1. The Magic of Japanese Halloween (日本のハロウィンの魅力)
Japan’s Halloween, especially in major cities, is an experience unlike any other!
It’s less about trick-or-treating and more about a massive, high-energy street party and creative cosplay.
Shibuya in Tokyo is the epicenter of this phenomenon, drawing hundreds of thousands of costumed people for a breathtaking (and sometimes chaotic) celebration.
Key Difference: In Japan, the focus is heavily on Cosplay (Costume Play). Prepare to see incredibly detailed, funny, and topical costumes.
2. How to Enjoy Shibuya Halloween (渋谷ハロウィンの楽しみ方)
Shibuya Scramble Crossing transforms into the world’s largest impromptu costume convention on and around October 31st.
| Activity | Description | Tips for Foreigners |
| Join the Crowd | Simply walk around the Scramble Crossing and surrounding streets. The energy is electric! | Go on October 31st (or the Saturday/Sunday immediately preceding it). Prepare for intense crowds. |
| Photo Opportunities | Take pictures with or of the cosplayers. Japanese people are generally very welcoming to photo requests. | Always ask permission (“Shashin, OK desu ka?” or just “Photo?”) before taking a close-up photo. |
| Observe the Trends | Look out for the year’s hottest costumes—it’s a great way to understand current Japanese pop culture. | Look for groups in matching, often hilarious, themed outfits. |
| Safety and Rules | Local police enforce strict rules: No drinking in the streets. Police also conduct intense crowd control to prevent standing/loitering in the most congested areas. | Eat and drink at restaurants/bars. Follow police directions immediately. Littering is strictly forbidden. |
▶︎More info from Shibuya city: Ordinance on Ensuring a Safe and Secure Environment in the Area Surrounding Shibuya Station (Effective October 2024)
The Reality of Shibuya: Why Strict Rules Exist
For several years, the Shibuya celebration has been overshadowed by problems like massive trash pileups, excessive drunkenness, and disruptive behavior (such as vandalism in 2018). In response, Shibuya Ward has taken a firm stand, aiming to separate “good, respectful Halloween” from “Nuisance Halloween (迷惑ハロウィーン).”
Shibuya’s Key Message: The Ward Mayor has stated, “We are asking those whose sole purpose is Nuisance Halloween not to come to the Shibuya area.” This message has been strengthened for 2025 with new specific measures:
- Year-Round Alcohol Ban: In October 2024, Shibuya Ward upgraded its ordinance to ban drinking in public spaces (roads, parks) from 6 PM to 5 AM year-round, a direct response to issues that continued outside the limited Halloween period.
- Hachiko Statue Enclosure: The iconic Hachiko statue near the station will be temporarily covered and fenced off to prevent dangerous crowding for photos.
- E-Scooter Restriction: Services like LUUP have been asked to temporarily suspend operations in the area to reduce traffic danger and congestion.
3. 2025 Popular Costume Predictions (2025年 人気仮装予想)
Based on this year’s hottest trends in Japan, here are the costumes you’ll likely see everywhere.
| Category | Popular Costumes (Likely to be huge!) | Why it’s popular in 2025 |
| Anime/Manga | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (炭治郎・禰豆子), Chainsaw Man (チェンソーマン), other major Shonen Jump characters. | Continued global and domestic popularity with new movies/seasons. |
| Movies/TV | Wednesday Addams (ウェンズデー), Characters from the movie “Wicked” (エルファバ/グリンダ). | Global Netflix and Cinema hits with iconic, easy-to-recognize looks. |
| Japanese Pop Culture | Myaku-Myaku (ミャクミャク) – The Osaka Expo 2025 Mascot. | Its “bizarre-cute” look is unique to 2025 and perfect for group costumes. |
| Classic/Trendy | K-POP Idol style (アイドル), Japanese High School Uniforms (制服), Maids & Police Officers (職業コスプレ). | Always a staple for groups, allowing for stylish and “kawaii” looks. |
| Comedic/Viral | Simple, low-effort costumes based on viral social media memes or current news. | “Viral” costumes are popular for their humor and easy assembly. |
4. Where to Buy Your Costume (仮装グッズの購入場所)
Don’t worry if you didn’t pack a costume—Japan has countless places to get everything you need, from a full outfit to simple accessories.
| Store Type | Best For | Popular Locations (Especially near Shibuya/Tokyo) |
| Variety/Full Costumes | Full outfits, wigs, and specialty props. Best selection a month before Halloween. | Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ): Massive selections, open late (sometimes 24h). Found in Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc. |
| Budget/DIY Items | Simple accessories (hats, ears, blood makeup) and crafting materials. | Daiso (ダイソー) or Seria (セリア): 100-Yen shops. Great for quick, cheap, and creative additions. |
| Apparel | Basic black clothes, simple dresses, or themed t-shirts to build an outfit around. | UNIQLO (ユニクロ), GU: For basic, everyday clothing that can serve as a costume foundation. |
| Wigs & Makeup | High-quality wigs and special effects makeup. | Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ): Excellent for crafting, theatrical makeup, and high-quality accessories. (Shibuya store is huge!) |
5. Final Tips: Be Respectful & Have Fun! (最後のヒント)
- Safety First: Shibuya gets extremely crowded. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.
- Be Polite: When taking photos, be quick and polite. Don’t block traffic or public access.
- No Trash: Find a proper bin (which can be hard to find) or take your trash home with you. Keeping the streets clean is a point of Japanese pride.
Enjoy the unique, creative, and unforgettable experience of Halloween in Japan!🎃
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