Entertainment - Kyoto - page 78

Entertainment
If you've never seen the otherworldly spectacle of kabuki (styl-
ised Japanese theatre) or the colourful extravagance of a geisha
dance, then you've come to the right place: Kyoto is the best
city in Japan to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts. In
addition, you'll find a lively music scene, plenty of cinemas and
modern performances of all sorts.
Traditional Performing Arts
KABUKI
Performances of kabuki ( CLICK HERE ), Japan's most colourful and popular traditional form
of performance art, are regularly held at the Minami-za Theatre ( CLICK HERE ). It's easiest to
get tickets to the year-end Kao-mise ('Face Showing') performances, but you can also get
tickets to other events throughout the year. The best place to check for upcoming events is
in the Kyoto Visitor's Guide, which is available at bookshops and foreigner-friendly ac-
commodation around town. Tour companies can also help with tickets.
GEISHA DANCE
Each year, Kyoto's geisha (or, properly speaking, geiko and maiko - fully fledged and
trainee geisha respectively) perform fantastic dances (known as odori ), usually on seasonal
themes. Three of the geisha districts perform their dance in April, to coincide with the
cherry blossoms, one performs in May, and the final one performs its dance in November,
to coincide with the autumn foliage. For a small additional fee, you can participate in a
brief tea ceremony before the show.
We highly recommend seeing one of these dances if you are in town when they are being
held. Ask at the Tourist Information Center or at your lodgings for help with ticket pur-
chase. Tour companies can also help with tickets.
GEISHA ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to geisha dances, it's possible to arrange private geisha entertainment. While it's
not cheap - expect to pay around ¥70,000 for two hours with two geisha, not including din-
ner and drinks - it can be the memory of a lifetime, and if you're part of a group you can