Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto
Overview
20 minutes
Mobile ticket
An invitation to the graceful world of geiko and maiko in Gion woven over three centuries
The Gion Kobu quarter of Kyoto’s Kagai district embodies a centuries-old history. Although times have changed, ancient traditions continue to be passed down with great care. The Gion Kagai Art Museum, established in historic Gion-machi, is the only facility in the world where visitors can discover the sophisticated culture of geiko and maiko. Experience the pride of Kyoto’s Kagai culture and the spirit of our predecessors.
-Performance time is approximately 15 minutes (2 songs).
-Kyomai dance performances are usually performed by 1 maiko or geiko. On some days, the 3rd and 4th sessions may be performed by 2.
-If you cannot find available ticket here, Please visit our website.
In the Kagai districts of Kyoto, women who perform traditional dance in ozashiki banquet rooms and on stage and entertain guests are referred to as geiko (and not geisha). Women training to become geiko are called maiko.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
admission and dance performance
Photo session fee 2,000 yen per group max 5 people
What To Expect
Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
An invitation to the graceful world of geiko and maiko in Gion woven over three centuries The Gion Kobu quarter of Kyoto’s Kagai district embodies a centuries-old history. Although times have changed, ancient traditions continue to be passed down with great care. The Gion Kagai Art Museum, established in historic Gion-machi, is the only facility in the world where visitors can discover the sophisticated culture of geiko and maiko. Experience the pride of Kyoto’s Kagai culture and the spirit of our predecessors.
Kyomai (Kyoto Mai Dance) Dance Performance by Geiko or Maiko. Performance time is approximately 15 minutes (2 songs). Kyomai will be performed in the Inoue style by a geiko or maiko. A rare opportunity for visitors to see these graceful dance up close, allowing them to experience the permanent exhibit more intimately. 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.
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Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto
Reviews
60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magical experience
ava-fitz,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Kyomai dance was graceful and mesmerising, and meeting the Maiko and Geiko felt truly special. The Gion Art Museum visit added great cultural experience too. Highly recommend if you're visiting Kyoto!
Kyoto geisha show
915idalmisr,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so beautiful the geisha show, I really recommend it, and we took pictures with them to , it was a really nice experience .
Definately worth a visit
steve-norf,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An interesting afternoon exploring the culture of geiko and maiko (as in geisha in other places). We enjoyed the dance demonstration if not fully understanding its roots. The museum covers all aspects of training (its intense) and how women come into the profession which is somewhat different to what most westeners think, as well as makeup, dress, shoes and lifestyle. (Despite tripadvisor insisting we choose a trip name we were independent visitors)
Great overview of a maiko's life
ByPhilE,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exquisite dance performance by two maiko, one after the other. One used two fans in a beautiful magic array of moves, the other just the sleeves of her kimono. Both dances felt like they were telling stories, set to haunting [recorded] music of voice and other Japanese instruments. It was spellbinding. They moved their eyes at times to indicate they were as if looking at something in the story being told, but were at the same time carefully expressionless. The dances ended with each kneeling and bowing to the floor, and when they came out after the show, they showed no reaction to the applause. It is obviously a very restrained art and highly disciplined. The musem has an amazing Japanese garden to view from inside the building, a display of gorgeous printed kimonos and the seasonal floral decorations of their wigs, along with exhibits of their specialized sandals . There are detailed explanations in English available via QR code of every aspect of the maiko life. And a long film of dance and nterview with the leading geiko of this school of edance and training for the maikos. THere is also a long film of a large group dance performance. I felt afterwards I had had a deep immersion into their world.
Culture
ronaldgQ3360VU,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful museum and videos explaining the fascinating Maiko and Geiko Culture. Dance performance was captivating. So glad we attended-well worth it.
Maiko, I could feel it.
J5345XK ,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Inside the hall, you could learn about maiko, how to become a geisha, decoration, kimono, etc. Also, in Kyomai the audience seats were full and seven extra zabuton were added temporarily in front of the stage, so the Japanese had a couple of us and we could see the second performance in the front row of the Takeshi, and it seemed to lower the threshold that was high. It was a very good experience!
Perfect afternoon with a Geisha
kimsN7189PM,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Seeing the museum before the performance was ideal and provided the perfect background and details to understand the dance and all things Geisha. The dance was beautiful. We added the photo with Meiko which made it all the better.
Two ritual dances to illustrate the world of Geiko
Yannick D,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After learning so much about the Geiko and Maiko world during our visits, this short dance demonstration is very evocative of a part of their refined know-how. Not to be missed. Visiting the museum is part of the service.
Meh
Brett L,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Super short. Meh. Wasn’t what I expected it to be. The performance was very simple and a bit lacklustre.
Just a taste of Gion
Mike S,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great getting a taste of the maiko/geisha experience. The performance was captivating. The museum was informative.
From ¥3,900
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