All of the geiko from Kanazawa’s three chaya districts, on one stage.
The Kanazawa Odori is a stage performance event held every autumn, where all of the geiko (the local term for geisha) come together from the three chaya districts of Kanazawa (Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi). It provides a valuable opportunity to experience the spirit of the geiko, who work to hone their skills while preserving this traditional form of culture.
Kanazawa grew from a thriving castle town, and is still home to many traditional performing arts that have been handed down for centuries. In particular, the Kanazawa geiko are highly regarded for their refined renditions of traditional performing arts, their glamorous kimono-clad appearances, and their attentive hospitality.
Highlight 1
The graceful and gorgeous
"Kanazawa Subayashi"
The Kanazawa Odori begins with a spectacular Kanazawa Subayashi performance, by geiko from all three chaya districts. Subayashi is instrumental performance of traditional Japanese music, in styles such as naga-uta, tokiwazu-bushi, and kiyomoto-bushi, played without any vocal accompaniment. Being a part of the region’s traditional culture, Kanazawa Subayashi has a strong local flavor, and it is renowned nationwide for the refinement and skill on display.
Highlight 2
Kanazawa Fuga
— a grand finale with all the geiko on stage
“Kanazawa Fuga” (literally, “Kanazawa Elegance”) is a special song and dance piece featuring all of Kanazawa’s geiko performers together on stage, originally produced in 2008 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Kanazawa Odori. The lyrics were written by Muramatsu Tomomi, a Naoki Prize-winning novelist, set to music by Yamato Hisamitsu, the second head of the Yamatogaku school of music, with dance choreography by Nishikawa Ukon, the third head of the Nishikawa school of classical Japanese dance.
Highlight 3
Enjoy matcha powdered green tea with up-and-coming geiko, in a casual tea ceremony setting
A tea ceremony area will be set up during the period when the Kanazawa Odori is being held. Up-and-coming geiko take part as well, providing hospitality using authentic tea utensils from the Kaga tea ceremony tradition, to make this an unforgettable experience.
Information
Information about the 22nd Kanazawa Odori
Held Saturday, September 20 through Tuesday, September 23 (national holiday), 2025, at the Hogaku Hall of the Ishikawa Ongakudo
Tickets will be available for purchase on Friday, June 20. For more information on purchasing tickets, see the Hokkoku Shimbun Event Guide.
