It’s that spooky time of year again when you bust out your costumes and go out for a good time. However, if you have kids, you may be looking for a fun way for them to enjoy their Halloween in Japan.
Look no further, as I give you a wonderful guide on safe and fun places to take your family this Halloween!
Halloween in Japan is honestly such a fun time. Just think about it: Japan’s culture is so different, so imagine the kinds of spooky fun activities that can be found in Japan.
While it’s not your everyday trick-or-treating like in the United States or like it may be in other countries, Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to different events, celebrations, and different focuses on fun for both adults and families.
But, of course, as I’m sure you already know, don’t dress your child up and send them knocking on random people’s doors. That’s definitely not Japanese culture, since most Japanese families don’t celebrate Halloween.
I highly suggest that you search around your local 商店街 (shōtengai). Usually, they have little events spread out for kids to enjoy.
If you don’t know what 商店街 means, just think of it as a shopping street filled with small businesses, cafés, and other local residents. There’s probably one very close to you, and you just didn’t realize it.
In the Kansai area, you can find some great 商店街 with events around areas like Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome or Tsuruhashi.
Here are a few safe neighborhoods and areas in Japan to check out for Halloween.
There’s actually a campaign going on for Halloween in Ikuno. There will be all different kinds of shops in this area decorated with spooky Halloween decorations, and they will be holding different Halloween events from October 23rd to November 1st.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a more local community Halloween experience for your children.
This is also a great option if you are looking for something fun to do.
There is an Itami Halloween Park and tour events, or you can take your child to participate in local events where they give out candy.
Meriken Park is also a really great option, even though it’s not a residential neighborhood.
It’s a wonderful park where they are holding Halloween-themed events from October 31st until November 1st.
If you don’t know this area, one thing you should know is that this area holds a Kichijoji Halloween Festa.
It would be great for your little ones to roam around as they participate in the trick-or-treat rally at local shops.
This event is designed with the intention of having more of an American-style Halloween. It takes place from October 23rd until the 25th this year.
This one is for if your little ones are a little older and they’re interested in anime or cosplay.
There’s actually an Ikebukuro Cosplay Festival going on that would be great for your child to go to.
Though it should be stated that this cosplay festival is more like a cosplay event rather than having anything to do with traditional Halloween-style trick-or-treating.
It’s still a great option if you want your child to enjoy Halloween. It takes place from October 30th until November 1st.
If you are specifically thinking about where to take a child, please don’t take them to any of the latter places where it’s a bit rowdier.
If I were you, I would probably avoid taking your child to Shibuya, Akihabara, Dotonbori/Amerikamura, central Umeda, etc.
These areas can be much more crowded and focused on adult Halloween celebrations, so I would personally look for family-friendly community events instead.
If I had kids, I would also be checking around my local area.
Actually, even without checking, I see flyers already up about my area.
No doubt, different apartment communities and residential neighborhoods have events for kids to interact and play together.
If your condominium has a common area, apartment complexes are known to hold events where kids can participate, play games, and earn candies.
I would ask your building management if they have anything, or keep an eye open for any flyers on the bulletin board in your apartment complex.
If you have a teen and you’re looking for something to do, I would check in with your child’s school.
Whether it be an international school, an English school, or any kind of event that your child can enjoy with their friends from school, there may be an event for them to have fun and celebrate the Halloween spirit.
Even if it’s not at a school, there are many different community groups on Facebook and Instagram where they hold different events for children where they can do arts and crafts, listen to storytelling, participate in a costume contest, play games, and more.
Halloween is hands down one of the best holidays. When else can you dress up like a character and have fun?
I hope that you and your little ones truly enjoy the holiday and make wonderful memories as you celebrate Halloween in Japan.
Until the next article, please stay happy, healthy, and excited for your spooky celebration in Japan!
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