parades Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

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 before October 31 -- there is something almost every weekend throughout October. Choose from family-friendly events or venture out to the I-probably-shouldn't-show-my-child-this, with other grown-ups. For more things to do this month, besides Halloween stuff, check out our guide to October's top events, or see our full event listings. If you're especially interested in the nightlife options, see our guide to the best Tokyo Halloween parties in 2024. Halloween events for adults Drinking on the street has been banned in Shibuya and parts of Shinjuku this year, so get your bones shaking at a club or event instead. Shibuya Halloween (canceled) Warning: Shibuya's mayor has once again discouraged people from coming to Shibuya Crossing and surrounds for Halloween this year, citing serious safety concerns. There are plenty of safe alternatives -- see below for ideas. For a bit of context: Halloween in Shibuya became world famous (or we could say, infamous) in recent years. There was no organizer for the "event"; it was simply an unregulated meet-up of Halloween lovers from across Tokyo (and Japan). Authorities have tried to cut down on the debauchery -- and crowding -- by banning street drinking, asking stores in the area not to sell alcohol, and keeping the roads closed to pedestrians over Halloween. If you want to party in Shibuya, you're asked to do so indoors, e.g. at a club or bar. Tachikawa Yōkai Bon Odori Festival Tachikawa is putting on a different sort of Halloween party, one where other-worldly Japanese spirits (called yōkai) come to play. The free area lets you join a disco, eat treats, see a monster night parade, and other special events. But for the die-hard fans, you'll want to join the Bon Odori, which puts a twist on the traditional Japanese dance. The Bon Odori area is paid, and tickets start from . Only yōkai are invited to the Bon Odori space, so you'll need to be dressed up to join. Don't worry, though, there's also a face-painting station. 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 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 per day and gets you changing-room access. See the event listing for more details. Kōenji Yōkai Parade The Kōenji Festival celebrates one of the coolest parts of Tokyo, and as part of the never-ending list of festivities, there will be a yōkai (Japanese spirits/monsters) parade. Expect to see a host of unusual creatures from the Japanese folklore walk along Look Shopping Street on the Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Club Halloween parties All the street festivities may get you in the mood for some 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 Halloween Party at Maharaja Roppongi Halloween Special at Club Asia Theme-park Halloween events Theme parks on Halloween bring on-point parades and the ability to dress up without being judged. 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. Pro tip: Buy your Disney tickets online from Klook -- they have great availability! 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). There will also be illuminations, a new park parade, and limited-time food menus. Tickets: As with Disney, we recommend buying your Sanrio Puroland tickets from Klook -- they sometimes have special discounts. 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. 21–Oct. 31): This theme-park event has thrilling rides and Sonic with a cape. Get tickets. Immersive Fort Halloween (Sep. 13–Nov. 30): Step into thrilling stories as this indoor theme park in Odaiba pulls out the scares throughout October. Get tickets. Hanayashiki Halloween (Oct. 5–Nov. 4): Tokyo's oldest theme park will hold plenty of Halloween shows throughout the season in addition to their year-round haunted house. Get tickets. Family-fun Halloween events in Tokyo Options for the whole family. Kagurazaka Bake Neko Festival Bake neko translates to "monster cat" -- a perfect description of this parade. 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 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 at Shinrin Park, which is about an hour north of Ikebukuro. 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 1000 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. Note: Pre-registration is required and costs per child (guardian included). Futako-Tamagawa Halloween Party This family-oriented Halloween party from October 26 to 27 focuses on having fun with the kids. There will be a photo booth, craft workshops, stalls, and more. It will be held at various places around Futako Tamagawa Rise Shopping Center. See more. Kichijōji Halloween Festival Another very kid-oriented 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 haunted schools, as well as escape rooms to solve, and plenty of haunted houses to tour. Fuji-Q Highland also has a few mysteries still left open. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This article was first published in 2015, and was last updated in October, 2024, by the editorial team.

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