Shibuya and Shinjuku Cities in Tokyo are taking a firm stance against unruly Halloween behaviour this year, with strict measures to curb street drinking, littering, and overcrowding.
Following a press conference on 7 October 2024, Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe and Shinjuku Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi announced a joint approach to tackling public disturbances during the busy Halloween season and beyond.
Last year, Shibuya saw crowd numbers around Shibuya station drop significantly from 60,000 to 15,000 on Halloween, but many partygoers flocked to Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, leading to problems with drinking and littering. This year, both cities are stepping up their cooperation to prevent a repeat of such issues.
From 1 October, Shibuya has expanded its street drinking ban to cover a wider area and implemented it year-round. During Halloween week (26-31 October), local liquor stores will stop alcohol sales from 18:00-5:00, and 185 guards will be deployed across key areas. The iconic Hachiko Statue will also be fenced off, while staff patrols and surveillance cameras will monitor crowd movement.
In Shinjuku, similar restrictions will be in place from 31 October to 1 November in Kabukicho and Shinjuku 3-chome. The sale of alcohol will be halted, and 100 security guards will be on patrol to ensure public safety.
Both cities are also considering longer-term solutions, such as penalties for rule violations and strategies to manage overtourism. Mayor Hasebe noted, “Overtourism has no boundaries,” while Mayor Yoshizumi called for visitors to “follow the rules and have a safe and enjoyable time.”