Unmissable Halloween Extravaganza Beckons in Tokyo's Vibrant District
Shibuya City discourages Halloween tourism by implementing strict measures, including a ban on street drinking and other festive activities Enjoy a safer and more responsible celebration in Tokyo's popular district this year
Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, known as the world's busiest intersection, consists of five intersecting crosswalks accommodating 10 lanes of car and bus traffic. However, in an effort to prioritize safety, the local government has urged individuals to avoid celebrating Halloween in this area.
The leadership of Shibuya City, a self-governed district in Tokyo, has formally requested that both domestic and foreign tourists refrain from observing Halloween in the area between October 27th and 31st.
According to the notice, the significant impact of excessive tourism has led to property damage from street drinking, conflicts with local residents, and extensive littering of empty cans and bottles. Additionally, the area around Shibuya Station becomes overwhelmingly crowded during Halloween, making it nearly impossible to navigate.
With Japan reopening its borders to tourism in fall 2022, there is growing concern in the city of Tokyo about the anticipated surge of tourists eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant party and celebratory atmosphere. This influx is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, as
Crowds of people celebrating Halloween in Shibuya in 2014.
Yuya Shino/Reuters
Halloween is a favored celebration among the youth in Japan. Instead of participating in traditional activities like trick-or-treating or visiting haunted houses, it is viewed as a chance to enjoy lively parties and indulge in drinks.
The official notice from Shibuya City emphasizes the need to address the potential risk of a perilous stampede, similar to the unfortunate incident that occurred in Seoul last year, if adequate precautions are not taken.
156 people lost their lives in the fashionable district of Itaewon, Seoul, on Halloween 2022, as exuberant crowds overflowed onto a narrow street. In an effort to avert a comparable incident, Shibuya has implemented multiple stringent measures.
The consumption of alcohol in the streets of Shibuya will be prohibited from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for the duration of the five-day period encompassing Halloween. Furthermore, liquor vendors in the vicinity have been advised against selling alcoholic beverages during this period. Additionally, there will be an augmented presence of law enforcement personnel and security guards in the area.
"The streets of Shibuya are not party venues," the citys mayor, Ken Hasebe, said in a statement.
