"Higashi Odori": A Celebration of Japanese Culture's "Iki"

The origins of "Higashi Odori" trace back to the inaugural performance held in 1925 to commemorate the opening of the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre.

The current "Higashi Odori" is held at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre. It showcases the dances of Shimbashi geisha, traditionally performed only within the private rooms of ryotei, on a grand stage. Furthermore, ryotei and ochaya, which normally operate independently, compete during this period, offering a unique opportunity to savor a variety of exquisite dishes.

The performance is divided into two acts with an intermission. The repertoire is chosen with classical themes. The first act is titled "This is the Shimbashi Nagauta Extravaganza," and the second is "This is the Shimbashi Kiyomoto Extravaganza." Both are crafted to be enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with classical performing arts.


Another highlight is the cuisine provided by the ryotei of the Shimbashi Karyukai. At the venue's dining hall, you can savor bento boxes where each ryotei competes in flavor. The bento box, originally conceived by the first master of Kikunoi, has its menu curated annually by his grandson, the current master of Tokyo Kikunoi. Five Shimbashi ryotei, including Tokyo Kikunoi, Shinkiraku, Kintanaka, Yonemura, and Matsuyama, prepare these bento boxes, allowing you to experience the unique flavors of "Higashi Odori."

The sushi bento boxes, enjoyed in the audience seating, are prepared with coordinated contents after discussions among the ryotei, featuring vibrant colors with ingredients like shredded egg and shrimp. Furthermore, for the "Ichi no Se" (first seating) on the 26th and 27th, purchasing a special viewing ticket that includes both box seats and a meal will allow a warm and cold meal to be delivered to your seat during the intermission from Kintanaka, a ryotei located near the Enbujo Theatre.

On the second floor of the venue, you can enjoy not only Japanese culinary culture but also a marriage of Eastern and Western cultures. There is a tea ceremony space hosted by geisha, a sake bar offering fine sake and snacks recommended by the ryotei, and a booth where Tokyo Kikunoi serves Japanese appetizers that pair perfectly with Dom Pérignon.

On May 5th (Saturday), during Golden Week, young Shimbashi geisha will perform dances at the Ginza Yanagi Matsuri. We highly recommend attending this event at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in early summer to enjoy the dances of the geisha, the cuisine of the ryotei, and fine sake – a true immersion in Japanese culture.

Higashi Odori

Dates | Thursday, May 24th - Sunday, May 27th, 2018
Performance Times | May 24th & 25th: Two performances daily. Matinee: Doors open 12:30 PM, Performance starts 1:00 PM - Ends 2:30 PM. Evening: Doors open 3:20 PM, Performance starts 3:50 PM - Ends 5:20 PM.
May 26th & 27th: Three performances daily. Seating 1: Doors open 11:00 AM, Performance starts 11:30 AM - Ends 1:00 PM. Seating 2: Doors open 1:10 PM, Performance starts 1:40 PM - Ends 3:10 PM. Seating 3: Doors open 3:20 PM, Performance starts 3:50 PM - Ends 5:20 PM.
Venue | Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre
Address | 6-18-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo