Shibuya’s “Goodbye Bad Halloween” Campaign Aims to Curb Tourist Chaos

Shibuya Ward has launched a “Goodbye Bad Halloween” campaign to deter public drinking, littering and costume-related photo shoots that block the famous Shibuya Scramble. The slogan appears on signage throughout the district as officials prepare for the weekend’s celebrations.

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The neighborhood’s Halloween party began in the early 2010s and was officially promoted as “ShibuHallo” in 2017. Over the decade the event grew from a local gathering to an international spectacle, drawing crowds that overwhelmed the area’s infrastructure. Mayor Ken Hasebe, in office since 2015, has repeatedly described the celebration as a “bête noire” of his administration.

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• Daily foot traffic at the Shibuya crossing exceeds 500,000 people.

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• In 2025 Japan recorded more than 40 million foreign visitors, roughly five times the 2012 level.

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• Halloween attendance fell to about 15,000 in 2023 and rose slightly to 20,000 in 2024, down from roughly 60,000 in earlier years.

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• Mayor Hasebe estimates 70-80 % of costumed visitors are international travelers.

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• The ward imposed a 2,000 yen fine for littering and banned public drinking between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. near Shibuya Station in 2024.

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• Security staffing this year includes about 60 guards from Friday 7 p.m. to Saturday 5 a.m., about 125 guards from Saturday 7 p.m. to Sunday 5 a.m., and around 70 city officials patrolling Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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Mayor Hasebe has repeatedly urged visitors to respect local rules. He added that the city hopes people will “celebrate indoors” and participate in organized events within neighborhoods. Hasebe also noted that the ward’s littering fine and public-drinking ban have “reduced those behaviors.”

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Business owners on Center Gai argue that the restrictions hurt revenue. Tatsuji Suzuki, chairman of the Center Gai shopping street association, contends that fines are ineffective without rigorous enforcement, stating that “there are no penalties” and that the association has taken its own measures, such as daily street cleaning and a crime-prevention unit.

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Residents describe daily cleaning of Center Gai and all-caps posters prohibiting loitering and obstruction. The Hachiko statue, a popular selfie spot, is routinely cordoned off during Halloween to prevent crowding.

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The ward will continue to deploy security personnel and enforce existing bans, while encouraging indoor celebrations.

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• “This year may become a turning point. Consequently, we must remain vigilant and continue to take measures,” — Ken Hasebe, mayor — Ken Hasebe, mayor

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