Just 3 Months Away! Why is the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival the Ultimate "Cat Halloween" in Tokyo?
- Shinya Yamada
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 5
The countdown is on! In just 3 months, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the annual Bakeneko Festival will be held in Kagurazaka, Tokyo!
Kagurazaka is a neighborhood deeply connected to cats, famously known as the setting for the renowned novelist Natsume Soseki's masterpiece, I Am a Cat. Once a year, this charming town overflows with countless "Bakeneko" (supernatural monster cats) in a truly heart-pounding celebration. This has become the can't-miss event for anyone looking for the ultimate Cat Halloween in Tokyo.
This festival is a massive hit not only with locals but also with participants from all over the world, giving it a wonderfully international and welcoming atmosphere. I joined last year and was completely captivated by the energy and joy.
Anyone Can Become a "Bakeneko"!
There's only one rule to join the Bakeneko Festival: you must be in a cat-themed costume. That’s it! With that single requirement met, anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, can join the parade. The participation fee is ¥1,000 (approx. $7 USD) for adults (junior high school age and up) and free for children (must be accompanied by a guardian).
"But a full costume sounds like a lot of work..." Don't worry! For a small fee (last year it was ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for kids), you can have your makeup done by a professional makeup artist, allowing you to easily transform into a cat. Even just a t-shirt and a pair of cat ears make you a proud Bakeneko! For a more traditional look, you can rent and be fitted for a kimono at "Fukuneko-do" (total of ¥2,750, or about $18 USD). Doesn't wearing a kimono for your cat costume sound wonderful?
The main event, the Bakeneko Parade, is led by cheerful music from brass bands and samba teams as it winds through Kagurazaka's main street. Last year, the parade ran four times (1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 PM), each with different music to keep the energy high. The sight of everyone dancing and marching in their own unique cat costumes is a joy to behold.
A Safe and Family-Friendly "Cat Halloween" in Tokyo
While this festival is sometimes introduced abroad as a "Cat Halloween Parade," it's quite different from other Halloween events in Japan.
There's no public drinking, no fights, and I didn't even see any police officers on patrol. Many families with young children participate, creating a genuinely peaceful and safe atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. It's the perfect example of a fun and respectful Cat Halloween in Tokyo.
More Than Just a Parade! Kagurazaka's Unique Events
The charm of the Bakeneko Festival extends beyond the parade. There are many other unique events, such as a performance of the traditional "Neko Kiriko" dance by performers from Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. There's also the "Garçon Race," where waiters from Kagurazaka's many restaurants compete by racing while carrying trays of glasses, adding a touch of French flair to the festivities.
I'll never forget the sight of everyone smiling under the clear autumn sky. This festival, which embraces diversity and brings joy to all, is filled with the warm and welcoming spirit of Kagurazaka itself.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12, 2025. In three months, why don't you transform into a wonderful "Bakeneko" and join the fun with us in Kagurazaka?
[Column] Beyond Bakeneko: The Deep "Transforming" Culture of Kagurazaka Geisha
The fun of "transforming into a cat" that you can experience at the Bakeneko Festival is actually connected to a very chic and sophisticated culture that has long been rooted in Kagurazaka.
This is the "Setsubun Obake," a traditional event held every February during Setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring).
During Setsubun Obake, geishas dress up in unusual and humorous costumes, a playful and elegant custom unique to the kagai (geisha districts). It is said that in the old days, transforming into a different figure was a way to drive away demons and bad luck.
If the Bakeneko Festival is an event where everyone can participate and have fun, the Setsubun Obake is a custom that offers a glimpse into the town's deep history and tradition.
If you fall in love with Kagurazaka during the autumn Bakeneko Festival, consider visiting again in the winter for Setsubun Obake. You're sure to discover an even deeper side of this fascinating town.
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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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