In recent years, Halloween has gained immense popularity in Japan. Events take place all over the country, but none were as famous as Shibuya’s Halloween before the pandemic, which became an unofficial but widely recognized celebration, drawing crowds of nearly a million. People would dress up in costumes, take photos, head out for drinks, visit clubs, and join unofficial street parties, filling the streets with Halloween revelers.

However, this overwhelming turnout has led to issues like littering, noise, vandalism, and conflicts among participants. In response, Shibuya enacted a law in 2019 banning outdoor drinking in streets and parks during Halloween and New Year's Eve, though the situation hasn’t seen much improvement since.

In 2022, a tragic accident occurred during Halloween festivities in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea, claiming the lives of over 150 people.

Following this incident, Shibuya Ward took the unprecedented step of urging people not to visit Shibuya for Halloween in 2023. This made headlines across Japan, and unlike previous years, the Halloween atmosphere was relatively subdued.

So, where did all the Halloween revelers go? Many shifted the party to nearby Kabukicho in Shinjuku. As a result, from 2024, Shinjuku also tightened its regulations on street drinking during Halloween.

In light of these changes, Halloween in Japan in 2025 will see stricter rules in places like Shibuya and Shinjuku, focusing on maintaining safety, order, and good manners. While the once iconic “Shibuya Halloween” is no longer the same, Halloween in Japan is far from over.

Even though the wild scenes of past Shibuya Halloweens are gone, there are still plenty of people gathering to celebrate. The key is to understand and respect the rules, ensuring a fun and safe Halloween experience.

In response to the growing crowds and issues in recent years, Tokyo’s Shibuya and Shinjuku have implemented specific rules for the Halloween period. Here’s a breakdown of the regulations you should be aware of.

In Shibuya, where the annual "Shibuya Halloween" had grown in popularity, a law was introduced in 2019 to ban outdoor drinking at night during Halloween and New Year’s Eve due to the chaos. However, with ongoing issues, particularly involving young people and foreign tourists, the ban has now been extended to cover the entire year since October 2024.

Specifically, outdoor drinking will be prohibited from 6 PM to 5 AM. The restricted area, which includes Shibuya Center-Gai near Shibuya Station’s northwest side, will now also extend to Miyamasuzaka (leading to Aoyama-dori) and Maruyamacho, an area known for its nightclubs.

While there are no penalties for violations, the city plans to increase patrols and issue warnings to those not following the rules.

With Shibuya’s street drinking ban in place, crowds have shifted to the Kabukicho area in Shinjuku, prompting new regulations to be implemented here as well.

From 5 PM on October 31 to 5 AM on November 1, a 12-hour period, the new rules will apply to parts of Shinjuku 3-chome and Kabukicho 1-chome. Like in Shibuya, there are no penalties for violations, but patrols will be increased and warnings will be issued to those who break the rules.

As of September 2025, no official Halloween regulations have been announced for areas in Tokyo outside of Shibuya and Shinjuku. However, just because Shinjuku implemented new rules after crowds moved there from Shibuya doesn’t mean other locations are free for rowdy behavior. This applies not only in Tokyo but also in other major cities like Osaka, Kobe, and Sapporo.

Due to increasing issues in recent years, official street Halloween events are becoming less common, though many people still gather unofficially to celebrate. For example, in Osaka, large crowds dressed in costumes flock to Dotonbori, creating a lively scene. Similarly, in Sapporo, some years have seen groups parading in costumes through the streets.

Wherever you are, it’s essential to be mindful of public drinking and disruptive behavior, especially in busy nightlife areas. This includes avoiding excessive noise, littering, and other acts that may disturb others.

By respecting public spaces, transportation, and local manners, everyone can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween in Japan, ensuring that the celebrations can continue in the future.

As mentioned earlier, it's important to be mindful of your manners in busy areas and on public transport. However, Japan also offers plenty of organized events where you can fully embrace the Halloween spirit. Here are a few worth checking out—so don’t hesitate to join in the fun!

