Cosplayers who love dressing up as their beloved anime or game characters – instead of the usual witches, mummies and creepy clowns – will love this massive Halloween party in Ikebukuro on October 31 and November 1. Expect more than 20,000 cosplayers parading the streets on the eastern side of Ikebukuro, which is gaining ground as an incubator of subcultures. This year, a special night event will also be held on October 30 for those over 18 years old at Sunshine City.
While anyone is free to see the cosplayers in their creative outfits, dressing up and participating in the event requires a special ticket. Registration for the cosplay event starts from ¥2,980 for a single-day ticket, while three-day passes start from ¥10,000. The special Ikehalo night event will set you back ¥3,480. (Listed prices are advance sale prices and exclusive of the 10 percent handling fee)
Participants are required to change back into casual clothes in the provided changing rooms before leaving, as arriving and leaving the venue in cosplay is prohibited.
Check the event website for more details and ticket information.