In conjunction with the "Miyako Odori in Shunjuza," the Gion Kobu Kabu Kai and Forever Museum of Contemporary Art are holding the "Miyako Odori Special Exhibition: Gion Flower Banquet - Yayoi Kusama Flower Room Exhibition."


The "Miyako Odori," which has been held for over 140 years since 1872, will be relocated to the Kyoto Arts Theater "Shunjuza" located within the Kyoto University of Art and Design in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, due to earthquake resistance measures being implemented at its original venue, the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. To that end, the museum will utilize the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater to create a new space that combines an exhibition themed on "Miyako Odori and Gioncho," geisha and maiko dance, and an exhibition of the world-renowned avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama.

The museum will also feature photo exhibitions on the themes of "Gioncho in the Showa Era" and "The Four Seasons of Gion" by Mizobuchi Hiroshi, who has been photographing Kyoto's geisha district for over 40 years, as well as an exhibition of Miyako Odori costumes, a model of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater where the dance is held, and footage of last year's "Miyako Odori at Shunjuza." The museum will also be selling original geisha and maiko merchandise for the Miyako Odori special exhibition.


In addition, the "Yayoi Kusama Flower Room Exhibition" will feature 47 works with a flower motif, in collaboration with geisha and maiko, who are beloved as the flowers of Gion, as well as a selection of 80 of Kusama's works, including her precious early works and representative pieces. All exhibition rooms in the museum are floored with tatami mats, and the works are displayed slightly lower so that visitors can sit on the tatami and face the artworks. This allows visitors to enjoy the exhibition of new contemporary art works and a new style of viewing them.

In April, as part of the "Kyoto Dance Performance," geisha and maiko from Gion Kobu will perform Kyoto dances five times a day at 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, and 5:00 pm, with each performance lasting 10 minutes. After the dance, you can take commemorative photos with the geisha and maiko (500 yen per person) on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, with reservations made up to five days in advance, on a first-come, first-served basis, the Kyoto specialty "Hyakumikai" special bento (3,000 yen including tax) will be sold by long-established restaurants Tsujitome, Nakamuraro, Bankero, Takeshigero, Heihachichaya, Hyotei, and Hishiwa. You can enjoy the flavors of Kyoto's long-established restaurants while gazing at the garden. In addition to the special bento, Kyoto sweets, tea, sake, and more will also be sold.


The museum shop stocks over 160 cute and pop Yayoi Kusama goods, including poster cards, straps, and pumpkin objects. The cafe, which seats around 100, offers a delicious and healthy menu filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, including polka dot-motif roll cakes and maiko bento lunch boxes.