Kyoto
2025.07.12
[Kyoto] Gion Kagai Art Museum: Kyoto’s Window into Geiko and Maiko Culture

On the eastern side of Kyoto’s Kamogawa River lies a warren of attractive lantern-lit cobblestone streets, lined with traditional machiya-style buildings. This is Gion, Kyoto’s historic entertainment district, renowned worldwide for its deep connections to geisha (traditional Japanese female entertainer and performing artist) culture. As dusk falls, lattice-doored teahouses and other high-end establishments open their doors to guests. Here, geiko (female professional entertainers skilled in traditional performing arts who enliven banquets) and maiko (geiko in training) in their mesmerizing makeup and colourful kimonos, can be spotted dashing from door to door. This article will cover the attractions of the Gion Kagai Art Museum—a place where visitors from overseas can be immersed in the mysterious world of geiko and maiko.
Kyoto’s Geiko & Maiko Culture on Display at Gion Kagai Art Museum




Enjoy the Elegance of a Kyomai Dance Performance


Tickets (¥1,600) can be purchased on the museum’s official website under the “Tickets” tab up to approximately one month before your visit. A limited number of same-day tickets are also available from 11:00 am at the museum on a first-come first-served basis.
💡Caution: No photography or videography is allowed during the dance performance.
Take a Commemorative Photo with a Geiko or Maiko
For a truly memorable memento of your visit, don’t miss the rare chance to take a commemorative photo with a geiko or maiko using your own smartphone. You’ll also receive an Instant Film photo of the moment, replete with a senjafuda (woodblock votive prayer slips) sticker featuring the name of the geiko or maiko.The photography session takes place twice a day at 1:50 pm and 3:20 pm. Tickets (¥2,000 per group) can only be purchased for on the day of your visit, which will be available from 11:00 am.
Kaburenjo Main Building Theater, Water Garden and the Museum Shop



How to Get to Gion Kagai Art Museum from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto
The Gion Kagai Art Museum is located within walking distance of HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto—simply head northeast for about 20 minutes and cross the Kamogawa River. If you prefer public transportation, there are also several convenient bus options available.● [By bus] Take the Kyoto City Bus Route 80 from Kawaramachi Gojo Bus Stop, conveniently located right next to our hotel. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop—the museum is just a 4-minute walk west from there. Alternatively, you can take Routes 4, 7, or 205 to the Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop (about 4 minutes), then walk approximately 10 minutes east to reach the museum.
Gion Kagai Art Museum
Address: Yasaka Club, 570-2 Minamigawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (last admission at 5:50 pm)
Closed: from mid-March to mid-May every year, New Year holidays, other irregular closures
Entry fees: adults / \1,500, university students or younger / \700, pre-school children (0 to 5 years old) / free
Website: https://gion-museum.com/en/