hung around the buildings and lit up at dusk.
The Art Cafe
A sophisticated space with paintings of geiko and maiko, with a focus on original drawings of historical posters of the Miyako Odori Dance Performance. We offer a carefully curated menu featuring local sake from Kyoto and Japanese whisky. Revel in the unique, relaxing atmosphere of Gion-machi while appreciating these precious works of art.
Open only to visitors of the Gion Kagai Museum.
- Opening hours
- 13:00〜18:30
Museum Shop
We have gathered a collection of souvenirs related to maiko, the Gion Kobu quarter of the Kagai district and the Miyako Odori Dance Performance. Visit our shop to discover the perfect reminder of your trip to Kyoto.