Halloween has become a massive hit for Japan in the last decade. This includes a lot of imported traditions like trick-or-treating, parades, and spooky costumes. But some events have a distinctive Tokyo twist. Tokyo Halloween festivities can happen way before October 31 — there is something almost every weekend throughout October!
And there’s something for everyone, from the family-friendly to the I-probably-shouldn’t-show-my-child-this. For more things to do this month, besides just Halloween stuff, check out our article on October’s top events, or see our full event listings.
Halloween events for adults
Shibuya Halloween (cancelled)
Halloween in Shibuya has become famous (or we could say, infamous) around the world. There is no organizer for the event; it is an unregulated meet-up of Halloween lovers across Tokyo (and Japan). Important: The event has been cancelled for 2023.
Authorities have tried to cut down on the debauchery in recent years by banning street drinking, not allowing convenience stores in the area to sell alcohol, and keeping the roads closed to pedestrians — but this still didn’t stop the hordes from parading across Shibuya Crossing last year. This year, however, the mayor of Shibuya has called for a complete ban on attendance.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
It’s a good time to be dressed up in Ikebukuro during Halloween. However, you won’t find many monsters here — this event is more otaku– (geek) oriented than others. The heart of this Halloween festival is Sunshine City’s open-air space (as well as the nearby park); however, over the weekend, you’ll see cosplayers all over East Ikebukuro’s main shopping area.
There will also be plenty of other activities and attractions: a cosplay runway, stage events, gatherings for characters of similar series/themes, a parade, parties, and much more. Regular cosplay entry starts at ¥2,500 per day and gets you changing room access. See the event listing for more details.
Club Halloween parties
All the street festivities may get you in the mood for singing and dancing. Head to karaoke or do the monster mash in these clubs.
- Back From The Grave: Halloween Ball at Shinjuku LOFT
- Tokyo Decadance Halloween at DecaBarS
- Womb Halloween Party at Womb
- Psychedelic Halloween 2023 at DJ’s Bar Cave
- Halloween Party at Maharaja Roppongi
More events can be found in our dedicated article.
Theme-park Halloween events
Tokyo Disney Resort Halloween
The happiest place on earth has turned spooky. Expect parades, themed food, and merchandise, as well as special decorations at both parks. What makes this seasonal event different from other times of the year is that you can finally dress up as your favorite Disney character. Usually a privilege reserved for those under 12, Tokyo Disney Resort allows all ages to don a princess dress and enjoy the thrills.
There are some rules and regulations (it is Disney after all), so make sure to check our event listing below for details. Also, read our article on how to save money at Disney.
Sanrio Puroland Halloween
You’ll find an explosion of sweet Halloween events at Sanrio Puroland this autumn. This theme park is dedicated to Hello Kitty and her friends (such as Gudetama, My Melody, and Pompompurin).
For Halloween this year, festivities are centered around everyone’s favorite cheeky but charming character, Kuromi. There will also be illuminations, a new park parade, and limited-time food menus.
Going to Osaka? Don’t miss the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan!
Other theme-park Halloween events in Tokyo
- Happy Halloween Joypolis (Sep. 23–Oct. 31): This theme-park event has thrilling rides and Sonic with a cape. Get your tickets here.
- Halloween Horror Nights: (Sep. 25–Oct. 31): RED° TOKYO TOWER will be hosting a unique Halloween-themed virtual reality experience. Buy your tickets in advance.
Family-fun Halloween events in Tokyo
Kagurazaka Bake Neko Festival
Bake neko literally translates to “changed cat” — a perfect description of this parade. You won’t find any normal kitties here; everyone is human (sorry to spoil the magic). By blending Japanese folklore with Halloween, the organizers have created a spectacular event filled with unnatural feline features and humans transformed into cat ghosts, cat demons, and cat monsters.
It costs ¥500 to join the parade, but children below junior high school age can enter for free. To join, all you need to do is dress up as a cat or simply have a costume with cat motifs, even something as simple as cat ears will do.
Halloween Night in the Forest
Halloween illuminations aren’t really a thing in Tokyo — but this is Saitama. There will be plenty of spooky artworks and installations, including projection mapping, recycled art, lantern art, and more. “Halloween Night in the Forest” takes place over six days at Shinrin Park, which is about an hour north of Ikebukuro.
| At the door: ¥450 | ||
| At the door: ¥0 | ||
| At the door: ¥210 | ||
Roppongi Hills Halloween Parade
This event features a Halloween parade as its highlight. Additionally, for most of October, there will be concurrent promotions and activities, such as Halloween-themed special menus at participating restaurants and some fun activities for kids.
Omotesandō Halloween Pumpkin Parade
This Halloween celebration usually gets over a thousand participants each year and is mainly for the kiddies. Only children aged 12 and under, as well as their guardians, can participate in the parade. As trick-or-treating is one of the activities, kids can get some treats afterward, and some shops and restaurants around the area are known to give special discounts and services to costumed participants.
Pre-registration is required and costs ¥1,000 per child (guardian included).
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | ||
Futako-Tamagawa Halloween Party
Held as an in-person event for the first time in three years, this family-oriented Halloween party focuses on having fun with the kids. There will be a photo booth, craft workshops, fair booths, and more. It will be held at various places around Futako Tamagawa Rise Shopping Center.
Yokohama Yamate Seiyōkan Halloween Walk
The Yamate area of Yokohama is known for its Western-style houses, remnants of the time when the area was an enclave for Westerners in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
On October 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a stamp rally for costumed participants. Collect stamps from various locations in the Yamate area — including some houses and a park — and get prizes for being one of the fastest to complete the rally.
Kichijōji Halloween Festival
Another very kid-orientated event, this weekday parade is advertised as one that is “by moms, for moms” (but dads can still participate). There will also be trick-or-treat activities throughout the event period. The organizers are looking for parent-and-child participants to dance themselves around Kichijōji.
Other Tokyo Halloween activities
There are many other creepy things to do in and around Tokyo to get you in the Halloween mood. There are escape rooms to solve, plenty of haunted houses to tour, and even some creepy robots to meet. Fuji-Q Highland also has a few mysteries still left unsolved.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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