With Autumn in full swing and Halloween fast approaching, have you ever wondered how the Spooky Season is celebrated in our homeland of Japan? 

Halloween in Japan - West Meets East

Halloween in Japan has transformed from a little-known Western holiday into one of the country’s most exciting cultural events. With costume parades, themed foods, and creative seasonal drinks, Japan has reimagined October’s spookiest celebration through its signature mix of tradition, creativity, flavour, and community spirit.

Costumes and Parades: Japan’s Love for Cosplay Meets Halloween

If there’s one thing Japan does best, it’s costume culture. With its deep-rooted love of cosplay, Halloween became an instant hit.

The most famous gathering takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo, where thousands of people fill the streets each October 31st dressed as everything from anime heroes to classic monsters. 

The event has grown so popular that local authorities now manage the crowds to ensure a safe, enjoyable night for everyone.

Cities like Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya host their own parades, proving that Halloween in Japan is as much about creativity and self-expression as it is about sweets and scares.

Theme Parks: Halloween Magic Comes Alive

Theme parks helped introduce Halloween to Japan, and today they’re among the best places to experience it.

• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea feature seasonal decorations, spooky parades, and pumpkin-flavoured treats.
  

• Universal Studios Japan in Osaka hosts its famous Halloween Horror Nights, where visitors encounter zombies, haunted houses, and themed performances.
  

These events set the tone for Japan’s festive spirit, blending Western Halloween with Japanese creativity.

Food and Sweets: The Heart of Japanese Halloween

Japanese Halloween celebrations revolve around food and seasonal treats. Every October, bakeries, restaurants, and convenience stores (conbini) release limited-edition snacks — many themed around kabocha (Japanese pumpkin).

Expect to see:

• Pumpkin Pudding and Mont Blanc – Smooth custards and creamy desserts with autumn flavours.
  

• Purple Sweet Potato Pastries – A vibrant nod to Japan’s fall harvest.
  

• Ghost-shaped Donuts and Cookies – Adorable, Instagram-ready confections.

This year for example the well known Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo, will be serving exclusive Halloween themed desserts and sweet treats throughout October from their Autumn Chocolate Bar and “Pumpkin Pod”. 

They are also serving a special Halloween themed Afternoon Tea in their Lobby Lounge! If you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo this Autumn you should definitely go check it out.

As you can see, food and seasonal flavours are a big part of the Halloween celebration in Japan and it’s no different when it comes to drinks and of course, our passion, coffee. 

Halloween Drinks: Japan’s Café Culture Gets Spooky

No Japanese holiday is complete without seasonal drinks, and Halloween is no exception. Every October, cafés and beverage brands embrace the theme with unique offerings — from pumpkin-flavoured lattes to spooky cocktails — that showcase Japan’s love of creativity and design.

Seasonal Coffees and Lattes

Throughout October, Japanese coffee chains and independent cafés release limited-edition blends inspired by the flavours of autumn. Expect comforting notes of roasted pumpkin, chestnut, and sweet potato, served in beautifully designed cups featuring subtle Halloween motifs. Warm, cozy, and perfectly photogenic, these drinks are as much about the atmosphere as the taste.

Why not try your own Japanese Spiced Latte with one of our signature Ueshima blends?

Bubble Tea and Specialty Drinks

Halloween also makes its mark on Japan’s bubble tea (tapioca) scene. Popular chains roll out purple sweet potato milk teas, black cocoa lattes, and even drinks topped with ghost-shaped whipped cream. They’re not just delicious — they’re made for ‘gram.

Bars and Izakayas Join In

As evening falls, the Halloween spirit moves from cafés to bars. Many Izakayas (Japanese pubs) and craft beer bars offer themed cocktails, like pumpkin martinis or “bloody” berry sours. Some even serve black lagers made with roasted malt, complete with eerie garnishes and glowing ice cubes.

From morning coffee to midnight cocktails, Halloween drinks in Japan are a feast for the senses — and a reminder of how much the country values the art of presentation.

Trick-or-Treating, Japanese Style

While door-to-door trick-or-treating isn’t common in Japan, local communities and shopping malls organise Halloween events where children can dress up and collect sweets. 

International schools, parks, and department stores host family-friendly parades, making the holiday inclusive for all ages.