Halloween in Japan in 2024
Western holidays like Christmas have become more and more popular in Japan every year, and Halloween is no exception. However, the reality is that since Halloween has been adopted by Japan, the country doesn't quite celebrate it in the same way you might be used to.
Let's take a look at some big differences between Halloween in Japan compared other countries, and learn about some popular Halloween events you could take part in this year.
Differences between Japanese and Western Halloween
Even though Halloween is mainstream now in Japan, it isn't celebrated in the same way as in countries like the United States. Here are a couple of differences you should know about.
・There's (Almost) No Trick-or-Treating
The biggest and most noticeable difference about Halloween in Japan is that trick-or-treating, despite being a highlight of Halloween in many Western countries, is not really practiced in Japan. Perhaps because Japanese people tend to not want to inconvenience others, especially their neighbors, this tradition never caught on in Japan. This means that generally speaking, you won't be dressing up your children to take them around town collecting candy from strangers.
However, there are often structured Halloween events that kids can participate in that may include trick-or-treating. Sometimes schools or neighborhoods with large international communities (especially some neighborhoods in Tokyo) will organize Halloween parties or events that include Trick-or-Treating along with other fun activities.
・Adult Costume Parties are Extremely Popular
Adults in Western countries do dress up in costumes and go to Halloween parties, but Halloween is often thought of as a holiday more for kids in the West. In Japan, where cosplay is already extremely popular, going out to large gatherings of other people in costumes is one of the most popular ways to celebrate Halloween. Halloween-themed costume parties are often held in major cities at clubs and other places that serve alcohol. Many cities in Japan have big unofficial gatherings in city centers, where adults will dress up in costumes to party and have a good time on Halloween or the weekend before.
But in recent years, these unofficial giant costume parties have gotten out of hand. With the tragic crowd crush in Korea in 2022 and the massive influx of tourists coming to Japan since COVID restrictions were lifted, local governments have imposed strict rules on these events, including banning the consumption of alcohol on streets and actively discouraging people from visiting these areas around Halloween. Because of all of this, it may be that this Japanese Halloween tradition will become less significant in the coming years.
Halloween Events in Japan in 2024
Here are some popular events taking place this Halloween season in Japan.
・Universal Studios Japan: Halloween Horror Nights
Event Dates: September 6th (Friday) to November 4th (Monday) 2024
USJ is one of the most popular theme parks in Japan, and this is one of its most popular events. Several regular attractions will be made horror-themed to match the Halloween atmosphere, and special tours also take place. Starting at 6:00 PM, zombies appear throughout the park to scare and excite visitors. For non-horror fans, there are designated areas where no zombies will appear, so you can still enjoy USJ if you're not into getting scared. If you want to become a zombie yourself, there are changing rooms and even paid makeup services available within the park.
・Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: Disney Halloween
Event Dates: October 1st (Tuesday) to November 7th (Thursday), 2024
Japan's other most popular theme parks also hold Halloween events. There will be a special Halloween-themed parade and family-friendly events throughout the parks, including a chance for kids to get candy from cast members dressed in special costumes. At Disneyland, a daily Halloween parade featuring Disney Villains will be held, and the "Haunted Mansion" ride will be transformed with decorations based on the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. DisneySea will be decorated for Halloween, especially around the American Waterfront. Official Disney hotels will be selling special Halloween merchandise and offering accommodation plans that include limited-edition goods.
・#ImaHalloween (Immersive Fort for Halloween)
Event Dates: September 13th (Friday) to November 30th (Saturday), 2024
Venue: Immersive Fort Tokyo, Koto Ward, Tokyo
The theme park "Immersive Fort Tokyo" is holding an immersive Halloween event. During the day, you can participate in special events with characters and dancers from the attractions, and enjoy live shows featuring music, singing, and dancing. At night, the entire park transforms into a horror movie-themed event, allowing visitors to experience a unique, fully immersive Halloween nightmare.
・Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Yokai Festival
Event Dates: September 14th (Saturday) to December 8th (Sunday), 2024
Venue: Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
This event will be held at Eigamura, a theme park in Kyoto often used as a film set for period dramas. The festival features a parade featuring countless Japanese monsters such as Tengu, Oni, and Yokai. This is a unique chance to enjoy a fusion of Japan's unique yokai culture with modern pop culture. A costume contest with prizes for the winners is also held, and by posting photos taken within the venue, you can participate in the contest.
Enjoy Halloween in Japan!
While Halloween in Japan may seem a bit different from what you are used to in your home country, there are still many ways to enjoy it if you find yourself here in October. If you are interested in more Western-style celebrations, head to Universal Studios Japan or Disneyland. But if you're looking for more uniquely Japanese ways to celebrate Halloween, check out Eigamura in Kyoto.
We hope you'll have a fun, spooky time in Japan this Halloween season!
