Halloween in Japan

Spooky nights, Japanese style

Halloween in Japan has grown from theme park events into a nationwide festival with parades, parties, and creative costumes. Unlike Western trick-or-treating, it centers on public gatherings, cosplay, and themed entertainment, from Shibuya’s crowds to amusement parks and regional celebrations.

Major Annual Events

These are some of the most well-known Halloween gatherings in Japan, drawing large numbers of participants each year. 

Universal Studios Japan Halloween Horror Nights in Osaka

This annual event transforms the theme park with haunted houses, roaming zombies, and live shows, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Huis Ten Bosch Haunted Halloween in Nagasaki

This annual celebration blends European-style scenery with parades, illuminations, and themed attractions, offering a unique Halloween experience for both families and travelers seeking something different.

Halloween in Tokyo

Tokyo is the heart of Japan’s modern Halloween scene, offering both massive public gatherings and organized events.

Shibuya Halloween Street Gathering

This unofficial epicenter of Japanese Halloween draws thousands in costume, creating a globally known street celebration of scale and creativity.

Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Halloween

These theme parks showcase Halloween with parades, shows, and seasonal decor, featuring Disney characters in costumes for a festive family experience. The images above and below give you a good idea of what to expect.

Halloween in Other Cities

Kaikai Yokai Festival in Kyoto

This festival celebrates Japanese folklore with roaming yokai, ghost stories, artisan markets, and a lively parade through Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

Yokogawa Zombie Night in Hiroshima

This annual event fills Yokogawa Shopping Street with zombies, music, face painting, and stalls, creating a playful mix of fright and community spirit.

Shiroi Koibito Park “Nya Halloween” in Sapporo

This annual event at Sapporo’s chocolate theme park includes candy hunts, costumes, seasonal sweets, and decorations, creating a playful, family-friendly celebration.

Halloween Night at Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka

This event at Canal City Hakata features costumes, special menus, and festive lighting, attracting visitors with cosplay, seasonal food, and lively ambience.

How Does Japan Celebrate Halloween?

Halloween in Japan centers on public gatherings, cosplay, and themed entertainment rather than trick-or-treating. Costumes range from anime to horror, while shops release seasonal snacks and decorations. Disney and USJ popularized events in the 1990s, and today, October is marked by nightlife, makeup, and safe street celebrations nationwide.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early, as crowds in Shibuya grow quickly after dark.
  
  

• Carry cash because some stalls only accept it.
  
  

• Travel light since crowded transport is easier with small bags.
  
  

• Follow photography etiquette and ask before close-up costume shots.

What to Wear for Halloween in Japan

Costumes are encouraged, from spooky horror outfits to anime cosplay. Comfortable shoes are essential for long walks. For family events, avoid overly graphic costumes. The weather in late October is mild but cool at night — bring a jacket.

How to Plan Your Trip to Attend Halloween Events in Japan

• Popular districts near Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Osaka USJ fill quickly. Browse JapanDen’s hotel picks for nearby options.
  
  

• Many events are near JR lines, making the JR Pass a cost-effective option for multi-city travel.
  
  

• Rent a pocket Wi-Fi for navigation, translation apps, and sharing costume photos.
  
  

• Theme parks and parades may require advance booking — check official websites.
  
  

• Consider booking a JR Pass Meet & Greet service to simplify station arrivals and make travel smoother.

FAQs About Halloween in Japan

Do Japanese celebrate Halloween?
Yes, but mainly with street gatherings, parades, and cosplay rather than trick-or-treating.

How does Japan celebrate Halloween?
Through themed events, costumes, and nightlife — especially in Tokyo and Osaka.

Is Shibuya Halloween safe?
The area gets extremely crowded; police control crowds, but travelers should stay alert.

What is the biggest Halloween event in Japan?
The Shibuya street gathering is the most famous, but USJ and Kawasaki also draw large audiences.

Are children included in Halloween events?
Yes, family-friendly parades exist (Roppongi Hills, Disney), though Shibuya is more adult-oriented.