05 April 2016 – Japanese geisha are famous across the world thanks to their fascinating and private lives. Traditionally geisha entertain visitors at elite ocha-ya 'teahouses', where they sing, dance, and play traditional instruments for wealthy guests. However, this April, visitors to Kyoto will be offered a rare chance to observe geisha as they perform in the annual Miyako Odori dance festival.

Now in its 144th year, the Miyako Odori dance festival will offer inquisitive travellers the opportunity to see geisha and maiko perform traditional dance in elegant kimonos as part of the art spectacular. Tickets are tiered, with the most affordable tickets costing from ¥2,500 (£16 approximately) for unreserved seating. Premium seats are available from ¥4,200 (£26 approximately), and for those looking to embrace special Japanese traditions, tickets that include a tea ceremony are available from ¥4,800 (£30 approximately).

Since its launch in 1872, the festival has become an established part of Kyoto's spring culture. The hour-long performance is organised into eight scenes linked to some of Japan's most famous locations and tell a story of Japan's changing seasons from spring to winter and then back to spring. Featuring geiko and maiko from Kyoto's Gion Kobu district, the performances run throughout the month and are repeated each day at 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, and 16:50 at the Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jō Theatre.

The historic routes of the festival stem from when Kyoto's capital city status was removed and offered to Tokyo, leaving local people disheartened. Therefore Miyako Odori was created, which translates to 'The Dance of the Capital' to raise local peoples' spirits and showcase that the buoyant art and culture industry still thrived in the city.

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors
Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: Traditional geisha and maiko perform in the Miyako Odori festival at Kyoto's Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jō Theatre. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB.
Image 2: Traditional geisha and maiko perform in the Miyako Odori festival at Kyoto's Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jō Theatre. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB.
Image 3: Traditional geisha and maiko perform in the Miyako Odori festival at Kyoto's Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jō Theatre. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB.

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways. 

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk