Japan’s supernatural world springs to life in a special Hyakki Yagyo event you won’t want to miss.
parade
Spirits from traditional folklore will once again take over Taishogun Shotengai for the night.
Pikachu is just the tip of the adorable iceberg as dozens of Pokémon come out to play in Yokohama.
Halloween has become one of the three largest Western-influenced events celebrated in Japan following Christmas and Valentines’ Day. Though the spooky festival’s cultural origins are not the reason why the celebrations are observed, the Japanese do enjoy getting decked in themed costumes, thus making it a major commercial celebration for many.
The widespread popularity of the festival has resulted in confectionary makers rolling out Halloween-themed goodies, restaurants preparing Halloween-inspired menus, fashion outlets retailing Halloween-related costumes and accessories, and of course, entertainment facilities going all out with Halloween events.
We’ve put together a concise guide to some of the Halloween festivities taking place this year, so if you’re planning a trip to Japan during this season, here’s what you can expect!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Return to the golden age of arcade gaming at the Japan Game Museum
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
21-year-old Nara woman arrested for sending hundreds of nude selfies to woman in her 70s
Take a look inside the Future Train, a unique new restaurant diner and cafe in Kyoto
Wearable “kotatsu parka” is here to keep your whole body warm this winter
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
21-year-old Nara woman arrested for sending hundreds of nude selfies to woman in her 70s
Take a look inside the Future Train, a unique new restaurant diner and cafe in Kyoto
Wearable “kotatsu parka” is here to keep your whole body warm this winter
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Rage against the smoothie machine with this 7-Eleven drink hack【Taste test】
Cats and dogs apologising at Japanese press conference is our newest gacha capsule toy obsession
Japan’s “workstyle reforms” are actually making managers’ jobs a lot harder【Survey】
Everyone in the office works together to make a “Dark Ehomaki Sushi Roll” for Setsubun
The 10 most attractive Japanese women’s names, as chosen by dating app users
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
New Japanese capsule toys answer question: What if bread had legs?
-
