2026 Halloween Traditions Across the U.S. and Japan (How Two Countries Celebrate October 31)NEW

Halloween in the United States
Halloween is celebrated nationwide on October 31. It blends playful scares with community fun, featuring costumes, candy, and creative decorations at homes, schools, and local events.
• Trick-or-treating in neighborhoods during the evening
• Costume parties, school parades, and community festivals
• Pumpkin carving and jack-o’-lantern displays
• Haunted houses, corn mazes, and horror movie nights
• Front-yard decorations with ghosts, skeletons, and lights

Halloween in Japan
Japan’s Halloween centers on elaborate costumes, themed events, and photo-friendly street gatherings rather than door-to-door candy collecting. The mood is festive, stylish, and highly visual.
• Large street gatherings and cosplay meetups in districts like Shibuya and Osaka’s Dotonbori
• Theme park celebrations at Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan with seasonal parades and limited-time treats
• Nightlife events, club parties, and themed pop-ups throughout October
• Convenience stores and cafés offering Halloween-themed snacks and desserts
• Emphasis on creative cosplay inspired by anime, games, and classic horror