Miyako Odori

The Miyako Odori (都をどり) is one of the four great spring shows in the five geisha districts (hanamachi) of Kyoto, Japan.

The Miyako Odori takes place four times a day from 1 to 30 April at the Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jo theatre near the Yasaka Shrine.

The motifs draw from classical Japanese culture and incorporate everyday life as well as folkloristic elements, for example from the Tale of Genji.

[1] A dance in the Miyako Odori may involve 32 maiko and geisha and 20 musicians in identical costumes, often performing in unison.

[3]: 77–78 The Miyako Odori was first celebrated in 1875, as part of a drive by the mayor of Kyoto to draw tourists to the area and revive the city's reputation following the Imperial court's move to Tokyo six years earlier.