Weebs and otakus, rejoice. With Halloween just around the corner, there's plenty to check out from theme parks to parties, but this one's for the lovers of all things anime and gaming and such. From Friday October 24 to Sunday 26, the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (aka 'Ikehalo') returns for its 12th year.
Last year's festival welcomed over 161,000 people during its three-day run, and this year is shaping up to be just as big, with stage performances, a parade, photo ops and more cosplayers than you can shake a magic stick at.
Whether you want to get dolled up in cosplay or just want to see the action, read on to see what to expect.
Friday: Ikehalo Night
The whole shebang starts off with a smaller nighttime affair called Ikehalo Night, taking place on the fourth floor of Sunshine City from 4.30pm to 10.30pm. The laid-back event is less of a banging Halloween party and more of an opportunity for cosplayers to socialise through a hodge-podge of quirky goings-on from karaoke to an arm-wrestling competition.
Socialising aside, Ikehalo Night also offers a great opportunity to set up an evening photo shoot outside, or opt to use the B3 car park from 5.30pm to 9.30pm – basic photo equipment like tripods and reflectors are available for rent.
As a heads-up, cosplayers are requested to show up in daily wear and change into their costumes only after they've arrived at the venue. Ikehalo Night is ¥3,480 per ticket and strictly for those aged 18 or older, but Saturday and Sunday are for everyone.
Saturday: Day 1
This is where the magic happens. From 10am to 6pm, the entire eastern side of Ikebukuro Station is hosting cosplayers, photographers and spectators alike for a full day of cosplay fun. Nakaikebukuro Park is hosting stage performances and karaoke, while Sunshine City and Ike Sunpark are the best places for photo shoots.
If DIY isn't quite your thing, look for the cosplay prop area in Ike Sunpark, where you can try out props made by other cosplayers free of charge.
The parade is undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend. Starting from 2.20pm, hundreds of cosplayers will strut their stuff down Ikebukuro's main road.
Sunday: Day 2
Sunday goings-on run from 10am to 6pm and are more or less the same as Saturday, minus the parade.
Time Out tip: If your costume doesn't hold together over the two days, look for the repair booth in Ike Sunpark. The well-equipped staff just might have the tools to help you get patched up.
Tickets
If you're not planning to cosplay, the festival is free to attend. If you do plan to cosplay, a general ticket is ¥2,980.
A premium ticket is ¥3,980 and will get you perks like extended registration hours and access to a hospitality area to charge your devices and touch up your make-up. Plus, you can ride the Ikebus (pictured above), which will take you around the event area.
A three-day ticket (includes Ikehalo Night) is ¥10,000 and includes the benefits of a premium ticket. Purchase tickets here, and happy cosplaying!
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