Let’s Get Spooky! 7 Halloween Festivals and Events in Tokyo 2018 | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

Let’s Get Spooky! 7 Halloween Festivals and Events in Tokyo 2018

By Caitlin Collins Sep 24, 2018

October is right around the corner, and you know what that means?  It’s almost time for Halloween!  Ever wondered how people in Japan celebrate Halloween?

Halloween isn’t nearly as popular here as it is in North America, but it’s getting more and more popular every year.  With new events sprinting up every Autumn, and more kids getting into it– Halloween is becoming a big business!

Even though Halloween a fairly new celebration in Japan, when it comes to this cute and spooky holiday– Tokyo sure knows how to party!

Check out these nine events throughout Tokyo, from creepy to kawaii– Theres something for everyone!

 

 

  1.  Kawasaki Halloween Parade

 

Kawasaki, located just outside of Tokyo, is home to Japan’s largest urban parade!  Japan’s biggest Halloween parade and the accompanying festival takes place annually in Kawasaki city, and the event features a massive costume parade, live music performances, a costume contest, and dance event.

The parade starts in front of Kawasaki station, and the 1.5 km route ends in front of the La Cittadella complex.  Participating in the parade costs 1000¥, while watching is free. Admission to the parade includes ticket cost to the afterparty event as well.  For those not participating in the parade, admission to the afterparty costs 1000¥ in advance, or day of in costume, and 1500¥ at the door without a costume.  You must be high school age or older to participate in the parade.

For a more family-friendly event, check out the children’s parade which is held the day prior.  La Cittadella is also holding various Halloween events all month long, including horror movie screenings, and a monster makeup booth.

 

Location:  Kawasaki Station, Kawasaki City.

Date:  28 October 2018 2:30 PM (Main Event) 27 October 2019 12:00 PM (Children’s parade)

 

2.  Shibuya Halloween Party

This world-famous event draws thousands upon thousands of people from all over the world each year!  This unofficial event is held on Halloween, and the days prior each year.  Thousands of young people take over the streets of Shibuya for a massive all-night street party.  Expect bars and clubs to be packed, and the streets to be even more so.  Shibuya Halloween boasts the largest crowds of any Halloween event in Japan– you’ll just have to see it to believe it!

Location:  Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya.

Date: (Unofficial) 31 October, surrounding dates.

 

3.  Bake Neko Matsuri (Supernatural Cat Festival)

 

What could be more Halloween than a cat festival?  This uniquely Japanese festival happens annually in Kagurazaka.  It features a parade, food stalls, and dancing.  The catch?  You must be dressed as a cat!  Don’t worry if you forget, there will be makeup service available on-site to get you ready to dress to im-purr-ess!  Come celebrate all things cats and check out this family-friendly event!

Location: Kagurazaka Main Street.

Date: 14 October 2018, the festival opens at 10 AM and the main parade is from 2-3 PM.

 

4.  Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

Halloween goes anime!  Every October thousands of cosplayers descend on Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park for this huge event!  Last year there were over 10,000 participants, all showing off their best cosplay.  Participation in the costume contest and event costs 1000¥, but watching is free.  This event is unlike anything else you’ll find in Japan!

Location:  Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park, Ikebukuro.

Date:  27 – 28 October, 2018.

 

5.  Roppongi Hills Halloween

Roppongi Hills’ Halloween festival is a family-friendly event, intended for children.  So get the whole family dressed up, and check out this fun event.  The festival features a large children’s costume parade throughout Roppongi, and all kid’s who participate get a handful of candy at the end!  There will also be workshops, games, and food and drinks stalls.

Location:  Roppongi Hills Arena, Roppongi.

Date:  (No Announced Date Yet)

 

6.  Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade

Another family favorite!  The Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade is a cute family day out, and the whole neighborhood will be hosting fun events.  Participate in the costume parade, go trick or treating in the area stores, and check out the Halloween Square held in Omotesando Hills.  Participation in the parade costs 1000¥, but watching and enjoying the other events is free!

This festival is known to have huge celebrity guest appearances– Last year even Kyary Pamyu Pamyu showed up!

Please note the Pumpkin Parade is intended for children 12 and under.

Location:  Omotesando/Harajuku.

Date:  28 October 2018, Parade from 1:00 – 2:30 PM.

 

7.  Tokyo Disney Resort Halloween 2018

 

Arguably Japan’s (and my own personal) favorite Halloween event, Tokyo Disney Resort’s Halloween celebration is well underway!  Both Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea parks have been given the spooky treatment, with all your favorite characters dressed in their Halloween-best!  Expect to see incredible decorations, unique shows, events, merchandise and food– Tokyo Disney’s Halloween cannot be beaten!

Both parks will be holding separate events, so make sure to check them out while you can!  Weekends during this season are always crowded, so prepare for crowds and long wait times.

 

Location:  Tokyo Disney Resort, Chiba.

Dates: 11 September – 31 October 2018.