■Self-introduction
Hello, everyone! My name is Yulia, I come from Moscow, the capital of Russia in the European part of the country. I studied Japanese History in Moscow State University, Institute of Asian and African countries. However, I wanted to study Japan and see the country with my own eyes, so I came to Japan in 2019 to be a research student in the MEXT program at Waseda University. Then, I wanted to understand Japanese culture more and figure out how Japan and the world can exchange ideas and benefit each other, and I searched for work in Japan. Now I work in a Japanese company.
On my weekends, I love traveling and visiting various events to see the diverse beauty of different cultures and to explore parts of the world I haven’t yet discovered. I believe this makes life richer. Today, I would like to tell you about one of the most interesting places I’ve experienced, the “Bon Odori Izakaya” in Shinjuku, and what makes it so charming.
■Have you ever heard about Bon Odori?
Today, I would like to introduce you to “Bon Odori Izakaya” in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and the reason I’m sharing this place with you is simple: it’s fun! It’s a restaurant that blends the joy of eating traditional Japanese food from the Edo period with watching and participating in the traditional “Bon Odori” and “Awa Odori” dances. , which are typically associated with summer. Does that mean summer is the only time you can visit this izakaya? Don’t worry; Here, you can enjoy these dances at any time of the year. It’s a cozy and charming corner of traditional culture in the bustling and neon-lit Kabuki-cho.
■Let’s enter “Bon Odori Izakaya”!
“Bon Odori Izakaya” occupies two floors (3rd and 4th) in a building at Kabuki-cho Icchome. The entire place is designed to feel like you're walking through a traditional festival: the interior is made of wood, creating a cozy atmosphere, and all around are colorful decorations and shining lanterns, carrying one away into summer even in the middle of winter. The two floors offer different experiences: the 3rd floor has different stalls like the ones at a festival, and the 4th floor is a more traditional izakaya. Want to explore and choose your food? Go to the 3rd floor! Want to order food and drinks from the menu while sitting at a table? The 4th floor is the place for you. That said, even on the 3rd floor, you pay for your food and drinks not on the spot but after your meal.
■The difference between Japanese izakayas and Western bars
Japanese izakayas, places for drinking, have a special charm, different from Western bars and pubs. They are designed to reflect Japan’s unique cuisine and dining culture. In a Western bar, it’s common to put on music like jazz, pop and rock and to dim the lights to create a toned-down atmosphere. In contrast, in Japanese izakayas, the voices of the guests and the staff echo through the space. The lighting matches that mood, and izakayas are often bright and well-lit, creating an open and cheerful atmosphere.
There’s also a difference in the types of drinks served. In Western bars and pubs, cocktails and wine are the main drinks, but in Japanese izakaya, it’s mostly Japanese rice sake, shochu and beer. Sometimes, you can also enjoy plum wine and original cocktails. I personally prefer sweet and light drinks over strong drinks, so I’m thankful this place also has the plum liquor ume-shu and the peach liquor momo-shu on the menu.
Finally, there are different functions bars and izakayas serve when it comes to communication. In bars and pubs, you can easily meet some friends or start talking with new people, so it’s common to visit them alone. On the other hand, Japanese izakayas are more often places to have drinking parties with coworkers, have dinner with family, and spend time with close friends. People rarely go to izakayas alone. Moreover, because people at work tend not to express their emotions much, they can be more open and share their feelings when they go drinking together at an izakaya in their free time.
■The fun points of “Bon Odori Izakaya”
①You can try the four most famous dishes of the Edo period!
One of the most interesting aspects about “Bon Odori Izakaya” is that you can try the four most famous foods of the Edo period, which are sushi, tempura, fried eel, and soba (buckwheat noodles). The Edo period was a time of economic development and urban growth, so during that era, Japan's food culture developed significantly. As a result, these four specialties were extremely popular with the busy craftsmen and merchants of Edo, who needed meals that were nutritious and quick to eat. “Bon Odori Izakaya” prides itself on meals inspired by the Edo period's flavours and seasonings.
This time, I ordered chicken skewers, tofu, miso soup, and sushi. What surprised me the most was the sushi. There was 2-3 times more rice than usual! I was curious about this and looked up sushi in the Edo period. As mentioned before, during the Edo period, people preferred dishes that were quick and nutritious, so sushi was prepared in large portions so that one piece could fill a stomach. In other words, if you come to “Bon Odori Izakaya”, you will not only be able to enjoy delicious Japanese food but also taste the four major dishes in the Edo period style. It’s an interesting experience! When you visit this restaurant, go with an empty stomach!
②You can see and experience traditional Japanese folk dances!
The second attraction of “Bon Odori Izakaya” is the opportunity to see and experience traditional Japanese folk dances. Usually, Bon Odori takes place in a square, and Awa Odori is performed in the street, so I initially thought it would be difficult to replicate the same spaces in the small izakaya dining space. However, the dancers greeted us with the brightest smiles and perormed dynamic, colorful dances. They performed on stage to a wide range of music, from traditional songs to the modern hit ‘Idol’ by YOASOBI. You can sway your body to the music, imitate the dancers, and dance with the people around you. I enjoyed the time spent dancing with the others the most!
The most important thing when dancing is to not compare yourself with people around you! ：In both Bon Odori and Awa Odori, the key is to enjoy yourself from the bottom of your heart. Dancing skills are not the main point, so there is no need to worry even if you are a first-timer. Also, the dancers will always teach you moves before you start, so don't worry.Just enjoy it to the fullest!
※On the day I participated, the public got especially excited when they played the popular American song “Y.M.C.A.”!
■Points to keep in mind when going to Bon Odori Izakaya
- If you have a specific date and time, book as soon as possible.
- If you want to attend an event, be sure to check the schedule when it’s held.
Bon Odori Izakaya is very popular. Therefore, once you have decided on a date and time, make a reservation as soon as possible. For more information on the reservation process, please check the official website of the restaurant.
Bon Odori Izakaya official website
Additionally, event times are subject to change. If you want to see a show or attend an event, check the event schedule when you make your reservation.
■Summing up
At Bon Odori Izakaya, you can get a unique experience of Edo era food and culture and summer dances, such as Bon Odori and Awa Odori, regardless of the time of the year. It’s perfect to take a trip to the past and capture the essence of the Japanese summer energy in the middle of winter! I recommend it to those who want an experience for the stomach and the soul in one place and to those looking for a fun night with friends or family or a unique cultural immersion. Try to visit it someday! And finally, thank you for reading this article to the end!
