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Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in October 2023: Events, Festivals, Halloween Events & More

Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in October 2023: Events, Festivals, Halloween Events & More

Date published: 14 September 2023

Tokyo in October is a sensory feast unlike any other. As the vivid shades of autumn paint the city's trees, Tokyo pulsates with an energy that's both nostalgic and invigorating. From fun festivals to modern Halloween celebrations that bring streets to life with playful frights, October in Tokyo promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

Here, we will share information on events in Tokyo and its vicinity happening in October, including gourmet festivals, collaborative events with anime, and Halloween celebrations, all to help you enjoy the autumn season.

October Events at Theme Parks and Popular Destinations

Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort® (Maihama)

Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort® (Maihama)

At Tokyo Disney Resort®, "Disney Halloween" will be held for 47 days from September 15 to October 31.

In Tokyo Disneyland®, ghosts will invite Mickey Mouse, his Disney friends, and the guests into their thrilling world during the "Spooky 'Boo!' Parade". This year, after a four-year hiatus, a special feature where the parade floats pause midway will make a return. Guests can join Mickey Mouse and friends in dancing and become part of the ghostly gang. The park will also be decorated with pumpkins and ghosts, offering a unique Halloween experience to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea®, Mickey Mouse and his Disney pals will celebrate Halloween with the guests, donning costumes inspired by pumpkins and sweets, in the "Disney Halloween Greeting" show. Additionally, the "Halloween Fair in New York" will provide a different ambiance for both day and night celebrations.

Tokyo Disneyland® will also sell Halloween-themed classic menu items like maple pumpkin-flavored churros and special merchandise.

Event Overview
・Address: Tokyo Disney Resort®
・Dates: September 15 to October 31, 2023
・Hours: Varies, please refer to the official website
・Admission: Varies, please refer to the official website
・Closed Days: Open daily during the event
・TEL: 0570-00-8632

Tokyo Disney Resort® 40th Anniversary "Dream Go Round" (Maihama)

©Disney (Image is for illustrative purposes only)
©Disney (Image is for illustrative purposes only)

Tokyo Disney Resort® is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the special event, "Tokyo Disney Resort 40th 'Dream-Go-Round'". The park is adorned with festive decorations marking the 40th year, accompanied by the introduction of special merchandise and exclusive menus.

In commemoration of the 40th opening anniversary, Tokyo Disneyland® is renewing its midday parade for the first time in five years. At Tokyo DisneySea®, a waterside greeting event named "Let's Celebrate with Color" will take place, featuring Disney characters dressed in 40th-anniversary attire, making appearances aboard boats. Come and join in this special year of celebration where everyone connects and rejoices together.

Event Overview
・Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort®
・Dates: April 15, 2023 to March 31, 2024
・Hours: Varies, please refer to the official website
・Admission: Varies, please refer to the official website
・Closed: Open daily during the event
・TEL: 0570-00-8632

NAKED Fireworks Aquarium (Shinagawa)

NAKED Fireworks Aquarium (Shinagawa)

Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Shinagawa Station, within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, is the indoor theme park "Maxell Aqua Park." This park hosts a plethora of events featuring quintessential Japanese experiences such as fireworks, festivals, and summer cooling events.

From the entrance leading up to the performance area, there's an aquarium display section decorated with masks and fireworks, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese festival venue. At the "Ocean Festival," visitors can enjoy viewing 11 types of creatures inspired by Japanese traditional patterns.

A must-see is the "Dolphin Performance." You'll be amazed by the dynamic jumps of the dolphins set to the rhythm of samba music. A distinctive feature of this performance is its interactive segment, where guests can participate with simple dance moves and clapping. In the evening, digital fireworks light up the entire venue, enveloping it in a mood full of Japanese sentiment and emotion.

Event Overview
・Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
・Dates: July 1 - October 22, 2023
・Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM (last admission at 7 PM)
・Admission: 2,500 yen
・Closed: Open daily during the exhibition
・TEL: 03-5421-1111 (voice guidance)

  • Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
    マクセル アクアパーク品川
    • Address 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611 (in Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
    • Phone Number 03-5421-1111
    • ・Hours: Varies depending on the season
      ・Admission: 2,500 yen
      ・Closed: Open daily

Animation & Character Collaboration Events

Gintama Anime Collaboration Restaurant (Ikebukuro)

Gintama Anime Collaboration Restaurant (Ikebukuro)

At Washoku Musashino, a restaurant located in the basement level 1 of the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro, there's a limited-time collaboration with the popular Japanese TV anime, Gintama. For this special event, the restaurant is renamed "Washoku Place Gintama-tei." Gintama is a TV anime & film series based on a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.

At Washoku Place Gintama-tei, guests can enjoy meals, desserts, and original drinks that encapsulate the world of the anime. As a delightful bonus, with every ordered item, customers receive a coaster featuring the character from the menu they chose.

Additionally, there's a sale of exclusive merchandise featuring specially commissioned illustrations for this collaboration. A limited-time celebration menu featuring a "Gintoki Birthday Cake" is also available.