If you’ve got kids under 12, the Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade is a fun, family-friendly event that’s been held around Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando for 40 years – this year marks its 41st run! While participation in the actual parade and the accompanying “Sweets Rally” is limited to kids and their guardians, anyone can watch the procession for free, then join in the various Halloween specials held by lots of shops in the area, including spooky Halloween menus and a “Halloween Lottery” at participating locations.

Event Details
・Venue: Omotesando Avenue
・Dates: October 26, 2025
・Time: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
・Admission: 1000 yen per child (free for guardians; costume required / Free to watch)
* Online registration required; tickets available from October 7–20, 2025

Halloween Lottery:
Period: October 1–26, 2025
Details: You can participate for every 1,000 yen per receipt purchased or eaten at specified locations, up to 3 times per person.
Lottery Venue: Machikado Garden

Over 20,000 cosplayers join this event every year, making it one of Japan’s largest Halloween celebrations. The main stage will feature fun activities like the “Nico Nico Cosplay Show,” while an exciting cosplay parade will march through Sunshine 60 Street/Animate Street on October 25th.



Additionally, on October 24 at 4:30 PM, Ikebukuro Sunshine City will host “Ikehalo Night” (18+ only), offering a nighttime photoshoot with stunning views and cosplay activities tailored for the evening.

Event Details
・Venue: Ikebukuro area
・Dates: October 24 – 26, 2025
・Time: October 24: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM, October 25 & 26: 10 AM – 6 PM
・Tickets: Available starting September 5, 2025

Tokyo Disney Resort® will be hosting its special event, “Disney Halloween.” Not only will there be Halloween-themed programs at Disney hotels, the Disney Resort Line, and Ikspiari®, but the entire Maihama area will be transformed with a festive Halloween atmosphere.

At Tokyo Disneyland®, the park will be decked out with decorations for a spooky yet exciting Halloween party themed around Disney’s iconic villains. During the day, you can catch the parade "The Villains Halloween: Into the Frenzy," while at night, fireworks light up the skies in both parks during the "Night High Halloween" show, set to Halloween music.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea®, the Mediterranean Harbor will welcome guests with Disney characters dressed in pumpkin and candy-inspired costumes for the "Disney Halloween Greeting," where they’ll celebrate Halloween with visitors.

Throughout the event, Disney characters in full costume will greet and entertain guests daily in both parks.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort
・Dates: September 17 – October 31, 2025
・Time: 9 AM – 9 PM (Times may vary; check the official website for details)
・Admission: Dynamic pricing applies, check the official website for more information

Tokyo Disneyland: "The Villains Halloween: Into the Frenzy"
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes (1 performance per day)

Tokyo DisneySea: "Disney Halloween Greeting"
Duration: Approx. 15 minutes (2 performances per day)

Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park located in Tama City, Tokyo, will host its "PUROHALLOWEEN" event, themed "Wizards × Immersive."

On the first floor in Puroland Village, visitors can enjoy the limited-time parade "Magical Festa Let’s Majikevis!," featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin dressed as wizards. Guests can join in the fun by waving their "Magical Wands" (8 designs, 1,430 yen each), making it an interactive experience. There will also be Halloween-themed photo shoots and character meet-and-greets scheduled throughout the event period.



On the third floor, there will be a wizard-themed photo spot, and special menu items at the café, such as the “Hello Kitty Witch Curry" (1,600 yen) and the “Kuromi Chocolate & Cocoa Magic Crepe” (900 yen), will be available.

And on October 25, 2025, you can join in on Hello Kitty & Kuromi’s Halloween Birthday Bash event, “SPOOKY PUMPKIN 2025 〜PURO ALL NIGHT HALLOWEEN PARTY〜," starting at 9PM and lasting all through the night!

