The Best Places to Celebrate Halloween in Tokyo
by Laura Studarus
Spooky Season in Japan
It’s spooky time.
Japan loves Halloween. Stroll through the streets of any major city, or stop by Don Quijote (a store that feels like the love child of Party City and Target) and you’ll see plenty of black cats, witches, and pumpkins. The nation is so enthusiastic; it might come as some surprise that their Halloween celebrations didn’t really begin until 2000. (Odon, a traditional three-day celebration in remembrance of the dead, takes place every year in mid-August.)
What brought on this sudden desire for the spooky season? For that, we can thank Disneyland Tokyo, and their maximalist celebrations.
In previous years, Shibuya and the area around the crosswalk have been a flashpoint for large crowds of costumed people. However, this year, the mayor has strongly discouraged celebrations, and requested that local convenience stores refrain from selling alcohol. So, in the interest of public decorum, safety, and candy-coated fun, here’s a few alternative events to help you get into the spirit. Whether you enjoy costumes, sweets, or things that go bump in the night, chances are that you’ll find your ultimate Tokyo Halloween celebration.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (Oct 29-30)
If you like manga and anime (Japanese comics and cartoons), chances are Ikebukuro is already on your list. But for Halloween, the neighborhood is expected to go well and beyond their otaku-friendly reputation with the Halloween Cosplay Festival, an event expected to draw over 20,000 attendees. It’s free to join the fun on the streets, but if you’re interested in participating, you’ll have to change into your finery on-site for ¥2,500. For ¥2,500 you can also buy a photographer’s license which will allow you to snap shots of the cosplayers' amazing outfits to your heart’s content. (But when in doubt, it’s always polite to ask!)
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade (Oct 29)
If you’ve got kids in tow, Harajuku’s Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade might be your best bet. For the last 39(!) years, the kid-friendly Halloween event has offered up a one-mile costume parade, and even an Okashi Rally Map for kids who want to do a bit of light trick-or-treating in stores across the Omotesando and Harajuku neighborhoods. For the adults in need of seasonal treats, keep your eyes open—many restaurants in the area are doing special Halloween menus.
Sanrio Puroland Halloween (Ongoing)
Japan has the unique ability to make anything cute—and that includes pumpkin season. For the ultimate kawaii Halloween, look no further than Sanrio Puroland. Hosted by My Melody and her dark rival Kuromi, the kid-friendly Halloween celebration features special spook versions of your favorite characters and thematic light illuminations for the ultimate photo ops.
Halloween Horror Nights at Red Tokyo Tower (Running through Nov 1)
Finally, something for the adults—or at the very least older kids who don’t scare. Japan’s largest eSports park, located across Tokyo and third through fifth floors, is throwing an appropriately High-Tech holiday celebration. Prepare for some decidedly adult VR games (zombies anyone?), a newly revived haunted house, and Tuesday/Thursday drink 2-1 drink specials. Oh my.
Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia (Through Oct 31)
Okay so maybe things that go bump in the night aren’t to your liking. No worries—head a little higher up Tokyo tower for the City Light Fantasia. Designed by NAKED, the performance fuses stunning views of the city, with witches, ghosts, and scenes of autumnal bliss.
Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome Halloween Party (Until November 5)
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Or more specifically, 1000 of them! Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome features a horde of the season’s favorite gourd. Visitors are encouraged to hang out in the field of pumpkins so go ahead—hug ‘em, sit on ‘em, roll ‘em, or just grab that ultimate Instagram video. All for a mere, ¥2,500 per person. Just keep in mind that only 20 people are allowed per session—so book ahead if you’d like to participate. For more seasonal goodness, you can drop by on October 28 and 29, when they’ll be hosting an autumn flower bouquet making class.
Conrad Tokyo “Day of the Dead” dessert buffet (Through October 31)
You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate Halloween sweets. For a more upscale vision (read: you don’t have to say “trick or treat” first), Visit the Conrad Tokyo’s “Day of the Dead” dessert buffet. This Mexican-inspired spread features seasonal flavors like pumpkin, sweet potato, persimmon, and fig, and visual delights like sugar skulls, skeletons, crosses, candles, and marigolds. The dining experience is booked in 90-minute segments. 6,000 yen (adult), 8,200 yen (adult including a Conrad bear), 1,700 yen (child 3–5)), 2,700 yen (child 6–12).
Tokyo Decadence Deluxe Halloween (October 28 through October 29)
Maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to party—with or without a costume. Tokyo Decadence Deluxe Halloween has you covered. The all-night event features drag shows, DJs (including one of the world’s oldest!), demons, and burlesque. A ticket even comes with five drinks—so you’ll be fueled well into the morning hours. ¥7,000 for advance tickets, ¥7,500 for day off purchase.