Fukui

Traditional Beauty of Awara Geisha

Enjoy annual summer dance of Awara Geisha for free!

Takako Sakamoto Aug 05, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>Beautiful pose with open fan in hand</p>

<p>The dance performance was held at a one-day hot spring facility, 'Saitpia Awara' in Awara city, Fukui</p>

<p>Awara Geigi (Geisha) on stage. They can also play instruments like Shamisen (Japanese guitar with three strings, Tsuzumi (Japanese hand drum), and  Taiko (drum)</p>

<p>The dance performance was held at a special stage set up in a lounge on the second floor</p>

<p>White petals of cherry blossoms and willow tree are drawn on the black of her kimono</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, Ms. Hisano (left) and Ms. Otome (right), dancing 'Karakasa (paper umbrella)</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, dancing 'Matsuno-Okina' solemnly. This song & dance are often performed for celebrations</p>

<p>Beautiful neckline of a kimono-clad lady in the audience. One of the pleasures of attending Japanese dance performances is you can find beautiful kimono or ladies and gentlemen wearing kimono in the audience!</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, Ms. Kurimi, dancing 'Sake and Woman'. This is a gesture depicting a woman drinking sake</p>

<p>The performance of Yamanaka Geigi group. They are performing 'Willow Tree on Riverbank'</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, Ms. Shiori, dancing 'Miyakodori (Black-headed gull)'</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, Ms. Otome, dancing 'Goro'. Ms. Shiori, who danced 'Miyakodori (Black-headed gull)' is now playing a hand drum</p>

<p>Awara Geigi, who danced previously, are all playing instruments now. To be Geigi is not an easy task, and takes years and years of training!</p>

The other day I revisited Awara Onsen (Hotsprings) in Fukui, to see the annual dance performance of Awara Geigi (Geisha). This event has been held for years in summer to provide the general public with casual opportunities to see Geigi's performance, as well as to pass on the legacy to future generations. The 33rd dance event was held at 'Saintpia Awara', the one-day hot spring facility in Awara Onsen and six Geigi from Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa, joined the performance. It lasted about two hours and guess what? The entrance fee was free! The event's schedule varies each year, so for next year's schedule please contact Awara Tourist Association at 0776-78-6767. For more photos of the performance of Awara Geigi, please click on the links below.

Awara Geigi Series Bewitched by Awara Geisha Traditional Beauty of Awara Geisha Awara Geisha Dance Performance Yamanaka Geigi Dances in Awara

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...