Four days to savor the arts and cuisine of the Shinbashi Karyukai

The "Azuma Odori," now in its 95th year in 2019, offers a rare, once-a-year opportunity to witness the elegant and captivating dances of geisha, typically only seen in exclusive restaurants that do not admit first-time visitors. It is also a special occasion for Shinbashi geisha to showcase the results of their daily training.



The stage program is under the overall composition and direction of Hanayagi Jyo, the fourth-generation grand master, who is collaborating with his grandson, the fifth-generation grand master Hanayagi Jusuke.

During intermissions, enjoy Matsubara bento boxes and sushi rolls, with each restaurant competing in flavor based on menus provided by Tokyo Kitcho. Special viewing tickets are also available for the first seating on the 25th and 26th, limited to 20 seats each in the superior box seats, where you can savor the "Azuma Odori" bento from Kaneda-san (reservations required for each). The grand finale of the vibrant and stylish dance features the geisha, dressed in their traditional black kimonos, lining up on stage. The performance culminates in a communal clapping session involving the audience, followed by the geisha scattering handkerchiefs to the audience to the tune of the folk song "Sawagi," uniting performers and spectators before the curtain falls.

Before and during intermissions, embodying the concept of "turning the Enbujo into a restaurant," various cultural salons are arranged in the foyer, showcasing restaurant culture. Geisha also appear in the lobby during intermissions, mingling with guests for commemorative photos and offering hospitality akin to a traditional restaurant. At the tea ceremony area, with its red-carpeted stools, guests can enjoy tea served by geisha trained under the guidance of Mr. Sōyō Ogawa of the Edo Senke school, along with special "Azuma Odori" limited-edition fresh sweets made by Eitaro.

Savor sake and snacks recommended by each restaurant, such as tamagoyaki and sasazushi, at the "Shinbashi Restaurants Sake Bar." Indulge in a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors with premium Dom Pérignon paired with delicate Japanese appetizers from Tokyo Kitcho. The "Yappa Ginza Dabe" booth, supporting the Tohoku region since 2012, offers sake, snacks, and sweets primarily from Fukushima. For souvenirs, there are also exclusive items like senjafuda (used by geisha as calling cards), Azuma Odori fans, and "Azuma Odori Senbei" rice crackers from the long-established Ginza store Matsuzaki Senbei. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture, including geisha dances, restaurant cuisine, and fine sake, at Shinbashi Enbujo this early summer.




Dates | May 23 (Thu) - May 26 (Sun), 2018
Performance Times | May 23 & 24: 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 25 & 26: Three performances daily. First Seating: Doors open 11:00 AM, Performance starts 11:30 AM - Ends 1:00 PM. Second Seating: Doors open 1:10 PM, Performance starts 1:40 PM - Ends 3:10 PM. Third Seating: Doors open 3:20 PM, Performance starts 3:50 PM - Ends 5:20 PM.
Venue | Shinbashi Enbujo
Address | 6-18-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo