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Introduction
Thursday, October 31, 2024, marks the peak of spooky glory in Japan, where everyone fearlessly goes all out with their mind-blowing Halloween costumes—some so chilling they send shivers down your spine, and others so cute they'll make you exclaim 'aww'!
The fiery colors of autumn leaves across Japan signal the start of the long-awaited spooky season, a time known for its electrifying atmosphere, epic events, outstanding cosplaying, and an assortment of terrifyingly tasty foods.
Here's everything you need to know about celebrating Halloween in Japan, now arguably one of the most exhilarating places to spend the season!
Where to Spend Halloween in Japan
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Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanagawa transform into hubs of Halloween euphoria, hosting everything from electric flash mobs to vibrant parades.
Particularly in Tokyo, young adults seize the opportunity to showcase their creative costumes at Shibuya Crossing, turning it into a breathtaking display of Halloween festivity. However, a word of caution if you're planning to join the Halloween festivities in Shibuya—it's gained quite a reputation, for better or worse.
In recent years, to manage the wild partying and dense crowds, local authorities have banned street drinking. They've also requested area stores to halt alcohol sales and kept roads closed to pedestrians during the Halloween celebrations.
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Halloween at theme parks is also famous for stellar parades and a judgment-free zone where dressing up is all part of the fun! Tokyo Disney Resort takes it to another level with its Halloween celebration. The parks burst with special parades, exclusive Halloween-themed merchandise and foods, and festive decorations that bring the spooky spirit to life.
Another fantastic Halloween destination is Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. There, you can plunge into the thrilling Street Zombies experience, battling alongside security forces against ferocious zombies, or brave the intense Chainsaw Man experience—definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Japan Redefines Halloween with Next-Level Costumes
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Japan is famously the epicenter of extraordinary costumes and cosplay, and during Halloween, this creativity shines even brighter. The streets overflow with both classic and imaginative costumes—witches, devils, clowns, princesses, and skeletons are just the start.
You might also discover Halloween costumes you never knew existed or thought were even possible to wear—just a typical day during Halloween in Japan! This is the perfect opportunity to witness the boundless creativity and unique flair that defines the festive season here, where every outfit can be a literal surprise!
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People also like stepping into the shoes of their favorite characters from video games, TV shows, and anime. You might spot costumes from Dragon Ball Z, catch a glimpse of Naruto's ninjas, or even see terrifying titans from Attack on Titan and guardians from Sailor Moon—the variety is as boundless as it is impressive!
Best Halloween-Themed Drinks & Foods in Japan
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Japan’s love for food knows no bounds, and Halloween sees this passion take a delightfully eerie turn. From Tokyo’s bustling streets to Kyoto’s quiet alleys, cafes and fast-food spots roll out limited-edition treats to enjoy each spooky season.
As every year, Starbucks Japan delights its patrons with Halloween-themed treats, and this season is no exception. They've introduced the "Mela Me-la Frappuccino," a visually stunning beverage designed to mimic a burning flame.
Starbucks is adding an element of surprise to their Halloween festivities with the "Pachi-Pachi Trick" customization. The twist? The color of the sachet, whether red, blue, or orange, remains a mystery until opened.
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This "Pachi-Pachi Trick" not only adds excitement with each sip but also amplifies the drink's flame-inspired aesthetics. The crunchy chocolate chunks and the sharp, tangy flavor of the mixed berry sauce—with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry—beautifully complement the overall experience.
The 'Zombino of Hell' pizza (Aoki’s Pizza's “intensely grotesque” creation) is another Halloween must-try in Japan. Created to resemble a scene straight out of a horror film, the pizza is adorned with monster-inspired toppings that are as eerie as they are delicious.
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Imagine biting into cheese-made eyeballs and sausages shaped like severed fingers; it might look terrifying, but that’s exactly the point!
After ‘enjoying’ that eerie pizza, keep the Halloween spirit alive with a visit to Baskin Robbins for some spooky dessert treats. This October, Baskin Robbins is rolling out a trio of vibrant ice cream flavors that perfectly capture the essence of autumn.
Indulge in the delightful purple sweet potato flavor, savor the rich chestnut Mont Blanc, and enjoy the creamy pumpkin pudding. Each scoop is a colorful nod to the season, combining purple, yellow, and orange hues in a visually appealing and delicious treat.
To cap off your Halloween in Japan, indulge in seasonal treats like pumpkin-flavored KitKats and sweet potato snacks that line the convenience store shelves. Dressed in your costume, you’re sure to experience the magic of Halloween in its full glory.
Where to Find Unique Halloween Costumes
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Strolling across the major shopping hubs of Japan is an amazing way to hunt down your perfect Halloween costume. However, if you're short on time and haven't found the right one yet, opting for online shopping could be your best bet.
ZenPlus offers a convenient solution with its extensive network of over 3,000 verified Japanese sellers and a massive selection of over 5 million products.
The lineup includes a wide array of Halloween costumes to ensure you find the best match for your Halloween look—from classic vampire outfits to adorable lolita styles, maid costumes, and even anime-themed options like Demon Slayer, there’s plenty of fun and excitement waiting for you!
No more delays—pick your favorite costume, grab all the Halloween decorations and treats you need, and get everything delivered right to your doorstep for the spookiest season yet!
