Shibuya October 2025: Complete Guide to Music Festivals, Autumn Events & Halloween Alternatives (Updated Schedule)
Shibuya is Tokyo's representative entertainment district. It serves as the birthplace of youth culture, with numerous stylish fashion shops and record stores gathered together. Along with the neighboring areas of Harajuku and Omotesando, it forms one of Tokyo's premier shopping destinations.
In Shibuya during October, various events are held including Halloween events and the annual Shibuya Music Festival. While Shibuya is famous for its Halloween events where people gather in the night streets, Omotesando hosts daytime Halloween events that families with children can enjoy.
This article introduces events you can enjoy in October in Shibuya and surrounding areas. We'll also introduce popular Halloween events throughout Tokyo, so please consider visiting them. For those planning their Shibuya Event October 2025 experience, this guide will help you prepare for the spectacular festivities that await.
If You're Coming to Shibuya in October, the Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade is a Must-See!
The Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade is a Halloween event that has been held in the Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando area for 40 years.
In Tokyo, many Halloween events are held throughout the city in October. Among them, the Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade is a child-centered event where families and children can enjoy safely and securely.
On the event day, adorable costume parades by children and a "Candy Rally" are held. Visitors can enjoy many aspects including parade viewing, participation in lottery draws, and Halloween-limited foods sold at various Omotesando shops.
Information:
- Date: October 27, 2024, 11:00~16:30 (2025 event date and time undetermined)
- Access: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon Line: Get off at Omotesando Station → 2 minutes walk from A2 exit → Omotesando Hills and other Harajuku and Omotesando areas
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://halloween.omotesando.or.jp/
The Spectacular Parade Held in Omotesando
Source: Official website in 2023
At the Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade, the annual "Pumpkin Parade" takes place. Costumed children and their guardians walk 1km along Omotesando Street in a parade.
Children aged 12 and under in costume and their guardians who have pre-purchased "Participation certificates" can join the parade.
The parade lasts for an hour and a half. Every year, over 1,000 children participate, walking energetically down Omotesando's main street.
Not only children and guardians participate, but cute character mascots and music bands also walk together. When I went to see it last year, mascots from Sylvanian Families, popular animal characters beloved in Japan, participated in the parade.
The children were delighted to walk alongside characters that every Japanese child knows, and they were very excited and happy.
You Can Enjoy Just Watching the Parade Without Participating
While only children aged 12 and under who pre-registered and their guardians can participate, simply watching the adorable parade of Japanese children is enjoyable enough.
Pay attention to the children's costumes that are uniquely Japanese, such as anime character-inspired costumes that differ somewhat from other countries. When I was watching, many girls carried gorgeous magic wands influenced by anime.
Costumes from famous samurai anime were also popular. It was very cute to see them posing with toy swords and getting into character.
The parade starts at Shibuya City Jingumae Elementary School, beginning after an opening ceremony. It passes in front of Omotesando Hills, a commercial facility in Omotesando, and turns around at Jingumae intersection on Meiji Street.
The area in front of Omotesando Hills has wide streets, making it a recommended spot to leisurely watch the parade.
Various Types of Exhibition Booths That Children Can Enjoy
Source:Official website
At the Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade, booths that children can enjoy are set up in addition to the parade.
For example, at Omotesando Machikado Garden in front of Ralph Lauren Omotesando store, a "Halloween Raffle" booth is set up.
People who shop for 1,000 yen or more at participating Omotesando stores during October can participate in the lottery. For every 1,000 yen spent, they can play a game where they win "gacha" called Toy Capsules. The Toy Capsules contain cute Halloween-themed toys and goods provided by sponsoring companies.
Gacha is a game that's very popular among Japanese children too, and when children spot gacha machines in town, they always want to play. Children from countries other than Japan should also like it, so families should definitely give it a try.
Also, many of the toys and goods won from gacha are high quality, so they're recommended for adults who love Halloween goods too. Since I also collect cute Halloween goods, I shopped a lot and tried many times last year.
Sometimes you can also win special MAPs needed to participate in the "Candy Rally" that I'll introduce next.
"Candy Rally" That You Can Enjoy with Children at Various Stores
Source:Official website
On the event day, a "Candy Rally" where you can receive candy at shops in Omotesando is also held.
People carrying "Candy Rally MAPs" can receive various types of candy by saying "Trick or Treat" at participating stores listed on the MAP.
Participation requires pre-sold "Participation certificates" just like the Parade. On the event day, bring your Participation certificate to the reception at Jingumae Elementary School and exchange it for a Candy Rally MAP.
I've participated in the candy rally with my nephew before. Even after several years, my nephew still begs to "go to that event again!" It seems to have been such a fun experience, so families with children should definitely participate and create wonderful memories in Japan.
