YumeTwins’ Guide to Halloween in Japan!

Japan is already a fantastic place to visit regardless of the time of year, but visiting during Halloween is an extraordinary event. Halloween in Japan is jam-packed with all the spooky events that define the season, so whether you’re in the mood for a fun day at a theme park or a spooky evening dressed up in your favorite costume, there will definitely be something for you to do!

What Theme Parks Can I Visit in Japan for Halloween?

Tokyo Disneyland

Checking out Disneyland any time of the year is guaranteed to be a fun-filled experience, but visiting Tokyo Disneyland during its Halloween celebrations is a must-do! There are unique decorations throughout the park this time of year. The food is all Halloween-themed, with plenty of ice creams, churros, specialty meals, and drinks to help keep you full during your time in the park.

The famous Haunted Mansion attraction is specially themed as a Nightmare Before Christmas ride (and you might even get to see Jack and Sally!) An event that absolutely can’t be missed is the Spooky Boo! parade, a Halloween-themed parade with giant decorations and even dancers. 

Universal Studios Japan

Like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan has many events this Halloween season! The HaHaHa! Halloween Party is a season highlight as parkgoers can experience the Pokemon Jumpin’ Halloween Party, the Pokemon Charge-Up! Halloween Greeting, and the My Melody & Kuromi: Happy Halloween Greeting events plus trick or treating in the park.

And if that wasn’t enough, Halloween Horror Nights events can help you get screaming in delight as you brush shoulders with hordes of zombies and even rush into a Chucky-themed maze!

Sanrio Puroland

Everyone loves Hello Kitty, and what better way to celebrate Halloween than with the Sanrio gang? Sanrio Puroland offers tons of exceptional food, classic Sanrio characters to meet, and so much merch! Special events such as the Kawaii Kabuki performance will add a wonderful sense of flair and excitement to your visit to the park.

Are you looking for some cute 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!

What Halloween Events Can I Enjoy in Japan?

Ikebukuro Cosplay Festival

Located in Higashi Ikebukuro Central Park, the Ikebukuro Cosplay Festival is a grand celebration of people’s love of cosplay and dressing up in their favorite costumes. Past events were themed much more strongly for Halloween, but this year’s event promises to emphasize Japanese culture more strongly.

You can still expect to see some monstrous cosplays, but there will also be more anime and manga-inspired outfits. Showing up to watch is free, but contestants do have to pay for registration.

“Haunted Halloween” at Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is Japan’s largest theme park, much more a mini-metropolis than a traditional park. Equal in size to the country of Monaco, Huis Ten Bosch is a massive blend of European-style cities and gorgeous natural beauty. A big park will surely have an unforgettable Halloween event, so swing by Huis Ten Bosch and experience an event that will take you days to fully see!

Shibuya Halloween

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most exciting and stylish areas, home to the famous Scramble Crossing. People from all over the world travel to witness the sights and sounds of Shibuya, especially during Halloween. From cosplay to fantastic food, Shibuya has it all for Halloween. Just make sure to stay safe if you head out at night and to follow current safety guidelines from the mayor of Shibuya.

Where Can I Buy Halloween Costumes in Japan?

Don Quijote

Don Quijote (or Donki) is Japan’s largest supermarket chain specializing in carrying everything from electronics to food and clothes. If you need it, Donki’s probably has it. With its vast inventory of clothing and accessories, Donki is the place to go for your Halloween costume needs.

Tokyu Hands

Like Don Quixote, Tokyu Hands is a chain of Japanese superstores carrying all sorts of goods. Tokyu Hands specializes in fine-living items, as well as many craft-friendly products. If cosplay construction and making your own Halloween costumes is your jam, well, Tokyu Hands is the place to go.

Loft

Another major Japanese retailer, Loft, sets itself apart from other stores in its philosophies regarding consumer experiences. Loft offers home goods and devices while showcasing current trends and lifestyles through merchandise selection. It’s a bit fancy, but Loft is another great place to check out if you’re jonesing for a Halloween costume. 

Why Should I Celebrate Halloween in Japan?

Halloween is where people can express themselves, from the cutest outfits imaginable to the most gruesome costumes anyone has ever seen. It’s a fun and liberating holiday that’s a nice departure from the typical flowers and hearts seen throughout the rest of the year.

It marries the wonderful spookiness and scariness of the season with traditional Japanese culture, anime/manga, and the warm hospitality of the Japanese people. Halloween in Japan is unlike anything else in the world.

Have you ever experienced Halloween in Japan before? Did we miss any events that you got to check out? In the comments below, tell us about your favorite part of Halloween in Japan!