Every summer, Kabukicho comes alive with the rhythms of Bon Odori, when music, dance, and tradition fill the streets. This festive spirit has also begun to inspire the neighborhood’s dining scene, where innovative restaurants are rethinking what inclusive Japanese food can be. Two standout venues—Ningen Restaurant and Mugi no Oto—are leading the way by making authentic Japanese dining accessible for everyone, no matter their diet.
Ningen Restaurant embraces the concept of inclusivity with its dual menus, offering both vegan and non-vegan dishes. This makes it a rare find in Tokyo, where vegan food is often limited to Western-inspired cafés. Instead, Ningen Restaurant provides a haven for people who want to experience an authentic local izakaya, and carefully prepared vegan options such as pickles and stir-fried vegetables for plant-based diners.
Its neon-lit, stylish atmosphere captures the essence of Kabukicho while creating a space where business colleagues, tourists, and locals can enjoy a meal together—without anyone having to compromise.
Mugi no Oto: More Than a Restaurant, a Cultural Hub
Just a short walk away, Mugi no Oto offers a different take on inclusive dining. Here, the menu has non-vegan and vegan options, with a range from Japanese to Western cuisine, and the space appeals to all thanks to its lively nightlife energy. The restaurant transforms regularly into a festive gathering spot, proving that vegan dining in Japan can be vibrant, social, and rooted in local culture.
For groups exploring Tokyo’s nightlife, Mugi no Oto ensures that everyone—vegan or not—can join the celebration around the table.
Why This Trend Matters
For many international travelers, dining in Japan can be challenging when groups include both vegan and non-vegan eaters. Most vegan restaurants serve only vegan food, while traditional izakayas rarely consider plant-based diners. Ningen Restaurant and Mugi no Oto show that this gap can be bridged without losing authenticity. By offering inclusive menus and cultural experiences, they embody a growing movement in Tokyo: restaurants that welcome everyone without compromise.
Community and Celebration: The August 16 Event
On August 16, 2025, Ningen Restaurant and Mugi no Oto came together to host a special collaborative event in Kabukicho. Much like the Bon Odori festival, the evening blended tradition, music, and food into a shared experience that highlighted the power of community. Events like these show how dining can move beyond the plate, becoming a way to connect people through culture and inclusivity.
Ningen Restaurant was, ever, a popular choice for business meetings and for tourists who are vegan but travel with non-vegan companions. The inclusive concept, paired with a stylish atmosphere, allowed everyone to enjoy their meal comfortably.
Mugi no Oto was its usual warm, lively space dedicated to vegan cuisine. On August 16, 2025, there was an all-you-can-eat vegan sushi night with a live DJ, creating a festive atmosphere where music, community, and dining came together seamlessly. With events held frequently, Mugi no Oto is more than a restaurant. It’s a gathering place where people return again and again. The restaurant prepared festival activities, including special festival-style vegan menu items such as yakisoba and whole pickled cucumber.
Together, these two venues highlighted how Kabukicho continues to reinvent itself, blending tradition with modern, community-driven experiences. The two spots embody the future of Tokyo dining: authentic, innovative, and welcoming to all.
