7 best Halloween events at theme parks in Japan

Last year, Tokyo Disneyland had to cancel all special events including its annual Halloween festivities, but they’re making a comeback this year. Throughout October, the daytime parade features floats decked out in cobwebs and pumpkins, steered by characters dressed in ghost costumes. There are also exclusive souvenirs featuring ghost Mickey and plenty of Halloween-inspired foods like maple pumpkin churros and a fried chicken and apple sandwich with an orange bun. 

Limited numbers of the Halloween Morning Passport (¥13,000) will be available between October 25 and 29 – the pass allows you to enter the park at 8am, two hours earlier than the usual opening time. You can also come fully dressed in a costume, while other visitors and pass holders won’t be allowed to wear a full costume inside the park.

Until Oct 31

Unlike in previous years, when Sanrio Puroland was decked out in black and white, this Halloween features a pumpkin patch with bright autumn colours. The two theatre shows are Halloween-themed and all the characters are dressed in pumpkin costumes. You’ll get to meet and greet Halloween versions of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pom Pom Purin and friends only until October 31. For the perfect photo spot, head up to the rainbow hall on the third floor – it’s filled with orange flowers and pumpkin motifs.

Until Oct 31

The poo museum in Tokyo is celebrating Halloween this year, transforming its famous turd-spitting poop volcano into a massive poo-shaped jack-o-lantern. There will be spooky music playing in the background to go with the theme, and you might even spot the museum’s mascot Unberto making an appearance in a Halloween costume, too. If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs, come in costume or show proof that you follow the museum’s Instagram page to get a special set of poop stickers.

Throughout October, the first 1,000 people to visit Yomiuri Land will receive a free spooky mask designed like one of the park’s Halloween mascots upon arrival. Plus, there’s a stamp rally which will get you a small prize after you’ve collected three stamps within the park. 

There are also three Halloween photo panels installed at the park where you can take your best scary photos to upload on your social media. Feeling thirsty? Head over to Food Station Bandy’s to get a blood bag filled with red fruit juice.

Until Oct 31

During the day, you’ll see characters like the Minions and Elmo dressed in colourful Halloween costumes while staff hand out candy to children who say ‘trick or treat?’ Stay until the evening to catch a terrifying parade of zombies, some of whom will  start dancing afterwards from 6pm. 

There are also two exclusive Halloween attractions. One is a haunted house featuring yokai (Japanese spirits) from the manga series Gegege no Kitaro, and the other is a Sherlock Holmes-themed horror theatre. Don’t forget to grab some Halloween treats while you’re here too, including a pitch black Halloween churro, a green Frankenstein-inspired hotdog, a Chucky doughnut and much more.

Complete your visit with an overnight stay at the horror-themed puzzle room at the Hotel Universal Port Vita right beside the park (available October 15 to February 27).

Events inside the theme park run until Nov 7

This theme park in Nagasaki boasts scenery that looks just like an old Dutch town, complete with colourful houses and a canal. The entire park will be lit up in an autumn-themed illumination this season. We recommend you come in costume to get ¥500 off your entrance fee, and remember to say ‘trick or treat’ at selected shops to collect some free sweets.

Enjoy an evening walk outside Palace Huis Ten Bosch, decked out with 3,000 jack-o-lanterns – that’s three times as many as in previous years. If you head to Harbor Town, you’ll also find an entire building dedicated to Halloween where you can purchase Halloween-inspired food and souvenirs, too.

Until Nov 3

During the spooky season, children are encouraged to dress up at Legoland, and those who do will receive an assortment of sweets from the friendly staff. If you visit on a weekend or holiday dressed in a matching costume with your child, you can enter the costume contest to win a set of exclusive Lego blocks. Don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat, so you can try the park’s special Halloween food menu, including ghost-themed soft-serve, mummy hotdogs, a spooky stew and more.

The park’s popular workshop will teach children how to make accessories to add to their Halloween costumes including cat ears, a crown, bow, glasses and headphones, using only Lego, of course. Reservations must be made in advance to participate in the workshop.

Until Nov 3