The shape of it
About
For years Shibuya's scramble crossing drew huge unofficial Halloween street crowds, but it is NOT an organised event — and Shibuya Ward now actively discourages people from gathering there. Expect a heavy police presence, road controls and an all-year street-drinking ban rather than a party.
Highlights
- Historic association with Tokyo's biggest spontaneous Halloween costume crowd
- Heavy crowd-control: hundreds of guards, altered street layouts and closed smoking areas
- An all-year public street-drinking ban in central Shibuya, enforced hard at Halloween
- The Hachiko statue and other gathering points are typically fenced off
Plan it well
- Be honest with expectations: the city wants people NOT to gather in Shibuya for Halloween — it is not a sanctioned party.
- Street drinking is banned year-round in central Shibuya and convenience stores stop selling alcohol on Halloween nights.
- For costumed fun, choose ticketed club nights, theme parks or organised Halloween events instead.
- If you do pass through, expect crowds, restricted routes and a strong police presence — keep moving and follow guard directions.
Where it happens
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