Event Details
・Venue: Sanrio Puroland
・Dates: September 5 – November 4, 2025
・Time: In October, 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Weekends & holidays: 8:30 AM – 6 PM, times may vary; check the official website for details)
・Admission: Ticket prices vary by date and time; check the official website for updated information. Full day and half day passports available. Same-day ticket prices: Adults (18–64): 3,900 yen+; Children (3–17, high school students) and Seniors (65+): 2,800 yen+

* Halloween PUROPASS required for reserved seating at shows.

Magical Festa Let’s Majikevis!
・Dates: Weekends & holidays, from September 5 – November 4, 2025
(Note: No showings on Nov. 2; please see official site for schedule updates and information)

Halloween Photo Shoots
・Dates: Weekends from September 5 – November 4, 2025
(Note: No shoots on Oct. 31 or Nov. 2; please see official site for schedule updates and information)

PUROHALLOWEEN Special Greeting
・Dates: September 5 – November 4, 2025
・Admission: 3,000 yen for adults and children (tax included)

*Puroland passport ticket and visit reservation required


SPOOKY PUMPKIN 2025 〜PURO ALL NIGHT HALLOWEEN PARTY〜
・Date: October 25, 2025
・Time: 9 PM – 5 AM
・Admission: (Ages 20+ only; tax included)
・Advanced Purchase: 11,000 yen
・Same-day: 12,000 yen

Step into the delightfully weird world of poop at MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN 2025, where the Unko (Poop) Museum turns up the kawaii-gross factor for spooky season! Expect poop eruptions from iconic Poop Volcano (with its haunted makeover of pumpkins, candy, and ghostly poop motifs), and limited-edition “Unko Monsters” goods, such as themed stickers and capsule-toy keychains, available only for the Halloween period.

This is one celebration where the gross, the cute, and the seasonal all collide in one big load of spooky fun!

Event Details
・Venue: Unko Museum Tokyo and Unko Museum Nagoya
・Dates: October 1 – November 3, 2025
・Time: Weekdays: 10 AM – 8 PM / Weekends & Holidays: 10 AM – 9 PM

・Admission: Prices vary by day; please see official site for details
Adults: 2,000~ yen
Junior high/high school students: 1,500~ yen
Children (4 & up): 1,100~ yen
Ages 3 & under: Free


Halloween-limited Goods (while supplies last):
Period: September 19 – November 3, 2025
・Unko Stickers: 350 yen each (tax included)
・Keychain Gacha (Halloween limited design): 500 yen each

*Note: Max Unko Halloween 2025 event will not be held at Unko Museum Fukuoka and Unko Museum Okinawa

Get ready for a night of immersive thrills at NEO SHIBUYA HALLOWEEN 2025, where SHIBUYA STREAM HOTEL transforms into a sensory playground. With the theme “Art Healing, Stimulation, and Inspiration,” the event brings together an exciting line-up of international DJs, dramatic dance performances, live art, and interactive experiences such as body painting, VR art, poker, and magic. Dine on spooky-themed bites and sip on eerie cocktails as the hotel morphs into a venue where music, visuals, and audience participation fuse into one unforgettable Halloween celebration.

Event Details
・Venue: Bar & Dining TORRENT
・Dates: October 31, 2025
・Time: 6 PM – 11 PM (Last order: Food: 10 PM / Drinks: 10:45 PM)
・Admission:
Advance Ticket (welcome drink included): 3,000 yen / All-you-can-drink: 5,000 yen

Same-day Ticket (welcome drink included): 3,500 yen / All-you-can-drink: 6,000 yen

VIP Seat (1 booth): 50,000 yen (Up to 4 people / Bottled champagne, hors d'oeuvre plate, all-you-can-drink included)

The annual and highly popular Halloween event returns this fall at Universal Studios Japan. During the day, enjoy the lively "Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party," while at night, experience the spine-chilling "Halloween Horror Night."

Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party

The highlight of the "Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party" is the "Pokémon Unstoppable Halloween Party." DJ Pikachu, DJ Gengar, and other ghost-type Pokémon like Mimikyu will join in for a high-energy celebration of singing and dancing! Additionally, My Melody and Kuromi will make a special appearance in USJ Halloween-exclusive costumes for the "My Melody & Kuromi Happy Halloween Greeting."

Event Details
・Venue: Universal Studios Japan
・Dates: September 4 – November 3, 2025
・Time: Varies by event
・Admission: Participation is free for this event (separate admission ticket to USJ required; prices vary by date). Tickets for special viewing areas are available separately (1,900 yen – 2,100 yen for adults/children/seniors, depending on the day).

Halloween Horror Night

After enjoying the daytime "Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party," the evening brings Universal Studios Japan’s iconic Halloween event, where the park transforms into a terrifying, scream-filled experience. In the "Street Zombies" and “Zombie de Dance” event, you’ll dance for your life with ghouls and keep a look out for the murderous AI doll M3GAN, set against the latest track from King Gnu, “SO BAD.”. Brace yourself as hordes of zombies flood the streets, shrieking and lunging at guests for a spine-chilling horror experience.

There are also 10 additional nighttime events, offering maximum thrills and scares. Due to the intensity, it’s recommended that children in elementary school or younger refrain from participating.

Event Details
・Venue: Universal Studios Japan
・Dates: September 5 – November 3, 2025
・Time: Varies by event (check the official website about one week before your visit)
・Admission: Participation is free for this event (separate admission ticket to USJ required; prices vary by date). Some events may require tickets for special viewing areas. Participation for preschoolers is not recommended, and elementary school children must have parental consent.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling.
MINIONS TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios.
(C) Nintendo
TM and (C) 2025 Sesame Workshop
(C) 2025 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
TM & (C) Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
(C)2025 Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
(C) DECO*27 (C) OTOIRO
(C) CAPCOM
(C) 藤本タツキ／集英社・ＭＡＰＰＡ
(C) Sony Music Labels Inc.

Rokko Island, an artificial island in Kobe Harbor, will host the Kansai region's largest Halloween festival, "Rokko Island Halloween Festival 2025." The event features a Halloween stage, costume contest, costume parade, trick-or-treat activities, as well as food and drink booths, promotional stands, and more. Whether you’re attending solo, with friends, or family, there’s plenty to enjoy!

(Note: Prior registration is required for the costume contest and parade. Trick-or-treat, Halloween art corner, and Halloween kids’ festival booths will be available while supplies last.)

Event Details
・Venue: Rokko Island River Mall Event Plaza
・Dates: October 25 – 26, 2025
・Time: 11 AM – 5 PM
・Admission: Some activities require a fee

This event takes place at the Harvest Court Event Plaza on the first floor of Ario Sapporo, located in the suburbs of Sapporo. The Halloween parade will be held on October 26, with three parades throughout the day (12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM). Pre-registration is required to participate, with a limit of 100 participants per parade. Participation is limited to children, families, and groups that include children. Viewing the parade is free of charge.

Event Details
・Venue: Ario Sapporo
・Dates: October 26, 2025
・Time: 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM
・Admission: Free

This Halloween event is held at Shiroi Koibito Park, a sweets-themed park in Sapporo, and this year’s event marks the park’s 30th anniversary! Themed around "black cats" and "witches," the park will offer special Halloween sweets and dishes, including the highly recommended "Black Cat Magical Fondue" for two (3,500 yen, available at the Chocolate Lounge Oxford). There are also light snacks and drinks available.



In October on Saturdays and Sundays from the 11th (Saturday) to 26th (Sunday), starting at 6 PM, the park will host a horror mission event called "The Hide-and-Seek of Fear, Led by Black Feathers." Participants must solve puzzles in the dark, where "something" lurks, and find their way back to the real world.



On October 25, you can join a pumpkin lantern-making workshop using real pumpkins (2000 yen participation fee). On October 25 and 26, kids aged 15 and under who arrive in costume can enter the park for free, a yearly tradition.

