Shibuya Halloween Eve 2019: Tokyo's Epic Street Party Photos

Woman in a Day of the Dead sugar skull makeup costume during Halloween in Shibuya. — *Day of the Dead in Shibuya?*

Shibuya’s Halloween Eve 2019 was more than just a street party; it was a living, breathing spectacle of chaotic energy. I attended the crowded “prequel” night before the main event on October 31st for these photos.

Two men in vampire costumes with high collars making peace signs during Halloween in Tokyo. — *Vampires stalking Shibuya’s streets.*

While I was on the train going there, I hoped the inevitable heavy police presence might thin the numbers. How wrong I was. So many people were on the streets, potentially setting an attendance record. For a cosplay photographer like me, it was another fantastic year to capture the magic.

Two female Chinese Kyonshi vampire cosplayers at a Shibuya Halloween street party. — *These cosplayers were Chinese ‘kyonshi’ vampires.*

A sea of faces at Center-Gai

My first problem was trying to get into Center-Gai, the famous Shibuya shopping street. I was met by a solid, impenetrable wall of people, a sea of cosplayers that made it impossible to pass.

Foreign tourists in Halloween costumes celebrating in Shibuya at night.

Detouring towards the Seibu Department store, I discovered a crowd that was surprisingly friendly, perhaps the best I’ve ever encountered at this event (and that is saying something!). It was there that I had some great conversations and managed to get some fantastic photos.

Two Japanese women in zombie convict costumes posing during Halloween in Shibuya.

Japanese creativity: From cute to bizarre

As always, the variety of costumes was a feast for the eyes. You had the sexy and the cute, the weird and the bizarre, and a few that were genuinely scary. It was clear that so many people had poured immense time and effort into their outfits, showcasing everything and everyone imaginable.

Shibuya drag queen wearing a red wig, heavy makeup, and ruffled dress during Halloween at night.

Best costume of the night

If I had to give a “Best Outfit” award, it would go to an incredible Jack Sparrow. I only had a moment to get two quick shots of him, but his costume was 100% perfect. The braids, the boots, and every single detail in between were so amazing, he would have been right at home on a pirate ship.

A Japanese man cosplaying as Captain Jack Sparrow complete with pirate hat and braids at Shibuya Halloween 2019.

Crowd control challenges

The only significant problem of the night was crowd control. The streets were simply overflowing. The number of people packed between the station, Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and Center-Gai was insane.

Massive Halloween crowds and police officers at Shibuya Scramble Crossing. — *Halloween at Shibuya Scramble Crossing reaches insane crowd levels.*

My plan to get past the iconic Starbucks was futile; the human sea made it impossible. To be honest, with that area being a natural bottleneck, it felt a little dangerous and will likely always cause problems for this event.

Four women wearing matching blue Arabian princess costumes during Halloween in Shibuya.

An unforgettable Halloween experience

Shibuya Halloween Eve 2019 was incredibly fun and was one of the world’s most amazing street parties at the time. It makes me wonder what future events will bring!