A Dance Performance with the Most Shows in Kyoto's Hanamachi District
Two-part show featuring the geisha of Pontocho
Instant confirmation available
What to expect
Book tickets to the 186th Kamogawa Odori and enjoy a spectacular show featuring the maiko and geisha of Kyoto. The show is divided into two parts, with the earlier half focusing on dance drama and the latter on dance performances.
The Most Number of Performances to Date There are five active geisha districts in Kyoto and each one holds its own annual dance festivities that attract guests from different parts of Japan and the world. Kamogawa Odori is the well-loved show that features the geisha and maiko of Pontocho District. Dating to back to 1872, it boasts the most number of performances to date. A Splendid Spring Performance With the exception of Gion Odori, which is held in fall, all the other geisha districts of Kyoto hold their dance festivities in spring. Among these, Kamogawa Odori is the only one held in the temperate month of May. Pontocho's Pride Its colorful history and fascinating performances make Kamogawa Odori among the most awaited events of the year. Book with ease through VELTRA and dive into the enchanting world of traditional Japanese entertainment.
Reviews
4.40
31 reviews
519
48
33
20
11
The reception was terrible.
Posted Date: 2018/05/05
先斗町
I presented my Veltra voucher at the reception and declared that I had already paid, but I was not attended to and was passed around. In the end, I received the worst response, being told to go down to the basement office to confirm myself. Ultimately, I was able to enter without any issues (of course), but it was very unpleasant considering I had made a proper reservation and payment. The experience itself was definitely worth it.受付でベルトラのバウチャーを提示し、支払済を申告したにもかかわらず、受付されず、たらいまわしされた。あげく、地下の事務室まで自身でおりて確認しろとの、最低な対応をうけた。 結局は無事入場できた（当然）が、きちんと予約支払いしているのに、大変不愉快だった。 をどり自体は十分価値のある内容でした。
Machine translated from Japanese
I was able to watch comfortably from the regular seats, but...
Posted Date: 2024/05/17
学而第一
It was a weekday, and I observed from the regular seats on the second floor. There were no people in front of me, so I was able to enjoy the performance thoroughly, but it was disappointing that someone was sitting next to me despite there being plenty of empty seats. Additionally, I was surprised by the lack of an explanation booklet for the program, which showed a lack of consideration from the theater.平日でもあり、2階普通席で見学。前の席に人もいなく、十分に鑑賞出来ましたが、席が十分に空いているにも係わらず、隣に人が座っていたのは残念でした。また、プログラムの説明書も全くなく、劇場側の不親切さには驚きました。
Machine translated from Japanese
It was a fun time.
Posted Date: 2019/06/02
ゆうころりん
When I went to see the "Dōri" performance before, I was able to take photos with the maiko at the tea ceremony, but this time, even though I had the front row seat, photography was prohibited, which was disappointing. However, it was great to be able to see everything up close. After the tea ceremony, I was able to take photos with two cute maiko in the break room, so it was also possible to stand next to them for a picture. The main stage was enjoyable and easy to understand. Right after the "D… When I went to see the "Dōri" performance before, I was able to take photos with the maiko at the tea ceremony, but this time, even though I had the front row seat, photography was prohibited, which was disappointing. However, it was great to be able to see everything up close. After the tea ceremony, I was able to take photos with two cute maiko in the break room, so it was also possible to stand next to them for a picture. The main stage was enjoyable and easy to understand. Right after the "Dōri" performance, I also enjoyed a May riverside lunch nearby. 以前都をどりを観に行った時は、お茶席でも舞妓さんの撮影ができましたが、今回は一番前の席になったのに、撮影禁止で残念でしたが、近くで観られて良かったです。お茶席の後休憩室ではお2人の可愛い舞妓さんの撮影ができたので、横に立って一緒に撮影することも可能です。メインの舞台は、お話もわかりやすく楽しめました。 をどり終了後すぐそばで5月の川床ランチも楽しめました。
Machine translated from Japanese
It was wonderful.
Posted Date: 2025/05/06
よつ
I saw a geisha's dance for the first time. Since it was my first time, there was only a little time before the performance started, but I was able to take pictures with the maiko. The second-floor seats were empty, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.初めて芸舞妓さんの踊りを見ました。1回目だったので、開演前の少ない時間でしたが、舞妓さんと写真も撮れました。2階席は空いていて、貸切みたいでした。
Machine translated from Japanese
First time at the Kamogawa Dance.
Posted Date: 2018/05/16
ハオりん
The tea ceremony was great because I could see the geisha's performance up close. Since I was alone, I happened to be seated in the very front, which allowed me to see everything very well.
