Gion Corner: Traditional Arts Performance (Program Text)
This program is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy seven classical Japanese performing arts in a single show. Gion Corner was originally created in 1962 and has been popular for more than fifty years, particularly with tourists looking to experience traditional Kyoto culture in the evening. Since the spring of 2023, the show is held in a brand-new theater. The one-hour program includes chanoyu (the art of preparing tea), koto music, ikebana flower arrangement, bugaku dance, kyogen comedy, and Kyomai dance. Depending on the season, a scene from bunraku puppet theater or a noh play is performed. Kyomai is particularly representative of the Gion area and is performed by maiko, apprentices studying to become geiko. Known as geisha in other regions, geiko are traditional female performing artists who entertain guests with dances, songs, music, and games.