Event Details
・Venue: Shiroi Koibito Park
・Dates: September 1 – October 31, 2025
・Time: 10 AM – 6 PM (last paid admission at 4:30 PM)
・Admission: Paid areas: Adults (high school and up) 800 yen, Children (ages 4 to junior high) 400 yen
* Some activities may require additional fees

As the sun sets and twilight descends upon the Land of the Rising Sun, a different side of Japan awakens. From the quiet alleyways of Takayama to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, from Kyoto's age-old mysteries to the ethereal beauty of Arashiyama's bamboo groves, embark on a journey that intertwines tales of the supernatural with rich cultural insights. Step softly, for every shadow may hold a story, every whisper a legend.

Wander through the tranquil streets of Takayama's old town, where spine-chilling tales come to life. Listen to haunting stories in the very places they occurred before diving into the heart of the city's vibrant nightlife, complete with games and local delicacies. Round off your night at a cozy watering hole and embrace the city's unique after-hours ambiance.

Delve into Tokyo's eerie shadows with our cultural expert who unveils the city's spine-tingling history and folklore. This tour promises more than just a shiver down your spine, especially for the faint-hearted. But fear not, families with kids can still enjoy, as our guide ensures tales remain child-friendly while retaining their thrilling essence.

Traverse the less traveled paths of Kyoto, a city renowned for its beauty yet intertwined with the macabre and mysterious. From the Yasaka Shrine through Gion's alleys to Kiyomizu Temple, uncover a haunting history spanning over a millennium. Along the way, discover ancient burial grounds, haunted candy shops, underworld portals, and eerie monuments. Beyond the shadows, you'll gain insights into Japan's deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs.

Explore Arashiyama's enigmatic allure after dusk. Navigate through the Bamboo Forest's moonlit corridors, marvel at the luminous Kimono Forest, and bask in the beauty of the Katsura River from the Togetsukyo Bridge. Concluding at Saga-Arashiyama Station, this tour guarantees a thrilling journey through Arashiyama's mysterious nocturnal landscape.

During the Halloween season from September to October, many hotel restaurants and cafés offer Halloween-themed buffets and afternoon teas. These feature sweets shaped like ghosts and bats, alongside carefully crafted desserts made with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkins. While lively costume events are fun, this is the perfect option for those who prefer to enjoy Japan's Halloween in a more relaxed and cozy setting.

Just a 5-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line’s Kaihin-Makuhari Station, Hotel New Otani Makuhari will host the "Sandwich & Sweets Buffet Chestnut and Grape Halloween Festival" featuring seasonal autumn flavors. Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat Halloween-themed desserts, with 15 varieties on offer, including a tasting of three types of Mont Blanc made with Japanese chestnuts, along with treats like marron mille-feuille and grape tarts. In addition to sweets, the buffet also includes savory dishes like the hotel’s signature roast beef and freshly baked pizzas.

Additionally, on the hotel’s top floor, you can indulge in the "Halloween Afternoon Tea Set," offering photogenic sweets and seasonal delights featuring chestnuts, grapes, and sweet potatoes for a delightful tea experience.

Event Details
・Venue: Hotel New Otani Makuhari
・Dates: September 1 – October 31, 2025

Sandwich & Sweets Buffet Chestnut and Grape Halloween Festival
・Time: Lunch: Weekdays 11 AM – 4 PM (last entry), Weekends & holidays 11 AM – 2 PM (last entry); Dinner: Weekends & holidays only, 5:30 PM – 8 PM (*120-minute time limit for all sessions)
・Admission: Adults: Weekdays 6,800 yen, Weekends & holidays 7,500 yen; Elementary school students: 3,000 yen; Children (ages 4–6): 1,500 yen

Halloween Afternoon Tea Set
・Time: 11:30 AM – 5 PM (last order)
・Admission: 120-minute session: 6,600 yen per person; 150-minute session (with guaranteed window seat & welcome drink): 7,150 yen per person

The "Halloween Sweets Buffet 2025" will take place at the "Café & Dining Chef’s Palette" inside Sunshine City Prince Hotel, an 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, from October 1 to 31, 2025. And this year, we’re celebrating the hotel’s 45th anniversary!



