Gion Odori

Before you go

An autumn dance performance by the geiko and maiko of Gion Higashi, one of Kyoto's hanamachi districts, presented by the Gion Higashi Kabukai (the official shop is named accordingly) at the Gion Kaikan below the stone steps of Gion. Two compact one-hour shows a day make it easy to pair with a walk around Gion.

An 'odori' is a regular dance performance staged by the geiko and maiko of each Kyoto hanamachi. Gion Odori is the dance event of the Gion Higashi district, presented by the Gion Higashi Kabukai; in 2026 it runs 1–10 November at the Gion Kaikan. The official shop page does not publish this year's programme, so only the officially announced dates, times and prices are given here.

• Two shows daily at 13:30 and 16:00, each about one hour
• ¥7,000 special ticket with tea service; ¥6,000 viewing ticket without tea (both tax included)
• All seats reserved; no changes or cancellations after purchase, and seat numbers cannot be chosen — confirm date and show before buying
• The Gion Kaikan has no dedicated parking; come by train or bus

Getting there

Gion Kaikan (below the stone steps of Gion, Kyoto). About a 5-minute walk from Keihan Gion-shijo Station Exit 7 toward Yasaka Shrine; about 10 minutes from Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi; about 10 minutes from subway Higashiyama Station; city buses 86/206 from JR Kyoto Station, get off at Gion. No dedicated parking — use nearby paid parking.

Booking

Buy through the Gion Higashi Kabukai official online shop. Prices (tax included): special viewing ticket with tea ¥7,000, viewing ticket without tea ¥6,000, programme ¥1,000. No changes or cancellations after purchase; all seats are reserved but seat numbers cannot be selected. After payment you receive an exchange number — on the day, present the exchange number issued by the Gion Higashi Ochaya Kumiai (not your BASE order ID).

Crowds

Ten days, two shows a day, all seats reserved. Popular shows can sell out early, so buy at the official shop in advance (no changes or cancellations after purchase).

Good for

Anyone interested in traditional Japanese performing arts and hanamachi culture, or who wants to see geiko and maiko on stage in autumn. Dance needs no Japanese; the afternoon shows pair well with a stroll around Gion.

How it differs

Gion Kobu's Miyako Odori is a spring event: 1–30 April 2026 at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, three shows a day (12:30/14:30/16:30), with the same price structure of ¥7,000 with tea ticket and ¥6,000 first class (organiser's press release). Pontocho's Kamogawa Odori ran 5–22 May 2026 (Radio Kansai), and Kamishichiken's Kitano Odori is also a spring performance. Among the hanamachi dance events with confirmed schedules, Gion Odori is the one staged in November — two shows a day (13:30/16:00) over ten days.

Sources Gion Higashi Kabukai official shop (dates, times, prices) · Miyako Odori 2026 outline (organiser's press release)