Participation certificates can be purchased in advance from the official website. We recommend advance purchase for families and those who want to participate during their trip.
If You're Visiting Shibuya for Halloween Events, Enjoy Bar Hopping at Night
After enjoying Halloween events during the day, join a bar hopping tour from the evening to experience Shibuya's nightlife. The Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo allows you to explore the city with a local guide who knows Shibuya well, visiting three bars and izakaya (Japanese-style pubs).
At the second stop, the indoor Meat Restaurant Alley, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere characteristic of Shibuya. During Halloween season, Shibuya becomes particularly lively, and people become more open. You might even have the chance to become friends with people at the next table and drink together.
Shibuya's streets are decorated with gorgeous Halloween decorations, so be sure to check them out when moving from bar to bar. In October, even on days other than Halloween itself, you can spot people in costumes on the streets of Shibuya. For those planning to attend the Shibuya Event October 2025, this bar hopping experience will be an excellent way to cap off your Halloween celebration.
Meeting point: Under the SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign, 21-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo Q Front, B2F-8F
Tour area: Shibuya
Start times: 18:00, 19:00
3 Must-See Halloween Events in Tokyo Around Shibuya Area in October
In October, Tokyo hosts many other Halloween events. From the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest where people dress up in anime costumes for Halloween, to museum events in Ginza where you can enjoy Japanese-style Halloween, we've carefully selected three highly recommended Halloween events that you can enjoy around the Shibuya area. These events complement the main Shibuya Event October 2025 celebrations perfectly.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Source: Official website
The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest is a popular cosplay event held annually in Ikebukuro. Ikebukuro is located about 15 minutes from Shibuya on the JR Yamanote Line and is known as a district where anime shops are concentrated.
People in authentic anime and manga costumes and photographers gather in Ikebukuro during Halloween season to showcase costumes and take photos.
The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest runs for three days, featuring various events including stage performances and hands-on costume creation workshops. For travelers, we recommend watching the "Grand Parade" held on Sunshine 60 Street during one day of the event period.
Participants showing off their proud costumes walk on the runway, allowing you to see many people's costumes at once. If you're a fan of anime culture, definitely visit Ikebukuro to enjoy high-quality cosplay.
Information (Information from 2024)
Dates: October 25-27, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
Access: Get off at JR Ikebukuro Station → 8 minutes walk from Exit 35→Ikebukuro Sunshine City or Ikebukuro area
Admission: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival: 2,700 yen~, Ike Hallow Night: 3,300 yen~
Website: https://ikebukurocosplay.jp/en/
Art Aquarium Ginza Halloween Exhibition
Source:Official website
At Art Aquarium Ginza in Ginza, Halloween-limited art events are held annually. Art Aquarium Ginza is a unique museum where you can enjoy goldfish, which have been artistically cherished in Japan since ancient times, along with art using light and sound.
In 2024, a Halloween exhibition featuring Yokai Paintings by the famous Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi was held. Yokai refers to monsters traditionally believed in Japan.
When I visited last year, I was able to enjoy a fantastical scene where goldfish tanks and the figures of Yokai were softly illuminated by traditional lantern light, creating a simultaneous feeling of fear and beauty.
Additionally, various Japanese-style Halloween themes are planned each year, including exhibitions themed around "Jack-o'-lantern in Japanese style." Be sure to check out Art Aquarium Ginza's artistic Halloween in 2025 as well, which could serve as a cultural complement to the Shibuya Event October 2025.
Information
Dates: October 17-31, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
Access: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line Get off at "Ginza Station" Exit A7 → 1 minute walk →Art Aquarium Ginza
Admission: Adult same-day ticket 2,700 yen (up to 2 elementary school children free per adult)
Website: https://artaquarium.jp/
Hanawin
Source:PR TIMES
At Hanayashiki, Tokyo's oldest amusement park located in Asakusa, fun Halloween events are held annually. You can enjoy dance stages themed around "scariness" and "cuteness," limited food sales, and photo opportunities at Halloween photo spots.
Hanayashiki is normally a popular spot for taking photos at retro locations that evoke the atmosphere of old downtown areas. During the Halloween period, special illumination and decoration event photo spots appear every year.
For example, in the past, Japanese-style Halloween photo spots inspired by Japanese monsters "Yokai" were popular. Many people come to the park in costumes to take wonderful photos. Why not capture a memorable Japanese Halloween photo at Hanayashiki? This traditional venue offers a different Halloween experience from the modern Shibuya Event October 2025.
