Shibuya Halloween 2023

What happens?

Watched by millions, Halloween in Shibuya has become famous (or we could say, infamous) around the world. There is no actual organizer for the event; it is an unregulated meet-up of Halloween lovers across Tokyo (and Japan). An array of costumes from the disturbing to the hilarious are typically on display, although recently, there have been more onlookers than cosplayers.

Regulations and rules

Authorities have tried to cut down on the debauchery by banning street drinking, not allowing convenience stores in the area to sell alcohol, and keeping the roads closed to pedestrians.

Public rules for the area in 2023 have not been confirmed, but most likely they will be the same as last year.

In 2022, Shibuya banned public drinking from October 28 to Halloween around the station, specifically in the areas of Dogenzaka and Center Gai, as well as other public places.

The times of the ban were:

• October 28: 6 p.m. to midnight
• October 29 to October 31: Midnight to 5 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to midnight
• November 1: Midnight to 5 a.m.

Alcohol was not sold in most stores in the area (particularly from convenience stores) on the 29th and 31st from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

There were around 100 security guards in the area, and like in previous years, there were no temporary toilets or changing spaces — as it is not an official, organized event.

Cleanup

If you want to help out Shibuya City with cleanup activities, there are usually many volunteers on the streets in the early morning from October 29 to Halloween. They are very efficient and the streets are almost spotless by 8 a.m.

Check out our articles on the awesome costumes we’ve seen throughout the years (2014, 2015, and 2016). Note: These photos were taken before attendance was discouraged.