Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival, known as “IKEHALO”, turns Ikebukuro into a cosplay festival for three days, from 30 October to 1 November 2026. First held in 2014, it has grown into one of Japan’s largest Halloween events, and this year Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October 2026, falls in the middle of it.

IKEHALO NIGHT
The festival opens on Friday 30 October 2026 with IKEHALO NIGHT at Sunshine City, from 16:30 to 22:30: an evening for photo shoots and meeting other cosplayers. It's for ages 18 and up; high school students aren't admitted.

The weekend in Ikebukuro
On 31 October and 1 November 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00, the festival spreads across the Ikebukuro area with stage events, the cosplay parade, a stamp rally and a corner for trying cosplay items. The organizers will announce the venues, stage times and parade route closer to the date. This year's special guest is the cosplayer Enako.

Free extras and photos
Rickshaw rides and a cultural workshop with origami and calligraphy (shodo) are free. For a keepsake, the Memorial Photo Session with a professional photographer costs ¥8,000 per group.

Tickets
Cosplaying and taking photos each need a registration ticket for the day, Standard or Premium; Premium adds a hospitality area for quick makeup touch-ups. Buying in advance saves ¥500 on each ticket.

Whether you come alone, with friends or with family, and with or without cosplay experience, there's plenty to see. Check the official site for the final program before you go.