Where is Halloween Celebrated in Japan?

In tune with Halloween celebrations worldwide, Japan also hosts this festival in a grand way each year. For many, it’s considered one of the most thrilling and fun places to experience Halloween. The festive atmosphere fills everywhere, from restaurants and amusement parks to snacks and merchandise. Let’s find out where Halloween is celebrated in Japan, making it so beloved!

Amusement Parks

Every Halloween season, amusement parks in Japan are transformed with ghostly decorations. From September to the end of October, restaurants and souvenir shops inside the parks introduce special limited-edition menus and items just for this chilling holiday. Plus, these places host fun Halloween-themed festivals and events. Below are Japan’s top three theme parks known for their popular Halloween celebrations!

Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland becomes a spooky wonderland with the Puro Halloween event. Kuromi will host the event this year, so the park will be decorated in black and purple. There’s a 20-minute Halloween parade with Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll.

All of them dress up in cute costumes as witches and wizards. On top of that, the party features exclusive shows, games, and activities across the park. Also, don’t miss the excellent illumination show, which collaborates with the beloved mobile game The Wizard’s Promise. 

Tokyo Disneyland

The park has Halloween decorations, from Mickey-shaped pumpkins to friendly ghosts that greet you at every corner. One of the highlights is the Spooky Boo Parade, where Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie dress in fun skeleton-themed costumes. They ride colorful floats covered in cobwebs and pumpkins, adding to the festive atmosphere. The parade includes music, dancing, and a playful pose game where characters and visitors interact. 

Furthermore, many special shows, like the Night High Halloween Fireworks, illuminate the sky above Cinderella Castle. Another must-see attraction is the Haunted Mansion, which turns into the “Holiday Nightmare” inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Universal Studios Japan

Halloween at Universal Studios Japan brings a whole new level of excitement! The main attraction is Halloween Horror Nights, featuring haunted houses, terrifying street zombies, and heart-pounding shows. Visitors can walk through mazes with classic monsters such as Dracula, Werewolf, and Frankenstein.

Also, trying the Biohazard Survival Maze based on the Resident Evil video game series sounds exciting. For less adventurous visitors, the park offers fun, less-scary daytime activities like a Pokémon dance party hosted by DJ Pikachu and Gengar and the Minions appearing in Halloween costumes.

Are you looking for amazing Halloween merch? Check out YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Cafes

If you’re wondering where Halloween is celebrated in a cozy, family-friendly way while still maintaining that haunting and mysterious vibe, check out these three must-visit cafes below!

Vampire Cafe (Ginza, Tokyo)

This exciting restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves vampires and eerie atmospheres. The Vampire Café creates an unforgettable experience with its dark, mysterious vibe, making you feel like you’ve entered a vampire’s world. This cafe is covered in red velvet and filled with gothic decorations such as coffins, blood-stained mirrors, and candlelit tables.

And the waiters, dressed as vampires, will serve you delicious themed dishes. Here, you can enjoy meals such as a roast chicken that they set on fire or creepy desserts shaped. Even the drinks are unique, like a cocktail with tiny skulls floating on top!

Akabane Reien (Akabane, Tokyo)

Akabane Reien, also known as Akabane Graveyard Bar, is a haunted-themed pub. This eerie bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those who enjoy a mix of fun and fright. The inside of the bar is dark, with skulls, creepy paintings, and strange decorations, namely mannequin heads and glowing drinks under blacklight. The bar’s atmosphere is meant to feel like a haunted house, with surprises like falling skeletons and ghostly scares waiting to shock you while you enjoy your food and drinks.

Dark Gothic Bar Camille (Osaka)

This thrilling underground spot will enchant fans of the grim and unusual. At Dark Gothic Bar Camille, you’ll be surrounded by an array of creepy decorations, such as taxidermy animals, medieval armor, and intriguing Gothic artifacts.

The bartender, wearing fancy velvet and lace, serves various exclusive beverages, including a house specialty called “Dracula’s Blood”. In addition, you can also try many Western liquors and creative cocktails while watching nu-metal music videos on the screen. For a daring treat, let’s try the Eyeball Jelly, a strange but yummy treat!

Head to Shibuya!

Shibuya Halloween is one of the most exciting Halloween events in Japan. Every year, the lively Shibuya Scramble Crossing turns into a colorful sea of costumes and creativity, with thousands of people coming together to celebrate.

From horrifying to funny, costumes of all kinds are on display as revelers join in the fun. However, in recent years, Shibuya’s mayor has asked people to avoid coming to the event due to safety concerns. Thus, there will be no official celebrations, and gatherings are discouraged this year. 

Why should you celebrate Halloween in Japan?

Celebrating Halloween in Japan is a distinctive and delightful experience you must try! From theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland to unsettling-themed cafes such as Vampire Cafe and Akabane Reien, Japan offers a variety of exciting ways to enjoy the holiday. These places surely provide eerie excitement, dark atmospheres, and creepy treats every Halloween. 

But whatever you do, remember that to avoid huge crowds and potential dangers during the holiday season, it’s better to find a safe spot to celebrate Halloween this year. Where is Halloween celebrated in Japan that you’d love to visit? Share your ideas in the comments below!