In a city famed for cosplay and seasonal celebrations, you just know Halloween is going to be epic.
Whether you can’t wait to join the zombies on Shibuya’s crazy streets on October 31, or you prefer to celebrate the occasion with a spot of tea and pumpkin pudding, we’ve got a top lineup of things to do for Halloween right here. Movies, concerts, Skytree sightseeing, clubbing with vamps, Disney fun, parades and pastries – get ready for the next two weeks of Halloween overload.
And while you’re out and about, make sure to have your camera at the ready! If you get some good pictures that you want to share, send your photos to [email protected] and we’ll post a gallery of our favorites. Don’t forget to include your name, where the photo was taken, and if you’d like, a bit about your picture.
Scream Queen Filmfest Tokyo 2016
Nothing sets the mood for Halloween better than a good horror. At this year’s Scream Film Fest you can choose from two full-length and multiple short movies. All of course horror themed, but also directed by women. This year’s feature films are “The Love Witch” and “Midnight Show.”
When: October 22-28
Where: Uplink
How much: ¥1,800
More info, map and contact details here
Tim Burton & Danny Elfman Halloween Concert
The world-renowned musical and visual collaboration – Danny Elfman’s music from the films of Tim Burton – will make a stop in Tokyo for two Halloween concerts. Fans of Burton’s creations are sure to be delighted as their favorite strange, dark worlds and beloved misfit characters are brought to life through Elfman’s enchanting musical scores. The program will include music from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Beetlejuice,” “Batman,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Corpse Bride” and many more!
We don’t think there could be a more perfect way to get you feeling in the spirit of Halloween season – and dressing up as your favorite Burton character is actively encouraged, so check out the cosplay competition on the website to get some inspiration!
When: October 22-23
Where: Tokyo International Forum
How much: ¥5,800-¥9,800
More info, map and contact details here
Halloween 2016 at Tokyo Disney Sea
As Tokyo Disney Sea continues its 15th year anniversary celebrations (“The Year of Wishes”) it’s time for the bad guys to take over as the Disney villains arrive for Halloween and invite Mickey to their Halloween party! All the usual Disney Magic will be combined with the all the fun of the spookiest season, with special merchandise, decorations and events across the resort for you and your family and friends to enjoy.
When: Until October 31
Where: Tokyo Disney Sea
How much: 1 day pass for adults ¥7,400 yen, children aged 12-17 ¥6,400, children aged 4-11 ¥4,800
More info, map and contact details here
Tokyo Skytree Halloween Magic 2016
Tokyo Skytree’s cute star-headed mascot, “Sorakara-chan,” gets a seasonal makeover with a witchy Halloween costume, as the tallest observation attraction in the city transforms into “Sorakara-chan’s Ghost Tower.” October is the perfectly spooky time to get a great view of Tokyo, enjoy the pumpkin decorations and a photo opportunity on floor 345, and even catch some special Halloween performances by Sorakara-chan and friends. We all know that the most important part of visiting tourist attractions is picking up some souvenirs, and the Skytree shops will be ready for you with limited Halloween Sorakara phone straps, mini plush toys, and plenty of candy.
When: Until October 31
Where: Tokyo Skytree
How much: Adults from ¥2,060 to access the first observatory deck
More info, map and contact details here
Pastry Shop’s “Halloween Sweets”
For a limited time only, Pastry Shop’s award-winning Pastry Chef Masaki Okazaki will offer a lineup of creative treats to celebrate Halloween. Highlights include lollipops shaped like mummies and Frankenstein, roasted apples, and Halloween mini pumpkins filled with pumpkin pudding.
When: Until October 31
Where: Pastry Shop at Andaz Tokyo
How much: ¥550-¥1,350 (consumption tax excluded)
More info, map and contact details here
Flash!!! Halloween Special
Superstar producer/composer and resident Flash!!! DJ Yasutaka Nakata will be heading up a killer line-up for an early Halloween Friday night! Since this monthly club night only started back in July this will be their first Halloween special so make sure to make an effort with your costume, get ready to have your picture snapped by the official photographers and keep dancing all night long.
When: October 21
Where: Womb
How much: Door ¥3,500, member ¥3,500, fancy dress discount ¥2,500
More info, map and contact details here
Vamps Halloween Live 2016
A staple of visual rock fans’ holiday calendar is the annual “Rock & Horror” Halloween party hosted by J-rock band Vamps – a rock and pop live music party where Halloween costumes are definitely expected. This year’s star-studded lineup looks more impressive than ever, featuring a gathering of Vamps’ closest friends and associates like Breakerz, Kishidan and Golden Bomber, in addition to popular idol groups Dempa Gumi Inc. and Momoiro Clover Z.
