Halloween in Japan has become extremely popular in the last ten years. Every year the celebrations get bigger and more elaborate. There will be many Halloween events in Tokyo in 2016.
The culture of Halloween has boomed over the past ten years in Japan. Halloween originated as a pagan festival in areas of Northern Europe. Many European cultures believe that Halloween is the when magic is most influential and spirits come to the human world. The commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900’s and costumes started to appear in the 1930’s. With influence from Japan’s cosplay culture, the country has rapidly shown an increase interest in Halloween. Decorations and displays relating to Halloween used to be seen at only Disneyland but now many parts of Tokyo welcome the cultural event. Unlike the West, adults dress in costumes and got to bars and clubs. Japan’s Halloween is not a children’s event. Roppongi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, and other areas have Halloween events thing year.
TOKYO HALLOWEEN EVENTS
No.1 SHIBUYA FES
Reference: flickr
This event happens in the center street of Shibuya near the Shibuya Crossing. It is a massive parade or flash mob type event. About 20 or more bars and clubs will have Halloween events. Shibuya is going to be divided into are four areas.
Shibuya Center Street Venue: Shibuya area *To be announced Hotel: Booking here!!
No.2 HARAJUKU OMOTESANDO HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PARADE
Reference: flickr
The 34 annual Halloween parade and is said to be the first Halloween parade in Japan. Over 1,000 people participated and dress in costume. This is a family friendly event the starting location is Jingu Mae Elementary School.
Halloween Pumpkin Parade Venue: Harajuku and Omotesando area Date: October 30, 2016 Website: Harajuku Omotesando Halloween (JP) *Reservation needed to participate in this parade Hotel: Booking here!!
No.3 TOKYO DISNEYLAND’S HALLOWEEN
Reference:© tokyodisneyresort.jp
The Tokyo Disneyland theme park goes all-out and the entire park is Halloween themed. Disney Halloween souvenirs sold for a limited time. Disneyland was previously the only place that celebrated Halloween.
Tokyo Disneyland’s Halloween Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort Date: September 9 – October 31, 2016 Website: Tokyo Disneyland’s Halloween Hotel: Booking here!!
No.4 ROPPONGI HILLS HALLOWEEN PARADE 2016
Reference: flickr
The 14th annual Halloween parade in Roppongi Hills. Over more than 3,000 people participate in the 30 minute walk.
Roppongi Hills Halloween Parade 2016 Venue: Roppongi Hills Date: October 29, 2016 Website: Roppongi Hills Hotel: Booking here!!
No.5 HALLOWEEN MAGIC 2016
Reference: © tokyo-skytree.jp
Various shops will have Halloween themed goods. Children dressed in costume can dance together with the mascot of the Solamachi, “Solakara-chan” on October 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. There is a Halloween Village selling limited time items and the staff are dressed in costume.
Tokyo Skytree Halloween Magic 2016 Venue: Tokyo Skytree Date: September 15 – October 31, 2016 Website: Tokyo Skytree Halloween Magic 2016 (JP) Hotel: Booking here!!
No.6 IKEBUKURO HALLOWEEN COSPLAY FESTIVAL 2016
Reference: flickr
Walk around Ikebukuro dressed as your favorite character. The East Exit of Ikebukuro Station will be packed with people and Halloween-themed events. This is an opportunity to show-off handmade cosplay. The events will be live streamed online.
Ikebukuro Station East Exit Venue: Ikebukuro station Date: October 29 – 30, 2016 Website: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (JP) Hotel: Booking here!!
No.7 MEZAMASHI TELEVISION PRESENTS T-SPOOK
Reference: flickr
Annual Halloween event presented by Odaiba and Fuji Television. There will be a costume contest, live concerts from famous singers, and participants can walk in a parade with the singers and talents.
Mezamashi Television presents T-Spook Venue: Odaiba area Date: October 29 – 30, 2016 Website: Mezamashi Television presents T-Spook (JP) Hotel: Booking here!!
No.8 DECKS HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Reference: ©odaiba-decks.com
The main attractions are the illuminations of lights and the limited time food items. For a limited time the Odaiba Illusion Dome is Halloween themed.
Decks Happy Halloween Venue: Decks Tokyo Beach Date: September 22 – October 31, 2016 Website: Decks Happy Halloween (JP) Hotel: Booking here!!
No.9 TOKYO ONE PIECE TOWER
Reference: flickr
One Piece Halloween themed goods will be for sale. Every Saturday in October, there will be a costume contest for kids dressed as One Piece characters.
One Piece Halloween 2016 Venue: Tokyo Tower Date: September 17 – October 31, 2016 Website: One Piece Halloween 2016 Hotel: Booking here!!
No.10 ZOMBIE RUN 2016
Reference: © sportsone.jp
The run is about 1.5 kilometers long, participants have four “life tags” and they try to run away from the zombies chasing after them. Teams work together to try and escape from the zombies. Going as a team is recommended.
Zombie Run 2016 Venue: Inage Seaside Park Date: October 16, 2016 Fees: 5,500 yen Website: Zombie Run (JP) Hotel: Booking here!!
