Kabukicho Bon Odori Festival & Vegan-Friendly Izakaya Afterparty

Kabukicho Bon Odori Festival & Vegan-Friendly Izakaya to Visit After

Aug 16, 2025 at 5:30pm ~ Aug 16, 2025 at 10:00pm

Every August, the square in front of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower transforms into a swirl of lanterns, taiko drums and yukata-clad dancers for the Kabukicho Bon Odori Festival—a one-night-only celebration of music, movement and Tokyo summer energy. But once the festival winds down, the night doesn’t have to end. This year, on August 16, 2025, two nearby izakaya are turning the post-festival crowd into an after-party feast with a twist: vegan-friendly Japanese food that doesn’t leave anyone out.

Whether you’re vegan or not—or just here for the sake, Mugi no Oto and Ningen Restaurant are offering a new kind of Tokyo night out: one where food, culture and inclusivity all share the same table.

Kabukicho Bon Odori: Tokyo’s Wildest Summer Festival

Every summer, Kabukicho Bon Odori Festival takes over the square in front of Kabukicho Tower, transforming the area into a swirl of lanterns, music and movement. This isn’t your grandma’s Bon Odori (though she’d be welcome too). Alongside classic folk dances, the lineup includes “Bon DANCE” set to pop hits, a live performance by Tokyo Otome Taiko and an appearance from none other than the NYC-based Blue Man Group.

First-timers are welcome—no experience needed. Bon Odori guide Ageha Bijoh will be there teaching moves, and yukata-clad dancers of all ages are invited to join the circle. There’s even a guest appearance from manga artist Akiko Higashimura, who’s bringing her own performance troupe to the stage.

It’s chaotic, joyful and a little surreal—just like Kabukicho itself. And when the festival ends at 8:30, the after-party begins, with food and drinks just steps away.

Mugi no Oto: Sushi, Sake and a Late-Night Vegan Bar Scene

Tucked underground on a backstreet just steps from the Bon Odori venue, Mugi no Oto delivers the izakaya experience—vegan style. The name translates to “The Sound of Barley,” and the theme is just as poetic—Edo-style sushi, Japanese craft beer, natural wine and a live DJ set.

The set menu for their “Midsummer Mugi Carnival” includes six pieces of sushi (vegan and non-vegan), plus three drinks, all included with your festival pass. The sushi lineup brings together traditional Japanese technique with thoughtful ingredients—no dry cucumber rolls here. Think house-pickled vegetables, marinated tofu and seasonal produce that vegans and omnivores can both get behind.

And yes, there’s tuna, shrimp and grilled eel for those who want it. It’s a space designed to welcome all kinds of diners without compromise. The à la carte menu starts from ¥1,000, and the staff can help steer you toward plant-based picks if you’re not sure what’s what.

Ningen Restaurant: Festival Food, Retro Games and Something for Everyone

A short walk from the Bon Odori stage, Ningen Restaurant is hosting its own celebration: “Ningen Ennichi Night.” The name, meaning “human,” says it all. This is a neo-izakaya made for people of all kinds, and on August 16, it’s going full matsuri (festival) mode.

Inside, the space glows with neon lights, retro pop music and the smell of sizzling street food. You’ll find classic izakaya comfort dishes like karaage, yakisoba and grilled squid—but the real draw is the menu’s balance. They’ve made space for everyone: vegan pickled cucumber and tomato, vegetarian yakisoba and crispy fries that work for any diet.

Each guest gets one appetizer, one main and one drink included in the ticket, with plenty more available à la carte from ¥500. Grab a beer, try your hand at yo-yo fishing or win a prize at one of the retro summer festival games like kendama and coupon draws.

Event Details

Kabukicho Bon Odori Festival

Date: August 16, 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30 pm
Location: In front of Kabukicho Tower
Tickets: Free entry, food and activities at cost
Website: kabukichojimukyoku.seesaa.net

Mugi no Oto + Ningen Restaurant After Party

Date: August 16, 2025
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Mugi no Oto
B1F, 1-12-15 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Ningen Restaurant
4F, 1-13-11 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku

Combined Pass: ¥10,000
Book ahead via Viator
Walk-ins also welcome + Credit cards accepted

Includes:
-Entry to two restaurants with one ticket
-Food, drinks, and summer fun at both venues
-Edo-style sushi × Asian fusion street food
-Vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegan options
-Take home a secret Ukiyo-e memento