Halloween in Kumamoto

Sep 28, 2023

Halloween in Kumamoto

Halloween isn’t as big a deal in Japan as it is in the US, so you won’t see places filled with jack-o-lanterns, witches’ broomsticks, or cobweb decorations. However, it has become a thing over the past couple of decades. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Osaka usually hold fright-fest events. Elsewhere, there may be smaller-scale events or street parties. People can also celebrate the occasion privately in their own homes.

Here are a few Halloween suggestions for Kumamoto.

Halloween in Japan

Japan has embraced Halloween since Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first Halloween party in 2000. Since then, locals nationwide have given the festival a uniquely Japanese twist. There is no trick-or-treating in Japan. The big thing here is dressing up in spooky outfits and as Manga or Anime characters. Many neighborhoods hold street parties on the 31st of October. You can also find subway trains decked out in Halloween decorations, encouraging people to hold festive train parties. Although not as ubiquitous as in the US, Halloween decorations can still be spotted in streets and shops throughout October.

Halloween Events in Kumamoto

Kumamoto doesn’t usually host large-scale parties that you might find in places like Tokyo or Osaka. However, the city is known to acknowledge the Halloween period with events that unite people. Kumamon Square (in Japanese) is a popular location, often hosting a series of parties and events during October where the Kumamon character dresses up in a festive costume, and shops run special deals.

Also, look out for Halloween concert specials at venues such as Navaro on or around the 31st of October. If you’re looking for something more traditionally spine-chilling, head to Greenland. This amusement park in Arao City includes a horror tower haunted attraction that has been terrifying visitors for years.

Celebrating Halloween at Home

Many people in Japan choose to celebrate Halloween at home with decorations, festive sweet treats, and fancy dress parties. Revelers dress up as zombies, vampires, witches, popular TV or movie characters, or comic book characters.

If you’re looking for costumes, decorations, or merchandise for your own personal Halloween party in Kumamoto, good places to check out include Don Quijote, Loft, Daiso, and Rakuei. Sweet shops, bakeries, groceries, and supermarkets usually display Halloween-themed candies, cakes, and pumpkin-flavored treats throughout October.

Going for a Halloween-themed Meal

Another option is to head to a local restaurant, as many buy into the festival spirit with themed offerings on the menu or discount items on or around Halloween.

Kumamoto Ramen is known for creating some fancy Halloween-themed desserts. If you want some fast food fun with the family, McDonald’ has served up treats such as pumpkin fries covered in chocolate sauce, while KFC offerings have included a Halloween bucket featuring a sweet potato pie.

Mr.ちゅらさん, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons