The 2025 Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival: Geisha Perform Awa Odori in a Festival Rooted in Ryotei Culture — One Month to Go

Awa Odori Festival: Born from the Refined Traditions of Geisha Culture

Did you know that Awa Odori Festival, Japan’s iconic summer dance, actually traces its roots to ozashiki asobi—the traditional performing arts of the kagai, Japan’s historic geisha districts, typically held in ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants)?

Today, the only place in Tokyo where you can see authentic Awa Odori danced by geisha is Kagurazaka. This elegant version of the dance, blending the traditions of Tokushima and the refined aesthetic of Edo, unfolds dramatically as performers dance uphill—a rare and powerful sight that simply can’t be captured in photos. Come witness it in person and feel the rhythm of something truly unique.

Rediscover Edo Elegance at the Historic Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival 2025

Just one month remains until the 51st Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival, held from July 23 (Wed) to July 26 (Sat), 2025. Every year, the festival draws huge crowds of both Japanese and international visitors. We hope you’ll join in the vibrant atmosphere of Kagurazaka.

The heart of Kagurazaka, Zenkokuji Temple (Bishamonten), is said to be the birthplace of night stalls at temple festivals in Tokyo. Enjoy the nostalgic charm of yatai (street food stalls) in the very place where this festive custom began—a true expression of Iki, or Edo-period sophistication.

A Festival Like No Other: Geisha Dancing Awa Odori on the Slopes of Tokyo

The festival’s highlight is the Awa Odori Parade, where dancers ascend Kagurazaka Street from the base intersection with Sotobori Street. While Awa Odori is performed across Japan, Kagurazaka is likely the only place where dancers perform while climbing a slope.

Another unique feature: Kagurazaka geisha perform the Awa Odori. According to Wikipedia, there are 13 major Awa Odori festivals in Tokyo, including Koenji and Kagurazaka—but only Kagurazaka is a kagai (geisha district). This makes it the only place where Awa Odori is danced by geisha.

The Origins of Awa Odori in Tokushima’s Geisha Districts

Awa Odori was originally developed in Tokushima as a form of Bon Odori (Buddhist festival dance). According to East Tokushima DMO, the dance evolved when shamisen and singing were added, and geisha performed it in ryotei (traditional restaurants), establishing it as an ozashiki-gei within the kagai (geisha district) culture. This is when the name “Awa Odori” began to take hold.

In other words, Awa Odori as we know it today was born in Kagai, Tokushima. Watching Kagurazaka’s geisha perform this dance in Tokyo—a city with its own kagai—offers a culturally significant and deeply meaningful experience.

When Shoguns and Geisha Cross Paths: The Legacy of Ushigome Gate

There’s yet another connection. Near Kagurazaka, beside JR Iidabashi Station, stands the historical Ushigome Gate of Edo Castle. In 1636, the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, ordered its construction—entrusted to the Hachisuka clan of Tokushima. It’s said that Kagurazaka’s Awa Odori was started with the cooperation of Tokushima Prefecture to honor this historical link.

With this rich tapestry of cultural ties—from the kagai (geisha districts) to Ushigome Gate—we invite you to experience the unmatched elegance of geisha dancing Awa Odori at Kagurazaka Matsuri. Words and images can’t capture the beauty—you must see it for yourself.

Festival Information:

Dates: July 23 (Wed) to July 26 (Sat), 2025

Part I: July 23 (Wed)–24 (Thu)

◆ Hozuki Market:

Held at Zenkokuji Temple (Bishamonten), where hozuki plants (Chinese lanterns) are sold.

◆ Yatai Hours: 

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Enjoy local restaurants and specialty food stalls. Zenkokuji is said to be the first location in Tokyo where temple festival night stalls appeared. This is also where Tokyo’s first pedestrian-only zone was established.

◆ Houroku Ritual at Zenkokuji Temple:

A traditional mid-summer purification ritual involving lighting mugwort on a ceramic plate balanced on the participant’s head—open to all.

Location: Zenkokuji Temple

Participation Fee: ¥3,000

Part II: July 25 (Fri)–26 (Sat)

◆ Awa Odori Dance Parade

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (both nights)

◆ Children’s Awa Odori

Time: July 25 (Sat), 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.