Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2025: 10 Days to Go for Tokyo’s Most Authentic Cat Halloween Parade
- Shinya Yamada
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Why the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is Unmissable
The countdown is on! In just 10 days, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the streets of Kagurazaka will transform into a vibrant stage filled with cats, laughter, and tradition. This isn’t just another Halloween event—it’s where cat Halloween truly comes alive, in one of Tokyo’s most charming neighborhoods.
The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival welcomes people from around the world, united by their love of cats and costumes. Whether you come to watch or to join, you’ll find yourself swept up in an atmosphere unlike any other. But here’s the secret: the real magic happens when you become a cat yourself.
As a famous Japanese festival song from Awa Odori says: "The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools. If both are fools, you’d be a fool not to dance!" The same is true here. To truly experience the Bakeneko Festival Tokyo, don’t just watch—transform into a bakeneko cat and join the parade.
The Secret: Pro Makeup by Artists
The highlight of the festival is the official Cat Make Service. While some people arrive in elaborate cat Halloween costumes, the most stunning transformations come from the professional makeup artists on site.
This is not simple face paint—it’s wearable cat Halloween art.
Fee: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥500 for children (prices updated from last year)
Tickets: Distributed from 9:30 AM at the reception desk in the Kagurazaka Elderly Welfare Facility (near Akagi Shrine)
Participation Fee: ¥1,000 for adults / ¥500 for children
Last year, I had my makeup done by a pro, and the result was astonishing. Many people said they didn’t even recognize me, and my photos became some of the most memorable cat Halloween pictures I’ve ever taken. (No editing required!)
Authentic makeup like this makes the cat Halloween parade even more fun. Smiles spread easily, camaraderie grows, and suddenly you’re no longer just a visitor—you’re part of a global community of cat lovers.
Parade Atmosphere: Smiles, Laughter, and Camaraderie
Marching alongside families, with music and costumes all around, you’ll feel the joy radiating through the streets. It’s lighthearted, funny, and filled with unforgettable moments—a true cat and Halloween celebration.
And unlike the chaos sometimes seen in Shibuya or Shinjuku, here you won’t find drinking or rowdiness. Amazingly, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival needs no security guards—everyone, from children to seniors, walks peacefully together. This is why the festival is one of the safest and most family-friendly Halloween parades in Tokyo.
Extra Charm: Kimono Cats
Want to go even further? Every year, there’s a limited Cat Kimono Rental & Dressing Service (¥3,300). Only 12 spots are available, and for 2025 they’re already sold out. But be sure to mark your calendar early for next year—there’s nothing quite like parading as a traditional bakeneko cat in kimono.
More Than Just Cats: Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa 2025
It’s worth noting that the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is just one part of the Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa 2025, a month-long cultural celebration running from Saturday, October 11, through Monday, November 3. Alongside the cat parade, you’ll find a wide variety of cultural programs—such as geisha experiences, Noh experiences, and wagashi-making classes. If you’re already coming for the Bakeneko Festival, why not explore these other unique cultural events too?
Conclusion: Join the Magic in Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival isn’t just an event—it’s an invitation to join Tokyo’s most authentic and joyful cat Halloween. Whether you arrive in costume, get professional makeup, or simply watch the parade, you’ll find yourself surrounded by smiles, laughter, and memories that last long after the festival ends.
Don’t just stand on the sidelines—become a cat, join the parade, and experience the magic yourself. See you in Kagurazaka on October 12, 2025!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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