Halloween in Japan is great fun for all ages and is especially adult-friendly compared to the celebrations in other countries: big parties, costumes and parades. Indeed, while trick or treating is symbolic for many countries in the Western world, children in Japan may have a dress-up event at school but generally do not follow this tradition.
Instead, Halloween is most popular with young adults, and the Shibuya crossing area, until this year, was the place to go on Halloween night. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, this year, Tokyo’s mayor has requested revelers stay out of Shibuya for Halloween this year. New regulations also include a prohibition on drinking around the station between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. and an increased police presence in the area.
With this in mind, where is a spooky-spirited Halloween lover to go to feel the holiday fun and terror? The list below rounds up some of the hottest Halloween events in the metropolitan area and a few farther afield if you’re up to travel. Happy Halloween-ing!
Clubs and Parties
Photo: iStock/ aluxumHalloween in Japan is more of an adult holiday. With that in mind, here are a few of our top picks for clubs and parties this year.
Back From The Grave: Halloween Ball
If you’re looking to rock out to some live music, check out the annual Back From The Grave: Halloween Ball hosted by Shinjuku Loft. As a festival showcasing garage rock riffs since 1989, Back From The Grave has another jam-packed lineup featuring dozens of bands from Japan and abroad. Also on the bill are several DJs.
Tokyo Decadance Deluxe Halloween
Founded in 2009, Tokyo Decadance is a flamboyant performance group that has entertained audiences throughout Japan and abroad. This year, they’ll be hosting Tokyo Decadance Deluxe Halloween at the ACQUA club’s main branch in Shinjuku. Come in costume and be rewarded ¥500 to ¥1,500 in savings depending on the decadence of your efforts!
Psychedelic Halloween 2023
Opened in 2009, Koenji Cave, also known as a “DJ’s Bar Cave,” is an underground nightclub that boasts a high-quality sound system and VJ equipment. This year, they’re hosting and organizing the Psychedelic Halloween event along with DJ P.L6.3. Other DJs, like YOTAYOTA Crew, SOMA and Takugo, will also be performing.
Maharaja Roppongi’s Halloween Party
This luxurious and sophisticated nightclub is famous for its disco styling and will surely get you dancing this Halloween. Check out the resident DJ BOSS and invited performers such as DJ DAISUKE, Little Bay and REN. There will also be a costume contest taking place between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the winner will receive a trip to Okinawa.
V2 Tokyo’s Haunted Jailhouse
V2 Tokyo is known for its gorgeous interior, spectacular lighting, and sound system. Walk through the black and gold entryway and past the shimmering crystal chandelier to make your way to the dance floor. Halloween festivities will be taking place for most of the month with a rotating team of DJs.
Tokyo Halloween Events
Photo: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Executive CommitteeHere are some great ideas if you’re looking for family-friendly events or things to do and see in Tokyo for Halloween this year!
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
While Akihabara may come to mind first when thinking of all things anime, manga and video games, Ikebukuro shouldn’t be missed for lovers of otaku culture. What better way to immerse yourself in the scene than by checking out Ikebukuro’s Halloween Cosplay Festival? This gathering at Sunshine City and Higashi Ikebukuro Central Park will keep your head turning in all directions with professional and amateur-grade homages to popular and obscure titles. The event is free to attend, but joining in on the fun in costume or as a photographer requires a fee.
Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia: Halloween Party 2023
Tokyo Tower may be one of the city’s most famous sites, but you’ve likely never seen it like this before. In partnership with NAKED, which has been installing multimedia projection mapping displays in the tower’s observation decks since 2014, Tokyo Tower invites costumed and non-costumed visitors to the Halloween Party installation of Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia.
Sanrio Puro Halloween
Experience a delightful Halloween celebration with Hello Kitty and her vibrant Sanrio companions at Sanrio Puro Halloween. Engage in a hunt for themed photo spots, capturing the venue’s eerie aesthetics. Make sure not to miss the Makkuro Halloween Party parade, a highlight where all your favorite Sanrio characters come alive.
Halloween Events Outside of Tokyo
Photo: Universal Studios JapanAre you not in Tokyo or looking to venture out of the capital this year? No problem! Here are some fun Halloween events to check out outside of Tokyo.
Universal Studios Japan Horror Nights
Experience a spine-chilling adventure at Universal Studios Japan, diving deep into some iconic pop culture franchises. Step into the “Resident Evil” as you navigate the Biohazard maze and try to evade the undead of Raccoon City Police Station. Delve into the haunting shadows of a lab dominated by Sadako in Sadako’s Curse: Dark Horror Ride. And if you think you’re brave enough, Chucky, the infamous murderous doll, awaits to send chills down your spine in his Carnival of Chaos.
Huis Ten Bosch Halloween
At Nagasaki Prefecture’s Dutch-themed amusement park, Huis Ten Bosch, there is a Halloween Night Walk in the Art Garden and the spooky Haunted Halloween festival. Brave visitors can enter the palace and embark on “Mission in Silence,” an immersive horror experience that pits you against the ghosts roaming its halls as you search for a cursed painting.
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