As with the rest of 2020, Halloween in Tokyo will look a little different this year. Coronavirus precautions mean that many traditional festivities and parades have been canceled or reimagined. But that doesn’t mean your family won’t be able to celebrate! 

In addition to several events that are still happening (responsibly), your family has plenty of options for enjoying Halloween at home. We’ve rounded up all you need to know to have a fun Halloween in Tokyo; check it out below!

Halloween Events & Activities in Tokyo

There are still a few opportunities to enjoy a safe, spooky Halloween in Tokyo. Some of our favorites have moved online and the in-person activities have been updated in the interest of keeping every happy and healthy. 

Spooky Pumpkin 2020 at Puroland, 30 October - 1 November

Have a blast watching live Halloween performances by your favorite Sanrio characters and pop stars… all from the comfort of your own home! You’ll have to purchase a ticket, but at least the snacks are cheaper when they come from your own kitchen.

Roppongi Hills Halloween Mobile Walk Rally 2020, 31 October

Instead of a parade, this year’s Roppongi Halloween has been turned into a fun stamp rally! Download the app and have fun seeking out stamps around town. Your efforts will be rewarded with something sweet!

Kichijoji Halloween Festa 2020, 31 October

This year’s Halloween Festa is online, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t candy involved! Sign up and receive a box of treats sent to your house! There’s also a virtual stamp rally with a surprise prize and a Zoom parade. 

Kawasaki Halloween 2020, Until 31 October

Usually, a crowd of more than 100,000 people turn up for Kawasaki’s festive Halloween parade. Crowds that large aren’t ideal these days, so instead, the event has been moved online. Submit your costume via social media and you have the chance to win 500,000 yen!

Yomiuriland Halloween, Until 1 November

Stamp rallies (with sweet rewards), scavenger hunts, photo contests and mask decoration await your family at Yomiurland’s Halloween celebration! There are also plenty of themed food options, including a Zombie burger.

Hanaween 2020, Weekends until 1 November

Enjoy this old-timey amusement park when it’s decked out for Halloween. Take in a monster and ghost performance and of course, don your own Halloween costume for a parade the whole family can join.

Universal Studios Japan, Until 8 November

Halloween-themed performances from park characters and trick-or-treating around the park are just a couple ways to enjoy the holiday at Universal Studios Japan! There will also be a mask contest (perfect for the age of COVID-19!) and tons of Halloween-inspired snacks. 

Jack O Lanterns

The MOST Halloween activity is definitely pumpkin carving! Your family can create your own Jack O’Lanterns to get into the spirit (pun intended). Yumenoshima Park and Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to kick things off. Pack a picnic and dress for tons of Halloween-themed photos among the massive (100 kg!) pumpkins on display. Stop by National Azabu to pick up your very own (smaller, more manageable) pumpkins and head home to carve them up. The supermarket is also hosting a special Trick or Treat event for elementary school-aged children on Halloween (from 4p -6p), well! To really amp up the creativity, we suggest a pumpkin carving kit to ensure you have all the tools necessary to knock your designs out of the park! Nissin World Market also has a supply of Halloween-themed decorations (and some discounted snacks!) if you want to throw your own (socially distanced) Halloween soiree. 

Halloween Costume Ideas

Even if your family isn’t able to participate in an in-person Halloween celebration, you shouldn’t skip the costumes. Especially in a year when you’re already wearing a mask! The easiest way to put together an awesome costume is to head to your nearest Don Quijote. Or, if you’re nearby or have the time, the Akihabara location specifically is said to be the best spot for pre-fab costumes. 

If you’re feeling marginally more creative and don’t have kids who are demanding the latest superhero, Disney character or anime costume, the list of DIY costumes below are a breeze to put together and are still sure to be a hit!

M&Ms (a classic for the whole family) 

Rubiks Cube (perfect use for that big box!)

Eggs (Another one that can be customized for the whole family)

Ghost (Spooky and practical!)

Lemon Lime (or any citrus fruit will do)

Stick Figure (incredibly simple)

Halloween Arts & Crafts at Home

We were going to pick out a few of our favorite Halloween arts and crafts to suggest for your family, but all of the ones we found are amazing! You can decorate the whole house, the whole neighborhood and even your fruits and veggies (in case you need to convince someone they’re fun to eat…). These crafts range from spooky, to silly, to sweet (literally) and are sure to make your home feel Halloween-y, no matter how you’re able to celebrate this year. Check out the below for some inspiration, get crafting and have a Happy Halloween!

https://www.redbookmag.com/home/decor/g3644/diy-halloween-crafts-for-kids/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g22062770/halloween-crafts-for-kids/

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g4950/easy-halloween-crafts-for-kids/?slide=1