Enjoy Bon Odori All Year Round: A Journey into Japanese Culture in Shinjuku

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At Bon Odori Izakaya in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, an area bustling with tourists, experience dancing while enjoying delicious food and drink. The festivities are held all year round, so why not join the next time you’re in Shinjuku?

Written by

Japan Bon Odori Association

The Japan Bon Odori Association is an organization established with the goal of promoting the "Bon Odori Festival" and "Bon Odori Culture" throughout Japan and overseas. With the cooperation of local tourism associations and preservation societies, we work in cooperation with various companies and organizations.

Bon Odori: A Representation of Japanese Culture

Japanese culture is full of charm. It’s no exaggeration to say that Bon Odori, or Bon dance, is a “hidden treasure” within it. This traditional folk dance with over 1,000 years of history is a part of a festival culture celebrating community ties and connections with one’s ancestors. Over 500 types of Bon Odori exist throughout Japan, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.

Bon Odori originally began as a religious event to honor the spirits of ancestors and pray for a good harvest, but over time it has evolved into a social event that brings people together and deepens community ties. In recent years, it has also attracted attention as a place for community revitalization and intergenerational exchange, becoming an important cultural event in many towns. Awa Odori in Tokushima is one of the most well-known examples. It is the epitome of energetic and colorful Bon Odori, known to all Japanese people.

What is Bon Odori Izakaya?

Bon Odori Izakaya is a place where you can enjoy Bon Odori all year round in the city. This unique spot in Kabukicho,Shinjuku lets you to experience Bon Odori from all over Japan, with the featured area changing daily. Typically, Bon Odori festivals are held in local areas for a limited time during the summer, which makes it difficult to catch one during a trip. But here, you can watch and join in the festivities any time of year. With easy-to-understand explanations from an English-speaking MC and spectacular performances by professional dancers, even first-timers can enjoy themselves with ease.

The dance style changes daily, with a rich variety including Awa Odori, Yosakoi, and Tokyo Ondo. The audience can join in the dancing, so it's a chance to experience an unknown charm of Japan. Surrounded by the rhythm of Japanese instruments, chants, and gorgeous costumes, you'll feel as if you've jumped into a real summer festival.

And when it comes to festivals, food is essential. At Bon Dance IZAKAYA, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi, tempura, and soba prepared by skilled chefs. The top recommendation is the Edomae Jumbo Sushi! This surprisingly large sushi is a unique dish that recreates the serving style of the Edo period and makes a big impact. It also looks great in photos.

Dance, food, and alcohol! This special experience packed with Japanese culture is one that can only be enjoyed here at Bon Dance IZAKAYA.

In Japan, Bon Odori and the folk songs sung during the festival are "souvenirs that won’t take up space." The best souvenirs are the memories of dancing and laughing, the delicious food, and the things you learned about Japanese festival culture. Take home an experience that will last a lifetime. The event is very popular, so make sure to book early! You can easily book a reservation through the experience booking platform Viator, so be sure to check it out now.

Reservations can be made here

Dance, drink, eat, and experience all of Japan! Enjoy a "festival" night like no other, only at Bon Dance IZAKAYA in Shinjuku.

Bon Dance Izakaya

〒160-0021 HANAMICHI TOKYO KABUKICHO 3F・4F 1-6-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku...

For about 1,000 years, there has been a culture of "Bon Odori" dancing in the summer to deepen diverse relationships. At "Bon Odori Izakaya," a new type of entertainment restaurant where you can experience this traditional Japanese culture all year round, you can enjoy Japanese food while watching a Bon Odori performance and dancing along.

Written by

Japan Bon Odori Association

Tokyo

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