The dance drama was based on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and had humor, with beautiful costumes and dances. It was a delightful performance. The venue was pleasantly intimate, with the stage close to the audience, allowing me to see the geishas up close, and I was very satisfied.お茶席は芸妓さんのお点前が間近で見られてよかったです。一人だったのでたまたま一番前の席に案内されて、よーく見ることができました。 舞踊劇は真夏の夜の夢を題材にしたものでユーモアもあり、衣装も踊りもきれいで、楽しいだしものでした。いい意味でこじんまりした会場で舞台と客席が近くて芸妓さん達も間近で見ることができて、大満足でした。
Machine translated from Japanese
Kamo River Dance
Posted Date: 2019/05/14
マネージャー！
I'm glad I got to experience the Kamogawa Odori, a traditional event in Kyoto, for the first time. The maiko and geiko were beautiful. It's not often that you get to see real maiko and geiko, so the women I was with were also moved by it.京都の風物詩の鴨川踊りを初めてでよかった。舞子、芸子さんのきれいなこと。なかなか、本物の舞子、芸子さんを見れないので、同席の女性も感動されていました。
Machine translated from Japanese
It's the best!
Posted Date: 2019/10/28
ヨネコー
I saw it for the first time, and I was able to enjoy it until the end without getting bored. The kimono attire was very beautiful and vibrant. I definitely want to see it again.初めてみましたが、飽きることなく最後まで楽しむことができました。 着物姿がともてきれいで華やかでした。 ぜひまた見たいです。
Machine translated from Japanese
Guidelines for foreign tourists could be a lot better
Posted Date: 2019/05/05
Kevin
There was no issue in finding the location and to get the ticket at the booth with the voucher from Veltra. I purchased Special Seat without the tea ceremony.
Thereafter, we were ushered into a hall where the tea ceremony was held. I did not know it was that when I was in the queue. When they serve tea, they realized that I didnt purchase with it and they asked me to purchase a separate ticket for it (though it was in my intention to opt out). There was no briefing during the tea ceremony as to w… There was no issue in finding the location and to get the ticket at the booth with the voucher from Veltra. I purchased Special Seat without the tea ceremony.
Thereafter, we were ushered into a hall where the tea ceremony was held. I did not know it was that when I was in the queue. When they serve tea, they realized that I didnt purchase with it and they asked me to purchase a separate ticket for it (though it was in my intention to opt out). There was no briefing during the tea ceremony as to what was supposed to happen in the process.
After that we went into a room while waiting to enter the performance hall. Although I bought a special seat unfortunately I was given the second last row of the hall. There were staff walking around with signs in Japanese which I figured later they were renting out translator machines. The group of staff while walking around with those did not mention anything in English nor were there any signs in English whatsoever.
The performance was split into 2 sections. The first was like a drama and it was difficult to enjoy the show without translation. The srcond brief was more on dance and it wad quite beautiful.
Staff could be more conversational in English throughout. A lot of foreign tourists were lost in their way from the tea ceremony to the performance as well.
Reply from the operator
Hello Kevin,
Thank you for leaving a review.
We sincerely apologize for the tea ceremony mix-up. We have since relayed your comments to the provider. Please rest assured that we are taking steps to ensure that the same mistake does not happen again.
As for the devices that you saw, those are actually audio devices that provide explanation of the scenes in Japanese. As they only cater to Japanese people, the signs were written in Japanese only.
Again, thank you for taking time to write us a review.… Hello Kevin,
Thank you for leaving a review.
We sincerely apologize for the tea ceremony mix-up. We have since relayed your comments to the provider. Please rest assured that we are taking steps to ensure that the same mistake does not happen again.
As for the devices that you saw, those are actually audio devices that provide explanation of the scenes in Japanese. As they only cater to Japanese people, the signs were written in Japanese only.
Again, thank you for taking time to write us a review. We value our customers' opinions and reviews like yours help us improve our services.
We hope you had a lovely stay in Japan.
Sincerely, VELTRA.com
Overall it was a positive experience, especially with regards to the show
Posted Date: 2019/05/05
Carola
Overall it was a positive experience, especially with regards to the show. The photo session and the tea ceremony, a joke for tourists, was disappointing I recommend buying tickets only for theater and geisha dances
Rare Opportunity to Watch Geisha
Posted Date: 2018/06/13
MaryWilder
I would recommend this show to anyone who is in Kyoto during the performance period and who would like to see authentic geisha. The costumes and dances were beautiful and well worth the expense. Know beforehand that the show has speaking parts in Japanese with no translation, but an English programme is available for purchase. I opted for electronic tickets through VELTRA and had no issues picking up tickets from the box office. Our tickets included a tea ceremony, where we received delicious te… I would recommend this show to anyone who is in Kyoto during the performance period and who would like to see authentic geisha. The costumes and dances were beautiful and well worth the expense. Know beforehand that the show has speaking parts in Japanese with no translation, but an English programme is available for purchase. I opted for electronic tickets through VELTRA and had no issues picking up tickets from the box office. Our tickets included a tea ceremony, where we received delicious tea, a sweet, and a souvenir plate.
Spectacle du 02/05/19
Posted Date: 2019/05/06
Jean-Sébastien
Un très beau spectacle, émouvant dans sa seconde partie avec notamment l'orchestre à gauche de la scène.
