Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto

Name: Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.77 (65 reviews)

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 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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Included

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

admission and dance performance

Photo session fee 2,000 yen per group max 5 people

Options

Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto

Reviews

4.77

65 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Stunning museum in Gion with Maiko Dance Experience
Jacob C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an excellent experience. We arrived early and walked around the museum; we also watched a brief video that explained about the history of Gion, the dances by Maiko, and the history of the school. The dances of the Maiko were excellent and ample time given to the performances. It was a great beginning to start our stay in Kyoto with this museum and performance.
Immersion in Kyomai appreciation is a problem
X2654BV,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a spectacular dance with emotions right down to the fingertips. I like the fact that all the exhibits except Kyomai accept photographs I was pretty happy to get up close and personal with the performance of the capital dance.
Attend and Kyomai dance by a Maiko and visit museum
P3291QQyvonned,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
interesting museum, seen beautiful dances and be able to see the authentic theater inside. Very interesting! Fascinating world.
Dance performance museum visit
FarAway680180,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The performance was very good but very short. But you can after roam around the museum and watch excellent videos of other performances that complete the trip. The museum is very interesting.
Unique, intimate and very beautiful opportunity
Anna0240,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Kyomai dance performed by two Geikos was such an unique, intimate and very beautiful opportunity for us. We had the chance to see these graceful dances up close. It’s pure joy to watch these beautiful artists perform.
Delicate
Sightsee02793352958,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It is short but enjoyable, in addition to watching the dance, you can visit the museum with several videos that explain you and see the theater in which they perform. A fantasy to experience
Magical experience
ava-fitz,,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
An 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
5.00
Exquisite 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.