Shibuya has historically been one of the most significant places in the whole country when it comes to celebrating Halloween in Japan… but the times of debauched drunkenness and wild abandon as costume-clad revelers danced around Hachiko are at an end.
Starting in 2023, the Shibuya local government declared that, following unrest in previous years, public Halloween celebrations would be banned, and public drinking during the Halloween period would also be disallowed (a rare step in Japan, where public drinking is typically uncontroversial).
However, that isn’t to say that there aren’t fun things to do in and around Shibuya during the spooky season. Here are a few of JoynTokyo’s tips for thrills on and around All-Hallows Eve.
Shibuya Music Scramble 2025
This is an auspicious edition of the long-running event, as 2025 is the 20th anniversary of Shibuya Music Scramble. This is a weekend-long festival, on October 18 and 19, aiming to promote unity through differences by showcasing a number of different musical genres from artists in and around Shibuya. In previous years, guests have been entertained with music from J-pop to club tunes, with a little something for everyone.
The event will primarily be held in LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, though there will be stalls and events all around Shibuya Station for people to celebrate and indulge in the various cultures and music of Tokyo’s most interesting ward. There will also be events and activities in each area of Shibuya, starting in Dogenzaka.
Tickets can be bought here, with sales ending on September 23rd.
Harajuku-Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade
This family-friendly event is perfect for the little goblins in your family! A family-friendly event that caters to children under the age of 12 (and their guardians), it can see over 1,000 attendees every single year. It features a walk down the main street in upscale Omotesando (with all traffic stopped for the vent) so that little ones can show off their costumes.
Trick-or-treating is not typically done in Japanese neighborhoods, however, at this event, some stores will have volunteers handing out candy. Additionally, many of the stores along Omotesando — which include some of the most high-end stores in Tokyo — will offer discounts to those whose children are in costume.
Attendance costs ¥1,000, and includes guardians’ presence.
Shibuya Nightlife in October: Bar Hopping and Seasonal Celebrations
Okay, so, you can’t crack open a couple of Strong Zeros and overturn a truck. Does that mean that your halloween in Shibuya has to be the ideal of sober October? Not at all.
Shibuya is a hub of Tokyo nightlife: while it may not have the reputation of its sister ward, Shibuya, nor of the “naughty” ward, Roppongi, there are a ton of places to let loose (but even if it’s Halloween, don’t get scary drunk)!
So, then, where are the best places to go to to get your ghostly groove on? Here are some of our favorite Shibuya bars that will help you respect the spirit of the season!
Rockaholic
If you’re a rock fanatic, then this is the place for you. It’s part of a small chain, but the Shibuya branch attracts people from near and far for its excellent music, fun drinks menu, and the possibility of meeting real rockstars. While it’s not an everyday occurrence, I have met with up-and-coming Japanese rock stars, as well as visiting musicians from the US, including the manager of Slipknot.
Pyramid 55
A music bar, this place comes alive every night: and comes undead when it’s time for the ‘Monster Mash’! It’s very popular among foreign guests and residents, with guests raving about the quality of the drinks, as well as the friendliness of the staff. It’s also a Black-owned business, making it a top choice for anyone seeking to support minorities making it work here in Tokyo.
Shibuya Home
This is a mix bar very close to Shibuya Station, which means that, while it primarily caters to LGBTQ+ people (in this instance, gay men) anyone is welcome. Takejirou, the “mama-san” of the bar, is well known for his exceptional sense of hospitality, and is both an expert barman, a sympathetic ear, and an extremely funny source of laughter. It offers karaoke and custom coffee (not espresso!) martinis.
Three Must-See Halloween Alternatives Around Tokyo
As a hub in Tokyo, Shibuya is also a great place to have a foothold for other Halloween events in and around Tokyo. Don’t let Shibuya’s decree against debauchery prevent you from having a good time! As well as the above events, here are some more you can experience, mere minutes from Hachiko!
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Ikebukuro is, besides Akihabara, a haven for otaku; but especially otaku women. It is famed for attracting cosplayers, making Halloween one of the biggest nights of the year for the area. Every year, over 20,000 people come in costume, making this manga and anime Mecca one of the best places to enjoy depictions of your favorite characters, as well as spooky twists on them.
This festival takes place over the entire the Halloween weekend, meaning that you can attend either on Saturday or Sunday. Spectators can attend for free, but anyone wishing to get dressed up will need to pay roughly ¥3,000 per day. Additionally, photographers will also need to pay for a license for the event.
Tachikawa Yokai Bon Odori
Obon is over by now… unless you’re a monster! This party, which recreates the bon odori dance (but only for little monsters) goes on over the course of three days, so you don’t have to cancel your Friday night drinks if you don’t want to. Each night has a number of DJs and performers to get you in the monster mood.
But wait! There is a dress code. You can only attend this devilish dance if you are wearing yukata, and have made your face to be that of a yokai, a Japanese monster. Masks are fine, and — luckily — they also have a face-painting area, in case you prefer not to hide your face. They also provide changing rooms, just in case you prefer not to frighten the people on the train with you (although that sounds fun to me).
Tokyo Disneyland Halloween
For one month, the happiest place on Earth becomes the haunted-est place on Earth… within reason! Tokyo Disneyland is one of the biggest attractions in Japan, and with good reason: it is the home of not just rides and attractions, but is fun for the whole family.
This year, from September 17 to October 21, there are Halloween decorations (including a pumpkin Mickey at the gates), a Night High Halloween display, and a villains’ parade, taking the place of our usual heroes. This is all in addition to Halloween-themed food and drinks at the various restaurants.
Autumn Attractions Around Shibuya Beyond Halloween
Even beyond Halloween, there are a number of things to enjoy during the fall in Japan. Don’t miss the beauty of the last warmth of the year.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Mere moments from Shinjuku, just a couple of short stops away from Shibuya, this garden is renowned for its golden ginko leaves, a beloved symbol of autumn in Japan. The incredible oranges and yellows have to be seen to be believed. Even the pavements outside the garden are carpeted with the gorgeous amber leaves. Being a combination of a western and a Japanese garden, this is a prime place for anyone who wants to enjoy festive foliage.
Tori-No-Ichi Festival
Based in Asakusa, not far from Shibuya, this is not only one of the most important autumn festivals in Tokyo, but it is also held a number of times in November. This is great for anyone who is staying a little longer after Halloween, but it is also a wonderful experience in and of itself. A lively time where Sensoji temple is awash with partiers, stalls of food and drink, and even theatre, it’s an amazing thing to witness during your time in Tokyo.
Design Festa
This one is for all the creative types out there. One of Japan’s largest artistic events, both professionals and amateurs are welcome for an exhibition for arts of all kinds: drawing, painting, performance, fashion, and design.
Held at Tokyo Big Sight, it is adored for the way it breaks down barriers between artists and admirers, as well as between artists and their peers. After all, when you are next to your idols, or whether you are an established creator looking to your left and right to see up-and-comers, it is an experience both humbling and elevating.
Halloween is a special time of year all across the world, and nowhere is that more true than in Shibuya. While the previous ragers in front of the station may be a thing of the past (officially), there is still more than enough for even the most dedicated phantasm fanatic to enjoy.
For more things to do in Autumn in Japan this year, check out Momijigari and Oktoberfest!
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