Information
Dates: October 5 - November 4, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
Access: Get off at Tsukuba Express Asakusa station → 5 minutes walk → Asakusa Hanayashiki
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen
Website: https://www.hanayashiki.net/
Other Events to Enjoy Around Shibuya in October
In October, Shibuya and its surrounding areas host enjoyable events beyond Halloween. Check out the Shibuya Music Festival, where various music events take place at different spots throughout the city, and the Tokyo Night Market in Yoyogi Park, where you can enjoy Asian food. These Shibuya Event October 2025 offerings provide diverse entertainment options for visitors.
20th ANNIVERSARY Shibuya Music Festival 2025
Source:PR TIMES
The 20th ANNIVERSARY Shibuya Music Festival 2025 is a music event held in Shibuya's Dogenzaka and various areas throughout the city. Every year, numerous artists perform live music and radio events at shops and event venues located in Shibuya.
The Music Festival in Shibuya, known as a music city, offers diverse genres of music. Last year, artists from many genres including club music, anime songs, and J-ROCK performed at cutting-edge event venues in Shibuya such as LINE CUBE.
I was particularly impressed by the classical station concert held at Shibuya Station. It was a wonderful moment when elegant melodies echoed through the busy station where people were rushing by, with music blending into the city atmosphere.
During the event period, related events are held at various spots around Shibuya. If there's an event that interests you, please feel free to participate casually.
<Information>
Date: October 18-19, 2025
Access: JR Yamanote Line etc. Get off at Shibuya Station → 13 minutes walk→LINE CUBE SHIBUYA and other event venues around Shibuya Station
Admission: Varies by event
Website: https://shibuyamusicscramble.tokyo/
Tokyo Ramen Festa
Source: Official website
Tokyo Ramen Festa is a popular ramen event held annually in Setagaya, close to the Shibuya area. Famous ramen restaurants from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, gather at the venue to open special shops. Visitors can purchase each restaurant's most popular ramen dishes.
By participating in Tokyo Ramen Festa, you can try delicious ramen from all over Japan while staying in Tokyo. In Japan, there's something called "Local Ramen," where ramen flavors and ingredients have unique characteristics specific to each region.
When I participated in the past, I ate the famous Takayama Ramen from Hida, Gifu Prefecture. The ramen from Hida's long-established restaurant "mametengu" was a luxurious bowl filled with tender Hida Takayama beef.
Ramen lovers should definitely try Local Ramen from across the country at Komazawa Park.
<Information>
Date: October 23 (Thu) - November 3 (Mon/Holiday), 2025
Access: Tokyu Denentoshi Line Komazawa Daigaku Station → Komazawa Park
About 15-minute to 25-minute walk
Admission: Free entrance (Ramen ticket 1,100 yen each)
Website: https://ra-fes.com/index.html
Tokyo Night Market
Source:PR TIMES
Tokyo Night Market is an event regularly held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya Ward. Inspired by night markets from Asian countries like Taiwan and Thailand, the venue features Asian food sales, art exhibitions, and music events.
The venue, illuminated with traditional lanterns from various Asian countries, is full of oriental atmosphere. In addition to Thai food and Taiwanese food, Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, gyoza, and curry rice is also available.
When I went during the July event, I ate the popular menu item "Shibuya Keema Curry" from Udagawa Cafe, a famous cafe in Shibuya. The curry with a strong red pepper flavor tasted even better when eaten at the festival-like atmosphere of the night market than when eaten at the restaurant.
You can also enjoy music live performances that are as exciting as festivals. Feel free to drop by casually after playing and drinking in Shibuya.
<Information>
Date: October 22-26, 2025
Access: Get off at JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station (Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Station) → approx. 9 minute walk
Get off at JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station → approx. 13 minute walk→Yoyogi Park Zelkova Tree Line
Admission: Free entrance
Website: https://tokyo-night-market.com/202510/
If You Visit Shibuya in October, Also Enjoy Shinjuku, Another Center of Tokyo!
If you're visiting Shibuya in October, why not also experience the nightlife of Shinjuku, another central area of Tokyo alongside Shibuya? This makes your Shibuya Event October 2025 experience even more comprehensive.
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku allows you to visit three bars and izakaya in Shinjuku with a local guide.
Guides who know the city inside and out will take you to recommended shops in Shinjuku's deep spots, such as the retro-atmosphere Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, where old, small bars line narrow alleys.
In October, many Halloween events are held in Shinjuku as well, and bars and pubs sell special Halloween menus. Golden Gai also holds annual Halloween bar-hopping events.
It's also recommended to participate in the tour and continue enjoying Shinjuku's nightlife even after it ends.
・Meeting point: In front of the black pillar (next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store)
・Tour area: Shinjuku
・Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
