Gion Kobu Theater/Performance Hall

Gion Kobu Kaburenjo is a theater (kaburenjo) in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, best known as the traditional venue for the annual spring dance performance “Miyako Odori.” Since 2016 (Heisei 28), it has been temporarily closed for seismic inspections and related work. Access is about an 8-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Railway) or about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway). The building dates to 1913 (Taisho 2): a historic two-story wooden structure with an irimoya-style tiled roof, with the stage on the north side and seating on the south. In 2001 (Heisei 13), it was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Kyoto Prefecture. “Miyako Odori” is a dance performance by geiko and maiko of Kyoto’s Gion hanamachi. It is a single-act show in eight scenes depicting spring, summer, autumn, winter, and then spring again, and has been a Kyoto spring tradition since 1872 (Meiji 5). Since the closure of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, performances have been held at other venues. Reopening was scheduled for 2022 (Reiwa 4).