Event Overview
・Venue: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
・Dates: September 1 - October 31, 2023
・Hours: Noon - 8:30 PM (Last order at 8 PM), 14 sessions of 120 minutes each, reservations required
・Price: Food menu from 2,000 yen, sweets from 2,500 yen, original drinks from 1,200 yen
・Closed: Open daily during the event
・TEL: 03-5954-2257

Seasonal Events

The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (Hibiya, Ginza, etc.)

Photo is for illustrative purposes only. (Image: PIXTA)
Photo is for illustrative purposes only. (Image: PIXTA)

This film festival serves as a gathering place for outstanding movies from around the world, allowing both domestic and international filmmakers and film enthusiasts to discover new talents and experience their captivating stories. Held annually in late October, it's considered one of the largest events of its kind in Asia. The main venues for the festival are Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza, consistent with the previous year's locations.

Beyond the competition where an international jury selects the Tokyo Grand Prix's winning film, there are various other sections. The "Gala Selection" previews notable films from global festivals before their official release in Japan. The "World Focus" introduces exceptional films from around the world that don't yet have a distributor in Japan. Additionally, the TIFFCOM2023 - the Marketplace for Film and TV in Asia is scheduled to be co-hosted. The marketplace event will run from October 25-27, 2023.

Event Overview
Dates: October 23 to November 1, 2023
Hours: Vary according to day and location
Admission: Varies depending on the day and location
Closed: Open daily during the event

  • The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival
    第36回東京国際映画祭
    • Address Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, Ginza area

Shibuya Halloween Night Fest (Shibuya)

(Photo is from past year's event.)
(Photo is from past year's event.)

The "Shibuya Halloween Night Fest" takes place in Shibuya, a hotspot for Halloween festivities. In past years, attendees checked in at "BRAND SHIBUYA - Shibuya Club Brand." Upon registration and receipt of a wristband, they could freely access a range of participating venues like clubs, DJ bars, lounges, and more.

Given that places such as the Shibuya Scramble crossing and Center Street often experience heavy foot traffic, making navigation challenging, it's a good idea for attendees to immerse themselves in the Halloween ambiance at bars or lounges during the event.

Event Overview
・Date: Scheduled for around October 31, 2023

  • Shibuya Halloween Night Fest (Shibuya)
    渋谷ハロウィンナイトフェス(渋谷)
    • Address Reception venue BRAND SHIBUYA - Shibuya Club Brand B1F, Shibuya Deli Tower Building, 2-23-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest (Ikebukuro)

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest (Ikebukuro)

Each year, this Halloween event attracts more than 20,000 cosplay enthusiasts. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2023, the event is set to enlarge its "Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Parade", which previously saw around 300 cosplayers parading through Ikebukuro. Besides the "Family Halloween" segment where participants can flaunt their favorite cosplays, a dedicated area will be available for newcomers to cosplay to get involved without hesitation.

On event day, the culmination of the "Cosplayer Of The Year 2024" contest will be broadcast live on NicoNico. This ceremony will comprise an awards segment, an exclusive fashion runway, and a climactic showdown to crown the ultimate winner.

Event Overview
・Dates: October 28 - 29, 2023
・Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM 
・Closed: Open daily during the event

  • Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
    池袋ハロウインコスプレフェス
    • Address Ikebukuro area, Minami Ikebukuro 1-chome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022, Japan

Food Events

Tokyo Ramen Festa 2023 (Komazawa)

Tokyo Ramen Festa 2023 (Komazawa)

Every October, Japan hosts its foremost outdoor ramen celebration, aiming to champion tourism, food education, and the rich culinary tapestry represented by ramen. This year's gathering will feature beloved regional ramen varieties such as Akita's Inaniwa Chuka ramen, Yamagata's chicken variant, Sendai's beef tongue special, Kyoto's salt-infused recipe, Fukuoka's pork bone ramen, and the Kagoshima style. The festival unfolds in two segments: the first from October 26 to October 31, and the second from November 1 to November 5, comprising 28 stalls in total. With a rotation of vendors between segments, attendees can enjoy a diverse experience even if they visit more than once.

Being in Tokyo and having the chance to savor ramen from all corners of Japan is indeed a rare treat. And with no entrance fee, whether you're there for the flavors or just the vibe, everyone's encouraged to join and savor the experience.

Event Overview
・Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park
・Dates: Act 1: October 26 - 31, 2023; Act 2: November 1 - 5, 2023 
・Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM (doors close at 8:30 PM). Doors close at 6:00 PM on the last day of each act (October 31 and November 5). Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing.
・Admission: Free admission, ramen meal ticket (1 bowl) 1,000 yen (tax included). Advance tickets will be available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Same-day tickets will be sold at the ticket booth in the venue from 10:15 AM to 8 PM each day.
・Closed: Open daily during the event

October in Japan is packed with unique events, from gourmet festivals and anime-collaboration restaurants to Halloween costume gatherings. With its pleasant weather, October is the prime season to explore Tokyo. Be sure to visit these events and enjoy what the city has to offer.

*Note: The information in this article is as of September 2023. For the most recent updates, please check official websites.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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