The buffet will feature 20 spooky-themed sweets, including mummy macaroons, ghost roll cake, and bloody raspberry chocolate! For those who want something more filling, there’s also a meal menu including spooky black spaghetti plates and omelettes, colored with squid ink!

From October 25 to 31, a special Halloween Menu featuring Halloween Ghost Grill and Halloween Muscat Parfait will also become available.


Event Details
Halloween & Shine Muscat Sweets Buffet
・Venue: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
・Dates: October 1 – 31, 2025
・Time: Weekdays: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Last entry 1:30 PM) / Weekends & holidays: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)

・Admission:
Sweets Buffet:
From September 1 to October 24:
Weekdays: Adults (junior high school and above) 4,500 yen,
Weekends & holidays: Adults 5,000 yen

From October 25 to 31:
Weekdays: Adults (junior high school and above) 5,000 yen,
Weekends & holidays: Adults 5,500 yen

Children: All days: Elementary school students 3,000 yen, ages 4–6 1,500 yen; À la carte menu: Kuroge Wagyu Halloween Burger Set (includes original drink) 3,500 yen

Located on the upper floors of the towering "Abeno Harukas," Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel offers a special "Halloween Sweets Plate" at its Cafe Lobby Lounge. If you order in advance, you’ll get the full brunch plate (2,800 yen), which includes an egg burger and a cute mummy-shaped treat, along with everything else in the same-day plate. The same-day plate (2,200 yen) includes a hazelnut-scented pumpkin mousse, a scone, and an adorable ghost guitar macaron. Both sets include coffee or tea.


Event Details
・Venue: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
・Dates: October 1 – 31, 2025

Halloween Menu
・Time: 1:30 PM – 4 PM

Halloween Sweets Plate
Price:
Advanced Reservation: 2,800 yen
Same-day Order: 2,200 yen
(Tax and service charge included)

Halloween Pudding Ala Mode
Price:
900 yen / Set (including coffee or tea): 1,700 yen

Please reserve your spot by 6PM, 2 days in advance.

Across from Kansai International Airport, the 256-meter tall, 54-story Stargate Hotel Kansai Airport hosts the "Halloween Brunch Buffet 2025" on October 5, 12, 13, 19, and 26 at its 54th-floor Sky Dining 256 "Stargate."

Guests can enjoy unlimited seasonal autumn dishes, including unique Halloween-themed sweets like the patissier’s special charcoal cola roll cake, charcoal petit cream puffs, and mummy macarons. The buffet also features savory dishes such as pumpkin and bacon quiche, duck with blood berry sauce, and eggplant and zucchini gratin. Dining with views overlooking Kansai International Airport is another highlight!

Event Details
・Venue: Stargate Hotel Kansai Airport

Halloween Brunch Buffet 2025 (Select Dates only)
・Dates: October 5, 12, 13, 19, 26
・Time: Lunch: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (90-minute time limit, last order 1PM)

・Admission: Lunch: Adults (junior high school and above) 3,800 yen / Children (4-12 years): 1,391 yen (tax included) / Ages 3 and under free

Halloween Afternoon Tea
(Until Oct. 31)

Admission: 3,800 yen (tax included)
Venue: 2F Pastry Cafe "Patty Stage"

Advanced online reservations required

From exciting events and thrilling ghost tours to delightful sweets buffets at cafés, Japan’s Halloween offers a wide range of experiences. Be sure to follow the rules and enjoy Japan’s unique take on Halloween to the fullest!

(The information in this article is current as of October 2025. Please check official websites for the latest details.)