If you want to enjoy a Halloween event that is unique to Japan, we recommend that you take part in events held at amusement parks, theme parks, hotels, etc. Events where you can come into contact with zombies, ghosts, and monsters are held, and you can enjoy a Halloween that is unique to Japan.
In this article, we will introduce 6 recommended spots where you can enjoy Halloween events, as well as how to enjoy them, their appeal, and manners. If you want to enjoy yourself while sightseeing, please use this as a reference when choosing a spot to visit for Halloween in Japan.
■Halloween events are held in Japan even outside of October.
In Japan, the date fluctuates slightly from year to year, and there is no clear set date for Halloween.
However, based on the results of searches for decorative goods and the appearance of shops, preparations for the event start from mid-September onwards. In addition, the trend for the timing of events held at leisure spots is that they start in early or mid-September, and some events continue until December.
■The appeal and how to enjoy Halloween events in Japan
In Japan, it is well known both in Japan and abroad that Shibuya is a popular place for young people to gather in costume on Halloween. However, Halloween events are also held at theme parks, amusement parks and hotels. At amusement parks and theme parks, parades are held and fireworks displays are held, while at hotels, the feature is sweets and cooking parties shaped like Halloween images.
In addition, it is not uncommon for people to enjoy Halloween at home parties, and Halloween in Japan is celebrated in a variety of ways. Because the ways to enjoy it differ depending on the location, be sure to make the most of the events when you come to Japan.
■6 recommended spots for Halloween events in 2024!
We will introduce 6 recommended spots where Halloween events will be held in 2024. The spots we will introduce this time include amusement parks, theme parks, hotels, and movie villages.
Please enjoy the Halloween events in Japan, where you can enjoy everything from Japanese-style horror to the traditional Halloween ghosts.
Halloween with Characters and Zombies|Universal Studios Japan
At Universal Studios Japan, there are events for children to enjoy as well as full-blown horror events. If you’re not into scary things, we recommend the “Haha! Halloween Party”. At this party, you can enjoy Halloween with characters such as Pokémon and Minions.
At “Halloween Horror Nights”, you can enjoy a screaming horror event where you take on a horde of street zombies with the public safety force led by Captain Ado.
Experience the world of Harry Potter in “Death Eater: Hogwarts in Danger”, where the Dark Wizard descends.
Costume Parade of Character Cosplayers|Ikebukuro Area
Japan’s largest Halloween event, featuring high-quality cosplayers who authentically recreate anime, manga and game characters, will be held in Ikebukuro. Last year, around 400 cosplayers participated in the “Ikuharo Cosplay Parade”. There will also be events and photo sessions.
Halloween Parties with Villains and a New York Theme|Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will each be holding Halloween events with different concepts.
At Tokyo Disneyland, the Halloween party will be centered around the villains that appear in the Disney stories. The characters, dressed up in Halloween costumes, will liven up the event.
DisneySea’s event is based on the concept of a “New York-style Halloween party” with the American Waterfront as the main attraction.
During Disney Halloween, you can enter the park every day in full costume as a character. Please note that the costumes are only for Disney characters.
Halloween Music Festival at Puroland
Puroland is a theme park with shows and attractions featuring Sanrio characters. The Halloween event in 2024 will be an “all-night music festival”.
The dress code is pumpkin or orange. There will also be alcoholic drinks, and you can enjoy a fantastic evening with greetings from Hello Kitty and Kuromi, as well as alcohol and music. If you like Sanrio characters and music festivals, why not take part?
Japanese-style Halloween Yokai Parade at Toei Movie Land
Toei Movie Land will be holding a Yokai Parade event called “Uzumasa Hyakki Yagyo”. On 14th September, 26th October and 8th December, 100 Yokai will appear in a special “Uzumasa Dai Hyakki Yagyo” parade.
There is also a special video and map that appears when you scan the 2D code, and the “Kai Kai Yokai Greeting” where you can meet the Yokai somewhere in the Movie Village. There is also the “Yokai Henge Yugyo” where you can transform the props scattered around the village into Yokai, and this is a Halloween event where you can enjoy the bizarre-looking Yokai that have been passed down since ancient times in Japan.
A fusion of the spectacular Nebuta festival and Halloween|Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya Irori Lounge
Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya’s regular event during Halloween, “Nebuta Halloween”, has been confirmed to be held again in 2024. This is a festival unique to Aomori Prefecture that fuses the Nebuta festival and Halloween, and features designs of ghosts.
At the Yotte-Mare Bar, you can eat a cake decorated with a Jack-o’-Lantern motif. You can also dress up in a costume using the masquerade masks distributed at the Irori Lounge.
Let’s enjoy this special Halloween event that you can only experience in Japan.
■Manners to follow for safe enjoyment
In Japan, not only children but also young people enjoy Halloween events. However, problems such as noise at night and the large amount of rubbish left behind the day after the event have become a concern, and good manners are being called into question.
You may be tempted to do something you regret when you’ve had a few drinks or are carried away.
However, please do remember to follow good manners, such as putting rubbish in the bins and following the instructions of event staff.
In addition, keep your valuables with you at all times, and don’t touch your smartphone while walking, etc., so that you don’t get involved in any trouble and can enjoy the Halloween event safely.
■Let’s make memories at Halloween, which you can enjoy only in Japan!
Halloween events are a big event that is enjoyed in many countries. Japan is one of them, and it is enjoyed through events where Japanese-style monsters and Western-style ghosts participate, music festivals, cosplay costume events, and more. There are also special events that you wouldn’t find overseas, so you’ll be able to make memories that will last a lifetime.
【Q＆A】
Q. Where can I enjoy Halloween events?
A. Universal Studios Japan is famous in Japan. Other places that hold Halloween events include Hoshino Resorts, Puroland, and Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
Q. How can I enjoy Halloween events?
A. In Japan, you can enjoy dressing up, drinking, eating, and watching parades.
