Halloween 2019 in Tokyo has been well underway ever since Disney propped up the pumpkin and witch decorations in early September. Like everything else, Tokyo does Halloween better than anywhere in the world. Aside from simply joining the masses who converge in Shibuya and Roppongi every year, here’s a rundown of our top recommended events guaranteed to provide tricks and treats.
Kawasaki Halloween 2019
Outside of theme parks, this street festival in Kawasaki celebrating its 23rd year is recognized as the first Halloween party in Japan. Started in 1996 with a parade of 150 people and approximately 500 spectators, these days the festivities draw a crowd of well more than 100,000.
When: October 27
Where: Around Kawasaki Station
Photo by Mark X Farmer
Back From The Grave 30th Anniversary Halloween Ball
Tokyo garage, punk and surf scene luminaries from the Back From The Grave collective are putting on the 30th Anniversary edition of their renowned costumed Halloween Ball at Shinjuku Loft in lovely Kabukicho. More than 50 bands are scheduled including such legendary home-grown outfits as well as US bands The Mummies and Phantom Surfers.
When: October 26–27
Where: Shinjuku Loft
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2019
Ikebukuro is taken over by over 10,000 cosplayers from all over the world and another 90,000 visitors who come watch. The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival is an annual event started in 2014 and is now one of the largest cosplay events in Japan.
When: October 26-27
Where: Around Ikebukuro Station
The Oak Door Spooky Halloween Laboratory
On the two weeks leading up to Halloween, The Oak Door Bar at Grand Hyatt Tokyo will be crafting some very Instagram-worthy Halloween-themed cocktails. Pick your poison and sip on cocktails such as Eyeballs, or choose one of the test tube “wisdom shots” that change color as you pour in mysterious mixtures to complete the shots.
When: October 24-31
Where: The Oak Door
Haunted Tokyo Tours: Halloween Ghost Walk
Take a walk down Tokyo’s darkened alleyways and hear tales of misery, heartache, and the forever damned. Learn about the angry samurai spirits, go through a haunted tunnel, and drop by the home of Japan’s most famous ghost!
When: October 11, 18, 24 & 31
Where: Different areas of Tokyo
Halloween Party @ Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
This masquerade ball (masquerade masks required) is truly a one-of-a-kind Halloween bash complete with DJs and artists such as Maki Nomiya, Shuya Okino, Tanaka Tomoyuki (Fantastic Plastic Machine), Takaaki Umezawa and more. There will also be a Peking opera performance, a tea ceremony, live calligraphy and even pole dancing.
When: October 31
Where: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Sea Para Halloween 2019
Amusement park-meets-aquarium, Sea Paradise Hakkeijima offers their unique spin on spooky season. Join the red pandas, capybara, ducks and turtles at their Halloween party, watch penguins waddle their way around pumpkins and enjoy Halloween-themed versions of spectacular animal shows.
When: Until October 31
Where: Sea Paradise Hakkeijima
Veuve Clicquot “Yelloween”
French Champagne house Veuve Clicquot conducts an elegant, stylish Halloween soiree at 1OAK TOKYO. Sip on fine Champagne at this mystical, mysterious “haunted manor” where time and space intersect, and nothing is as it appears. Performance artist Viktoria Modesta (feature image) delivers an exclusive, astounding performance conceptualized specifically for the Yellow Night.
When: October 25
Where: 1OAK
Disney’s Halloween 2019
Love it or hate it, Disney knows how to put on a show — and this year’s Halloween celebrations are no exception. With musical parades, themed merchandise and Halloween-themed foods, this theme park knows how to create a magical experience for everyone.
When: Until October 31
Where: Tokyo Disneyland
Limited-Edition Pastries at Cafe & Dining ZelkovA
Enjoy two unique Halloween-inspired desserts at The Strings Omotesando’s in-house café. The Almond Milk Parfait is for those who love classic desserts. The Coffee Mont Blanc is a more complex dessert with flavors such as cinnamon, cappuccino, fresh cream topped with crispy meringue.
When: Until November 4
Where: The Strings Omotesando
Hello Kitty Land Halloween Party
Sanrio Puroland, better known as Hello Kitty Land Tokyo, will open its doors with a new and gripping Halloween special. The limited event will be split between a kawaii day-time schedule and somewhat scary night-time schedule.
When: Until October 31
Where: Sanrio Puroland
Trader Vic’s Tokyo Halloween DJ Night Buffet
The chefs at Trader Vic’s Tokyo at The New Otani get into the seasonal spirit with a selection of suitable spooky Halloween menus. In addition to DJ music that will get guests into the Halloween mood, winners of the best Halloween costume contest will receive a dinner voucher.
When: October 26 & 27
Where: Hotel New Otani
Roppongi Hills Halloween 2019
Find special Halloween themed food and drinks – perfect for both children and adults – at cafés and restaurants throughout Roppongi Hills during the month of October. Don’t miss the Halloween parade on October 26. The parade’s cinematic theme is in conjunction with the Tokyo International Film Festival starting on October 28.
When: Until October 31
Where: Roppongi Hills
Wa-Halloween at Tokyo Dome
Celebrate everything Halloween with a Japanese twist this fall at Tokyo Dome. With a lineup of three spooky events sure to give you goosebumps, be scared or be square.
When: Until November 17
Where: Tokyo Dome
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade is celebrating its 37th parade this year. Highly popular – more than 1,000 children in costumes of all kinds parade along the 1km route through Harajuku and Omotesando. A number of nearby stores will hand out candy to participating children (under age 12 only).
When: October 27
Where: Harajuku–Omotesando
Halloween at Tokyo Disney Sea 2019
Once again your favorite Disney characters take on the evil forces during this magical and mysterious Halloween festival. Enjoy special seasonal Halloween decorations, photo spots, music, fireworks and more.
When: Until October 31
Where: Tokyo DisneySea
Kichijoji Halloween Festa
A family friendly Halloween festival and parade organized by a parent-focused NPO. In addition to photo spots, decorations, special events and a handmade mother’s market, kids (From babies to grade 6) and their companions can participate in safe and inclusive Halloween parades and ‘trick or treat’ at local stores.
When: Until October 29–30
Where: Around Kichijoji Station
Cyber Japan X Big Halloween Party
The Cyber Japan dancers take the stage at WOMB for a night of flirty, freaky, Halloween fun! The Shibuya club scene staple serves up its usual EDM and house mix for seasonal spooky times and guarantees your fix of cute girls in cute costumes as idol dance team Cyber Japan puts on a live performance that is sure to get even a vampire’s pulse racing.
When: October 31
Where: WOMB
