The popularity of Halloween in Japan has grown over the past decade with expanding commercials and decorations all over with even Halloween themed desserts and drinks available. In this article, I would like to introduce four ways you can celebrate Halloween in Japan!
1. Shibuya Halloween
In Japan, Halloween is largely celebrated by adults and trick-or-treating is really not a thing. Instead, many people use this chance to cosplay into their favorite characters and go to Shibuya to celebrate.
Shibuya Halloween is known to being the biggest unofficial Halloween party in the world with thousands of people wearing costumes and parading around the famous crossing and just enjoy their time. However, the government has imposed stricter regulations on crowd control in the past few years due to safety reasons which also means no public drinking.
2. Disneyland/ DisneySea
One way to celebrate Halloween in Tokyo is to go to Disneyland and Disneysea. Every year, the two theme parks are decorated in Halloween related decorations and popular Disney characters dress in ghostly costumes.
At Disneyland, you can enjoy the Spooky “Boo!”. At DisneySea there is the Disney Halloween Greeting at the Mediterranean Harbor and the Halloween Fair. There are also plenty of Halloween-themed merchandise, food and drinks for you to enjoy as well.
3.Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Every year Ikebukuro has a Cosplay Festival and is one of the biggest Halloween events in Japan where many cosplayers and cameramen come together. There are generally some cosplay runways, games and a few competitions for everyone to enjoy. This year the event will take place on October 28 and October 29.
4. Food
In Japan, pumpkin during this time is seen more as a food than a decoration and there are many Halloween themed and pumpkin flavored sweets and goods all over the country. For example, Starbucks has recently released its seasonal Halloween drink with pumpkin puree in it, which is very delicious, and many cafe’s have unique pumpkin tarts and cakes. Make sure to try some out before the season ends!