23 Photos That Prove Tokyo Does Halloween Better

In Japan’s capital, costume-clad crowds take classic Halloween celebrations to another level.

23 Photos That Prove Tokyo Does Halloween Better

A swarm of Ronald McDonalds party on the streets of Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan.

Photos by Ko Sasaki

It may come as surprise that in Japanese culture—known for its traditional craftmaking and contemporary affinity for cosplay— costume-oriented Halloween celebrations have only recently become popular. But over the past decade, the fantastical holiday has taken off in Tokyo, one of the world’s unofficial capitals of unconventional fashion.

Every year during the days leading up to Halloween, the party picks up in Japan’s capital, with thousands of costume-clad revelers flocking to hip neighborhoods like Shibuya and Roppongi Hills for over-the-top impromptu street parties. Dress-up celebrations across the city begin well before October 31st (organized Halloween parades, festivals, and costume contests take place throughout the month), but Shibuya’s Halloween night events undoubtedly attract the largest and liveliest crowds.

Here’s a peek at past Halloween debauchery in Shibuya—these photos might very well inspire a trip to next year’s bash.

From furry friends . . .

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

. . . to fictional fanfare . . .

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

. . . there’s no shortage of creativity at Tokyo’s Halloween celebrations.

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

You’ll find classic costumes . . .

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

. . . and some slightly unconventional fashions, too.

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Halloween night is so lively in Tokyo . . .

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

. . . even the zombies join in on the fun.

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

Oct. 31, 2015: Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Photo/ Ko Sasaki)

KO SASAKI

Photographer Ko Sasaki is based in Kawasaki, a coastal city in Japan’s Greater Tokyo area.

>>Next: The Unconventional World of Tokyo’s Cosplay Cafés

Danielle Walsh is a former editor for Afar, based in California.
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