Gion Corner

Gion Corner is a theatre building in Kyoto that hosts a showcase of traditional Japanese arts. The hall holds roughly 165 seats, with some equipped with translation tablets to help international visitors follow the performances.

The venue was founded in 1962 to revive and present traditional Japanese arts to audiences after World War II. Since then, it has served as a key platform for keeping centuries-old art forms alive and visible to the public.

The stage presents seven traditional Japanese art forms together, including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and classical dance. Visitors watch practices that have shaped the cultural identity of this historic entertainment district.

Each performance runs about one hour and takes place nightly, allowing visitors to fit a show into their schedule easily. The theatre sits in the heart of the district and is easy to reach on foot, with staff available to help orient newcomers.

The maiko dancers perform Kyomai, a dance form with roots in the entertainment traditions of this quarter that have passed down through generations. These performers train for years in the classical techniques and movement patterns that define this particular dance style.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Inception: 1962

Official opening: 1962

Website: http://kyoto-gioncorner.com

GPS coordinates: 35.00139,135.77561

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26