The shows also feature performances by the infamous supergroup Halloween Junky Orchestra, comprised of a mixture of each day’s lineup and a selection of visual veterans including members of Sid, Mucc, Siam Shade, and Dir En Grey. Be sure to get there early as the party also includes a fancy dress fashion show, photo corner, and on-site body painting in the afternoon – everything you need to get you looking suitably devilish. Check the website for each day’s full lineup.
When: October 28-30
Where: Makuhari Messe
How much: ¥9,300
More info, map and contact details here
“Happy Halloween 2016” Keio Plaza Dinner
The Keio Plaza is celebrating Halloween with a delicious pumpkin menu. On weekends and holidays from 6pm, the pastry chef will offer special pumpkin pancakes with strawberry ice cream at the restaurant’s live kitchen, and on October 30 and 31, kids can look forward to candy gifts. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in the season’s culinary variety.
When: Until October 31
Where: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
How much: Lunch weekdays ¥3,600, weekends & holidays ¥4,100. Dinner weekdays ¥5,600, weekends & holidays ¥6,600
More info, map and contact details here
Halloween Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula
If you prefer a treat rather than a trick, head to The Peninsula’s Boutique and Café for Halloween-themed desserts until the end of October. The menu includes ghost-shaped cookies, pumpkin cheese cake and mousse, as well as pear compote, all available as part of a set menu.
When: Until October 31
Where: The Peninsula Boutique and Café
How much: ¥2,100
More info, map and contact details here
Sumida Aquarium Jellyfish Halloween
Ever noticed that jellyfish look a little like flying ghosts? Sumida Aquarium has, so they’ve turned their already impressive “jellyfish tunnel” into a tunnel of horror with Halloween decorations and a scenic video display.
When: Until October 31
Where: Sumida Aquarium
How much: Adults ¥1,000, children ¥600
More info, map and contact details here
Odaiba Decks Happy Halloween
If you enjoy the brisk autumn air, consider a walk over the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba Decks, which will be illuminated in an array of Halloween colors. In the “Illusion Dome” you can bring dancing ghosts and witches to life with a touch of your hand.
When: October 22-31
Where: Odaiba Decks
Price: ¥1,000
More info, map and contact details here
Scream! Halloween Party 2016
Now in its seventh year, Scream! is one of Tokyo’s original Halloween events. A collaborative effort from some of Tokyo’s top party promoters, this year’s event looks to be another top party with DJs spinning cutting-edge disco, house and techno. This year the Scream team moves to new club, Vent in Omotesando, which has been on the rise as of late with a killer soundsystem and sleek design.
When: October 29
Where: Vent
How much: ¥3,500 (¥3,000 with costume)
More info, map and contact details here
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest
Although cosplay is a year-round activity in Japan, Ikebukuro will be going all out for their Halloween Cosplay Fest. The most impressive cosplayers will have the chance to strut their stuff on the stage, but those new to grownup dress-up can also have the chance to try cosplay props and get their faces painted. Note: Cosplaying visitors are asked not to arrive in full costume but change in the provided changing rooms.
When: October 29-30, event 10am-5pm, parade 2pm-3pm
Where: Around Ikebukuro Station
How much: Free
More info, map and contact details here
Roppongi Hills Halloween Parade
Roppongi Hills will be filled with the Halloween spirit from October 7 to October 31, but the big costume parade will only be happening on the 29th. The theme for this year’s parade is “movies,” and participants should dress up as their favorite movie character. Children who are joining the parade will get candy, making the parade a treat for old and young alike.
When: October 29
Where: Roppongi Hills
How much: Free
More info, map and contact details here
Omotesando Halloween Parade
The Omotesando Halloween Parade will be a big blast for the whole family. If you’re looking for a parade where you can enjoy Halloween with your kids, this is the place to go. Every Halloween a celebrity, such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, participates in the parade, and this year’s special guest should be quite a treat. Children under 12 years can be registered to join the parade, so make sure your little ones are in their spooky finest as they join in the fun.
When: October 30
Where: Omotesando area
How much: Free
More info, map and contact details here
Kawasaki Halloween Parade
It’s the 20th anniversary of Japan’s most famous Halloween Parade and it’ll be a blast for sure! DJ Taku Takahashi will be playing live, and dance duo AyaBambi will perform with support by DJ LEOCANDYCANE. A kid friendly parade takes place one day prior.
When: October 30, 2pm
Where: La Cittadella
How much: Free to watch, ¥1,000 to participate
More info, map and contact details here
Veuve Clicquot “Yelloween Night”
MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo hosts this Halloween event at Madame Clicquot’s “mysterious mansion” in Roppongi. On October 28 and 29, the “Yelloween Lounge” presents DJ acts and dance performances, and guests can sip on Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne (¥1,500 per glass, ¥15,000 per bottle). If you feel peckish, meals are available at the bar at an additional cost.
When: October 28-29
Where: 7-15 Roppongi
How much: advance ¥3,000 (with one drink), regular ¥4,000 (with one drink)
