Written by Carey Finn
Shibuya is once again asking people to stay away on Halloween — and neighboring Shinjuku will be enforcing restrictions of its own. Both wards of Tokyo have previously experienced issues with crowds of rowdy revelers and resultant trash, and so they have clamped down.
Shibuya, long one of the most popular places to party on Halloween in Tokyo, essentially “banned” celebrations in 2023, with an ordinance against drinking in the street. Officials disseminated the unambiguous message: “Do not come to Shibuya for Halloween.” The measures were effective, with a sharp decrease in visitors.
Shinjuku Halloween rules
While things improved in Shibuya, Shinjuku’s Kabukichō area reportedly saw a “sizeable increase” in partiers — and the same issues — over the 2023 Halloween period. Partygoers comprised both local residents and international visitors. As a result, Shinjuku introduced measures of its own over Halloween in 2024, establishing an ordinance to prevent street drinking.
This year, too, the ward is asking stores to stop selling alcohol during the Halloween period and increasing patrols to prevent rowdy behaviour.
Shibuya Halloween rules 2025
After two years of blunt warnings telling people not to come, the ward has shifted to a new theme: “no disruptive Halloween“. Public drinking, smoking, and loitering in costume will be banned, and officials are asking people, including overseas travelers, to avoid gathering in the streets.
Dressing up is, of course, still allowed if you’re heading to a venue, and small-scale, community-based events such as children’s trick-or-treating or parties inside bars and clubs are fine. But posing in the street for photos or blocking alleyways is strongly discouraged.
Shibuya, which implemented a ban on public drinking over the New Year period, too, on October 1, 2024 passed an ordinance that will effectively result in a year-round ban on public drinking at night.
In addition to the ban, over Halloween this year special safety measures will be taken. You can expect:
- Around 125 security guards patrolling the streets on Halloween night (Friday, October 31)
- Shop alcohol sales suspended in the area
- Traffic restrictions will run from the afternoon of October 31 through the morning of November 1.
- Luup scooter stations around Shibuya Station closed from October 30 to November 1 to help manage pedestrian flow
- Hachikō statue fenced off for three days around Halloween to prevent vandalism
Shinjuku Halloween rules 2025
- No drinking on the streets from 5 p.m. on October 31 to 5 a.m. on November 1, in parts of Shinjuku 3-chōme and Kabukicho 1-chōme
- Liquor stores will be asked to stop selling alcohol in this area, during the same time period
- “Nuisance behavior” of any kind is strictly prohibited
- Security guards will be patrolling to ensure public safety
More info: Shinjuku Ward website
Note: In both Shibuya and Shinjuku, while there may not be a formal legal penalty for violating the ordinances, you will be asked to stop any problematic behavior. Alcohol may be confiscated. Crowds gathering for events may be dispersed.
What to do if you want to enjoy a tipple? Simply have drinks indoors, at a bar or restaurant.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in October 2024. Last updated in October 2025, by Aarohi Narain.
