Tokyo events for Monday, October 7 to Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Japan does Halloween a little differently — they have their own monsters, called yōkai, after all — and many events pop up in Tokyo before October 31.
Dress up as a cat at the Supernatural Cat Festival or become a yōkai in Tachikawa. For less spooky events, head to one of the many citizen festivals dotted across the capital.
Tachikawa Yōkai Bon Odori
Join a traditional Bon Odori dance but with a supernatural twist. Taking place a couple of weeks before Halloween, this three-day festival sees participants become yōkai and dance to their heart’s content. Everyone is welcome to dress up — do you see yourself as a kappa, tengu, or kitsune?
Bake Neko (Supernatural Cat) Festival
Expect spooky cats, samurai cats, cute cats, and even real cats on the streets of Kagurazaka. There will be four main parades lasting for around 20 minutes each. The parades start from around 1:30 p.m. near Kagurazaka Station.
Oeshiki Festival at Ikegami Honmonji Temple
The highlight of the festival is the mando (10,000 light) rite in which about 3,000 people carry sacred lanterns decorated with cherry blossoms along the approximately two-kilometer route from Ikegami Station to the temple.
Edogawa Citizens Festival
Meet the official festival character Happy-chan and get down with the fine citizens of Tokyo’s closest ward to Chiba. There will be performances, a character show (involving a police character, from what we can tell), different sections including happy square, fresh square, friends square, and the usual selection of delicious festival foods, local produce, and probably a fire engine.
Shitamachi Matsuri
Following hot on the heels of the neighboring Yanaka Matsuri is the Shitamachi Matsuri (also known as the Nezu Sendagi Festival). The main festival venue will be inside the sprawling grounds of Nezu Shrine. In addition, there will be events, entertainment, and stalls throughout the traditional “downtown” areas of Nezu and Sendagi.
Toyama Park Yabusame
Also known as Takadanobaba Yabusame, this is a chance to watch yabusame, the impressive Japanese martial art of horse-mounted archery (it’s quite difficult to hit a target from a moving horse) in Toyama Park. A procession will take place from the Anahachimangū Shrine in Waseda leading to the nearby park where the yabusame will take place.
Yanaka Matsuri
The festival includes dance and music performances, food, festival games, a bazaar, and a stamp rally. If you’ve ever wondered what a Hula troupe performing in a graveyard might be like, this is your chance to find out.
Meguro Citizens Festival
Happening at the same time as the Meguro Sanma (saury fish) Matsuri, Meguro Citizens Festival is a fun-filled day out for all the family. Every autumn, the folks of Meguro Ward chow down on fresh pacific saury fish, shop for local specialties, and watch rakugo Japanese comedy.
Fukuro Festival (Yosakoi)
The Fukuro Festival began in 1968 as a promotional event for four local shopping districts on the west side of Ikebukuro Station. Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest events in the area with two parts. The festival includes an opening ceremony, as well plenty of dancing.
Kappabashi Kitchenware Festival
Officially the “Kappabashi Dōgu Matsuri” (Kappabashi Tool Festival), this festival is a showcase of Tokyo’s premiere neighborhood for both amateur and professional kitchen supplies – from knives to porcelain to realistic plastic food models. On this day, the road will be closed to cars and pedestrians can wander freely.
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Jiyūgaoka Megami Matsuri
Also known as the Goddess Festival, this annual event held in the area around Jiyūgaoka Station was established in 1973. It’s incredibly popular and attracts nearly half a million visitors. There are wine and food stands with fall specialties, and vendors galore to go along with the wide variety of musical performances.
The Railway Festival
Japanese train spotters take their hobby very seriously (ever seen the contest where people do vocal impressions of all the different train types?). Actually, all of Japan takes railways seriously, which is why we have awesome trains like the Shinkansen and why the Ministry of Land Transport is the official organizer of this event.
Hibiya Cinema Festival
Hibiya Cinema Festival runs for just over a week and will offer free viewings of movies to the public in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Step Square. There with be a plethora of award-winning films and shorts to see. All viewings will be available for free but reservations are required for the “relaxing zone”.
Design Touch
Design Touch is an innovative art event happening in and around Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. This year’s theme is “Weaving the Future”, but the overall theme is based on exploring art and ideas through the five senses.
Downtown Drinks #51: Spooky Business
This event is meant for everyone — from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers. Whether you’re looking to network, meet new people, or just get outside into the open air. Once you’ve arrived, pick up a Tokyo Cheapo sticker, slap it on your shirt, and join in the fun.
Shinjuku Park Cinema Festival
Autumn brings the perfect weather for snuggling up and watching a movie — especially, when that movie is being shown for free on a big screen outside. This year, there will be three movies to cover the three days of the festival and talks around 30 minutes before the screenings.
Raas Garba
Experience the Vibrancy of Navratri and Dussehra at Raas Garba! Immerse yourself in the wonder and splendor of Indian culture by taking part in one of the most sacred festivals of the year. It’s a festival full of cheer and joy to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and Raas Garba has that energy locked in.
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