Sep 27, 2024
Halloween in Tokyo 2024
Halloween is probably one of the greatest examples I can think of when I reflect on how Japan has changed over the last decade or so as well was the friction generated by those changes. You see, once upon a time in Tokyo, celebrating Halloween meant dressing up in a costume and riding the Yamanote Line around the center of town drinking heavily and being unruly. Other than that weirdness, you really couldn’t tell October 31st from November 3rd, or any other average day here in Japan.
More recently though, times have changed as it seems like every shop in town adopts a Halloween motif, often as early as September, while every bar and nightclub holds a costume contest or ball over Halloween weekend. Then there’s all the street drinking in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, which we won’t really get into since the local government is trying pretty hard to stamp that out.
But for all the parties and decorations, isn’t Halloween supposed to be about kids and trick-or-treating? Yes, of course, and to help you and your family celebrate the occasion we have prepared a shortlist of events you can bring the children to around Greater Tokyo without being worried they’ll see something strange.
Roppongi Hills Halloween Parade
Roppongi Hills has not updated their website at the time of writing this article, but considering they hold their Halloween event every year, its a pretty good bet that there will be something to do there this year as well. The parade normally starts with the brass band and is followed immediately by throngs of costumed revelers. The parade will begin at Roppongi Hills Arena, and make its way through the streets of Tokyo in a loud celebration of all things anime, manga, ghoulish and ghost-like. Every year, about 3,000 participants gather around Roppongi to watch or participate in the costume parade and at the end, there is candy for the kids!
TBD, Keep an eye on the website for this year’s update.
Roppongi Hills Arena, Roppongi 6-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo
03-6406-6000
www.roppongihills.com/en
Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is famous for getting into the spirit (ha!) of Halloween, and from October 1st until November 7th, you can experience decorations, parades, souvenirs, and foods (treats!) only available during this time of year.
This year is a “ghost version of Tokyo Disneyland,” where Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse appear in new costumes for the “Spooky ‘Boo!’ Parade.” They are joined by their Disney Friends to bring some spooky, ghostly fun to the Park.
The best part is probably the costumes though. Normally, only children are allowed to wear costumes to the park but during this period adults can dress up, too! Provided, of course, that they dress as Disney characters. Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel is included so there’s actually more choices than you would think.
October 1 to November 7, 2024
https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/treasure/halloween2024/tdl/
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade
This event is a very popular family event in Tokyo and probably my top choice. Kids under 12 can dress up and participate in the parade (requires advanced registration) Details are still being released on the website but the date is confirmed. To participate, please check the participation method carefully and fill out the purchase agreement and request a participation certificate.
October 27th
Harajuku/Omotesando, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://halloween.omotesando.or.jp/
Sanrio Puroland Halloween
Not to let Disneyland have all the fun, Sanrio Puroland is also doing a Halloween event with special illuminations, costumes, menu items, and activities. Check the website for more information, but they are continuing the festivities for two whole months so there should be time to check this one out with your little ones alone with everything else on the list.
https://www.puroland.jp/event-campaign/2024_halloween/
September 6 – November 5, 2024
Anthony92931, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Michael Stigall editor
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