Nice to see
Posted Date: 2019/05/20
Andie
The overall experience went well. This is basically the traditional Japanese play, it only happens in a few days in May, and it's not very touristy. Most people going were actual locals, dressed in kimono. There were a few tourists, dressed more casual, but very few. We knew that we wouldn't understand any of it. But the play itself, more the second part with the traditional dancing, was very pretty, and didn't involve much dialogue. The tea ceremony was very rushed, and you are expected to eat t… The overall experience went well. This is basically the traditional Japanese play, it only happens in a few days in May, and it's not very touristy. Most people going were actual locals, dressed in kimono. There were a few tourists, dressed more casual, but very few. We knew that we wouldn't understand any of it. But the play itself, more the second part with the traditional dancing, was very pretty, and didn't involve much dialogue. The tea ceremony was very rushed, and you are expected to eat the sweet and drink your tea very fast, and couldn't enjoy properly the act of the geisha actually "preparing" it. Overall, I am glad we did it, and it was an experience to remember. But if you expect a long tea ceremony, please go elsewhere. This one was no more than 5min.
Lovely afternoon show!
Posted Date: 2019/05/21
Bintara
We had a good time at the show. It was a small theatre and the show was not particularly grand, but it was a really nice and cosy performance. Loved it!
A fun way to get a taste of more traditional Japanese culture
Posted Date: 2019/06/16
Avyncentia
This was a great show! The dancers were talented, the comedy was funny (the acting was clear enough that I got the gist of it, despite not speaking any Japanese), and the scenery and costumes were beautiful. The seats were comfortable and better than I expected given the price. The theater wasn't too difficult to find and it's in the heart of Pontocho, which is an older area of Kyoto. I would highly recommend attending this show or similar if you get the opportunity!
Great way to experience geisha arts
Posted Date: 2024/06/15
Diana
If you go to Kyoto during the time of year that the geisha houses perform, I would definitely attend one of these shows. The show is short enough that even though we didn’t understand Japanese, it was just a great visual experience (costumes, dance) and opportunity to listen to the music. Pro tip: Spring for the more expensive seating. We got standard, which was in the balcony, and it was super hot up there. Also, this would not be an activity for young kids, they would get bored. I would say… If you go to Kyoto during the time of year that the geisha houses perform, I would definitely attend one of these shows. The show is short enough that even though we didn’t understand Japanese, it was just a great visual experience (costumes, dance) and opportunity to listen to the music. Pro tip: Spring for the more expensive seating. We got standard, which was in the balcony, and it was super hot up there. Also, this would not be an activity for young kids, they would get bored. I would say older teens and up.
2019 Kamogawa Odori Tea Ceremony and Geisha Show
Posted Date: 2019/05/05
Miles
Outstanding geisha performance and tea ceremony. Exchange vouchers for tickets an hour before tea and show. Well organized.
Serendipity to a new high
Posted Date: 2019/05/08
Unexpected
We understood the Web page to be offering a demonstration of the Sado (tea ceremony) by Maiko. This was not to be. What we dis see was a superb performance of Maiko dances and period orchestra with voices performing a tribute to Japan's new era just commenced the week we were in Kyoto. Awesome talent and display of Maiko skills in song, dance and artistry of the animated gesture. The 182nd annual performance by this group. A mempry to treasure.
Reply from the operator
Hello Unexpected,
Thank you for bringing our attention to this matter. After confirming with the provider, we were told that the tea plan comes with free tea before the show begins, but that a tea ceremony will not be held. We have updated our page to reflect these changes.
We are grateful for your honest review. We value our customers' opinions and reviews like your help us improve our services. We hope you had a lovely time in Japan and we hope you consider booking with us again the next time … Hello Unexpected,
Thank you for bringing our attention to this matter. After confirming with the provider, we were told that the tea plan comes with free tea before the show begins, but that a tea ceremony will not be held. We have updated our page to reflect these changes.
We are grateful for your honest review. We value our customers' opinions and reviews like your help us improve our services. We hope you had a lovely time in Japan and we hope you consider booking with us again the next time you travel.
Sincerely, VELTRA.com
Excellent performance!!
Posted Date: 2019/05/16
Then0madneverrests
It was one of the best cultural experiences. Even though i dont understand Japanese I enjoyed it thoroughly. You can buy the English synopsis of the play at the theatre itself. I faced no problem and I just went to the ticket counter and exchanged the voucher.
A must do!
Posted Date: 2019/05/17
Karen C
If you are lucky enough to be in Kyoto while this is on, go! Fabulous!
Unique Cultural Geisha Experience
Posted Date: 2019/05/19
Erik and Alison
The tea ceremony was rushed and a non-event but the tea was real macha with a delicious cake. You keep the cake plate as a souvenir. We did the photo op after the tea ceremony - it was OK. The performance is outstanding and well worth the price of admission. Very professional, exquisite costumed and live orchestra. Highly recommend this if you are in the Gion area.
