Gion Kagai Art Museum

The 1rst official Geisha museum in Kyoto, called Gion Kagai Art Museum in English, has open to the public in May 2024. All year round, visitors can now easily discover the traditional culture and art of Kyoto’s geiko and their maiko apprentices.

The venue is set in Gion Kobu’s hanamachi (or read kagai in Japanese) flower district and is included in the grounds of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater, that is hosting every spring 🌸 the famous Miyako Odori dance performance. Its annex Gion Corner is also located nearby and stage traditional dance performances, tea ceremonies and various Japanese theater plays every day for Japanese and international tourists.

The Gion Kagai Art Museum is therefore a complement to these already lively theaters and offers a new insight on the kagai culture, bringing visitors behind the scenes of these still secretive traditional arts. The museum entertains with various activities, such as:

• A permanent exhibition displaying clothing and accessories, and offering insights of the history of Kyoto’s Geisha;
• A walk in Chisen, the inner Japanese garden of Kaburenjo Theater;
• Enjoying a break and a snack at "The Art Cafe";
• Short Kyomai dance performances, typical of Gion district; and,
• A photo session (upon reservation) with a maiko or a geiko.

The backstage of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo

The visit starts from the permanent exhibition spreading over 2 floors in a nice and typical traditional Japanese decor. Socks are necessary to walk on the tatami floors that cover several rooms where music instruments and maiko and geiko’s apparels are on display. It is then possible to have a closer look on (but not touch):

• Koto Japanese harps and shamisen traditional lutes;
• Kanzashi hair ornaments that maiko wear according to the seasons; and,
• Several stunning kimono 👘 robes and obi sashes that were woven and painted by hand.

Each of these items are extremely refined and they hold a significant symbolism. Explanations are available in Japanese, and in English providing the scanning of QR codes at each signboard. Foreign visitors can therefore use their smartphone 📱 with an internet 📶 connection (a free Wi-Fi connection is available inside the museum).

Chisen, the Japanese garden, arranged in 1913 and preserved in its original state ever since, is included in the tour, offering a walk around its pond, a view on the tea house Joan and on the traditional architecture of the buildings.

The tour continues in the main performance hall of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater, which used to be impossible beside the Miyako Odori in April. A large screen spread behind the comfortable chairs and overlooking the quiet alleys shows Miyako Odori movies. Traditional lanterns 🏮 of the hanamachi adorn the ceiling. Note however that Gion Kobu Kaburenjo may not be open to the visit if a play is scheduled.

Those who would like to enjoy the place a little bit longer can sit at "The Art Cafe," a bar located inside the permanent exhibition and serving drinks typical of Kyoto, like a bowl of matcha green tea or a local sake 🍶 (nihonshu). Lastly, a souvenir shop is awaiting visitors at the museum’s exit.

Dance performances and photo session with a maiko or a geiko

When visiting the Gion Kagai Art Museum, it is also possible to get closer to Gion’s maiko and geiko. 2 activities, upon reservation and for an additional fee at the entrance of the museum, offer the opportunity of:

• Attending a very short performance of 2 kyomai dances by a maiko or a geiko, during about 15 minutes, scheduled 5 times a week;
• A short private photo shooting, staged twice a day. The maiko or the geiko personally hands the patrons a printed Polaroid picture as well as her senjafuda (a traditional label inscribed with her name).

With this new attraction focusing on the kagai culture, tourists now have an easier way to meet the maiko and geiko without bothering them. Each activity is available to a limited number of participants each time, ensuring a comfortable and privileged experience.