The Bon Odori Izakaya: A Taste of Japanese Culture

This video, “Bon Odori Izakaya - 盆踊り居酒屋”, was created by “TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful”. This is a 4K video introducing a restaurant where you can experience Japan’s traditional dance.

Bon odori is a well-loved traditional dance which has existed in Japan for centuries.
Every year, during the Obon season, people in all areas of Japan gather to enjoy doing this traditional dance together.

In Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, there is an intriguing place aimed at tourists where bon odori can be enjoyed year-round.
Isn’t it strange to imagine enjoying bon odori, normally associated with the stages of summer festivals, in an izakaya of all places?

The video introduces the spectacle in 7 minutes.
You'll definitely get a sense of the festive atmosphere through this video.

What Is Bon Odori?

Photo：Image of Bon Odori

During the Obon period, which is celebrated in August in Japan (July for places such as Tokyo), there are various events held to pay respects and offerings to ancestors.

Bon odori is a type of dance where residents dressed in yukata surround a large stage and dance together. In the middle of the stage is a smaller stage where they perform the festival's music and play Japanese drums, providing the accompaniment to the dance.
The exact moves of the dance differ according to each area of Japan, and it is said that there are over 1,000 types of bon odori choreographies throughout Japan.

Visit a Summer Festival and Enjoy Bon-Odori!

Photo：Siblings at a Japanese Summer Festival

Bon odori is commonly held as a part of the summer festivals in Japan.
Lanterns are lit in temples and shrines, food stalls are set up, and there is a lively, bustling atmosphere with many visitors.

Summer festivals, which can even be said to be Japan’s summer tradition, are definitely a recommended event for visitors who wish to experience Japanese culture.
There are many festivals where tourists are heartily welcomed to participate in the dance, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

A Look at the Bon Odori Izakaya!

Source :YouTube screenshot

Although Bon Odori is a piece of Japanese culture that can only be experienced during the Obon period, at the bon odori izakaya in Shinjuku, you can enjoy bon odori any time of the year.
This exciting place is the Shinjuku Sanchoku Yokocho (新宿産直横丁) in Shinjuku’s Kabuki-cho (歌舞伎町) area.

The Bon Odori Izakaya is a popular entertainment establishment where you can become immersed in dancing the bon odori. On top of that, the Edo-like atmosphere allows you to experience a piece of Japan’s history.
From0:22 in the video is the Tokyo Ondo (東京音頭), and from 1:09 is the Tanko Bushi (炭坑節), traditional dances well-known to the Japanese.
Even just watching your video, doesn’t your body start to move to the beat?

Summary of the Bon Odori Izakaya

Source :YouTube screenshot

From 5:46 in the video, visitors are shown thoroughly enjoying dancing the bon odori in the izakaya.
We highly recommend the Bon Odori Izakaya for visitors with an interest in Japanese culture, as well as those who just want to have a fun time.
Be sure to check out the Bon Odori Izakaya shown in the video if you haven't yet!

If this article/video have made you feel like you want to experience the culture of Bon Odori, or if you want to dance while enjoying drinks and food, be sure to visit the Bon Odori Izakaya in Shinjuku, Tokyo!

◆Shinjuku Sanchoku Yokocho◆
【Address】Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho 1-27-5 APM Building 6th Floor (東京都新宿区歌舞伎町 1-27-5 APM ビル6階, Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-27-5 APM biru rokkai)
【Access】Two minute walk from the Seibu Shinjuku Station off the Seibu Shinjuku Line (西武新宿線「西武新宿駅」, Seibu shinjuku sen seibu shinjuku eki)
【Hours】Mon-Thur 11:00～24:00, Fri・Sat 11:00～4:00 the next day, Sun・Public Holidays 11:00～24:00
【Closures】None
【Telephone Number】03-5285-9288
【Things to Note】As opening hours are irregular, be sure to confirm the opening days and hours of the izakaya before visiting.

【Official Website】Bon Odori Izakaya｜Experiential Entertainment Izakaya BonOdori IZAKAYA｜Tokyo Shinjuku
https://bon-odori.net/izakaya/ja/