Because Westerners have little opportunity to enjoy a geisha's performance in a private party setting—which requires a proper recommendation from, and probably the presence of, a geisha's respected client—a popular entertainment during the month of April is the Miyako Odori (Cherry-Blossom Dance), presented at this theater. Against sumptuous backdrops, geisha, wearing elaborate kimonos and makeup, enact a narrative in dance and song to the accompaniment of a shamisen (a three-string instrument), flute, and drums. Before the show there is a tea ceremony. There are also other performances in May and October, and tickets cost between ¥2,000 and ¥7,000. At the nearby Gion Corner, demonstrations of traditional performing arts take place nightly March-November.
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