Miyako Odori in Japan

Japan’s geisha are famous the world over, but as they usually perform only at small private gatherings in the teahouses of the geisha districts, it’s not often that visitors from overseas get to see them. The Miyako Odori is a Geisha dance performance held the month of April in Kyoto.

But in fact the original geisha were men. They were male advisors and entertainers to their daimyo (feudal lords), dating back to the 1200s. They were also tea connoisseurs, artists and gifted storytellers. In fact, the first female geisha didn't appear until several centuries later in 1751 but grew so quickly in popularity that they soon outnumbered the men. Today, there are 5 known male geisha in Japan: 4 in Tokyo and 1 in Kyoto.

While the dance is performed throughout Japan during the mid-August Obon week, a family holiday marking the return of deceased ancestors to Earth, the annual Awa Odori in Tokushima is the most famous, oldest, and largest Obon dance event.