Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2027 – Tokyo, Japan

• October 10, 2027
  Event date:
• October 10, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Event identity: The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is a creative annual Halloween event in Tokyo where participants dress as cats and bakeneko, supernatural cat-like creatures found in Japanese folklore. Held annually since 2009 to 2010, it is one of Japan’s most beloved Halloween events and a participatory celebration often described as a Cat Halloween.

For this one special day, adults and children alike regardless of age, nationality, gender, or background become free-spirited cats and wander the city together. The festival has a connection to the neighborhood’s literary history. Natsume Soseki, author of the famous novel I Am a Cat, once lived in the area, making Kagurazaka a fitting setting for the cat-themed celebration. He frequented Kagurazaka’s old yose theaters and bought his manuscript paper at the stationer Somaya nearby.

Atmosphere: Unlike some Halloween costume events in certain areas that have become more extreme with issues like public drinking, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is known for being a warm and friendly event where everyone says it feels comfortable. It is not a chaotic street party like Halloween in Shibuya, but rather a peaceful, family-friendly Cat Halloween Festival filled with smiles, music, and creative expression. Cats marching in parades, cats strolling through backstreets, cats taking photos, cats dancing, cats enjoying gourmet food, cats simply soaking in the atmosphere of the town.

One-day cat kingdom: With the entire town of Kagurazaka as its stage, the festival creates a new kind of urban carnival where people, culture, and the city itself connect in playful and unexpected ways. The festival is the best-known event of the season, but it is just one highlight within the much larger Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa, the neighborhood’s autumn handmade culture festival with around 41 individual programs hosted by local shops, artisans, and institutions throughout Kagurazaka.

Event dates

Main edition: October 10, 2027, Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2027.

Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with parade highlights throughout the day. Changing rooms and makeup services operate 10:00 AM–5:30 PM, with ticket sales from 9:30 AM. Held rain or shine except in severe weather.

Parade schedule reference: Previous edition schedule included 12:20 PM–12:40 PM Brass band ver., 2:30 PM–3:00 PM Samba ver., 3:20 PM–3:40 PM European early music instruments ver., 4:30 PM–5:00 PM Finale, plus Cat Awa Dance 1:30 PM–2:00 PM, Oni Kenbai 12:00 PM–12:20 PM, 2:00 PM–2:20 PM, 4:00 PM–4:20 PM.

Tentative future: Event is tentatively scheduled for mid-October annually, with Machi Tobi Festa running for over three weeks after the main festival.

Contact: +81 3-6304-1600, contact@bakeneko.oops.jp, https://bakeneko.oops.jp/

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & performance locations

Main area: Kagurazaka Main Street and Shirogane Park, Shinjuku City, Tokyo. The festival takes place throughout Kagurazaka rather than at a single venue, so allow time to explore the neighborhood as well as enjoy the parade. The main street is a historic stone-paved slope lined with traditional shops and cafes.

Headquarters: Kagurazaka Senior Welfare Facility serves as festival headquarters, changing room, makeup service venue, and registration point. Located near Kagurazaka Station at the top of the slope near Risona Bank and Park Luxe Kagurazaka.

Performance spots: Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple area hosts Oni Kenbai performances, street performers, and tea ceremony pop-ups. Shirogane Park hosts Bakeneko Base, Bakeneko Marche, photo booths, and family activities.

Secondary venues: Bakeneko Sweets Cafe opens in a long-established soba restaurant for one day only. Bakeneko Street Performers pop up throughout Kagurazaka, including near Bishamonten area. Cat Goshuin Stamp Rally starts at Zenkoku-ji Temple with seven stamp points around Kagurazaka.

Neighborhood stage: The entire town of Kagurazaka serves as stage, with cats marching between Kagurazaka Station and the big cross on the way to Iidabashi Station.

Full programme

Core programme: Become a cat for a day and join the Bakeneko Festival’s signature parade. Dress up in favorite feline-inspired costume and parade through charming streets. The parade is the main event, but the actual festival lasts a whole day.

Cultural programme: Oni Kenbai Sword Dance of the Demon Spirits, a powerful traditional Nenbutsu folk dance passed down around Kitakami, designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, performed to drive away evil spirits and pray for abundant harvests. Dancers wield swords and fans delivering dynamic performances.

Dance programme: Cat Awa Dance, an open-to-everyone cat-themed version of Japan’s traditional Awa Odori dance festival, no experience or registration needed, produced by super cat-loving choreographer Yoshihiro Fujita.

Interactive programme: Ninja Shuriken Dojo where participants learn real shuriken-throwing technique from actual ninja performer, Cat Goshuin Stamp Rally visiting seven stamp points, Bakeneko Marche mini market with cat-themed bread, sweets, costume accessories, and mask-making workshop.

Family programme: Bakeneko Car and Photo Booth where visitors climb aboard for memorable photos and meet adorable cat characters, Bakeneko Base gathering place for cats featuring Scratch Post Cafe, Glowing Cat Art Exhibition, Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience, Cat Accessory Workshop, Bakeneko Sweets Cafe, and street performances.

Featured productions & performers

Bakeneko Parade production: The signature production is the Bakeneko Parade itself, with multiple versions including brass band ver., samba ver., European early music instruments ver., and finale. Each version features different music and choreography, with participants wearing Nekomachi Passport Badges.

Oni Kenbai production: Rare appearance of Oni Kenbai, powerful folk dance from Kitakami area of Iwate Prefecture, with dancers in demon masks performing sword dances to ward off evil spirits.

Cat Awa Dance production: Produced by Yoshihiro Fujita of CAT-A-TAC and CONDORS, this production invites all cats to jump in and dance, creating a feline celebration that bridges traditional Awa Odori with cat culture.

Street performer productions: Performances include Tensai Ikareponchi, Kagurazaka Nora Neko Puroresu cat wrestling, Kyofu Kamishibai horror picture show, Chiroru, mutako, Replica-san, and other street artists performing throughout Bishamonten area.

Geisha district connection: Kagurazaka is one of Tokyo’s few living kagai geisha districts, where centuries-old traditional culture coexists with modern urban life. The festival also connects to Setsubun Obake tradition when geisha dress up in unusual costumes.

Shows & performances

Bakeneko Parade shows: Multiple parade shows throughout the day with different musical accompaniment, allowing participants to join different versions. The parade takes place between Kagurazaka Station and big cross on way to Iidabashi.

Oni Kenbai shows: Three daily shows with sword and fan dances, delivering dynamic and spirited performances designated as UNESCO heritage.

Cat Awa Dance show: One open participation show where anyone can jump in without registration, creating inclusive dance circle.

Street performance shows: Continuous street performance schedule in Bishamonten area from midday to late afternoon, featuring comedy, wrestling, magic, and music.

Special cultural shows: On the eve of festival, Enshu-ryu warrior-class tea ceremony pop-up at Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, matcha latte demonstration, and Noh performances at Yarai Noh Theater nearby.

Performance schedule

Parade rotation: Parade runs in four main blocks with breaks for other performances, allowing visitors to experience different parade styles and rest between.

Oni Kenbai timing: Performances scheduled at midday, early afternoon, and late afternoon to spread throughout festival day.

Dance and street: Cat Awa Dance scheduled early afternoon between Oni Kenbai shows, while street performers rotate hourly in Bishamonten area.

Makeup and changing: Kids cat makeup and full cat makeup services operate morning to early afternoon with numbered tickets, while changing rooms operate full day until early evening.

Evening wind-down: After final parade finale, many participants and spectators migrate to nearby cafes and bars in Kagurazaka for post-parade food and socializing.

Ticket types

Admission principle: Free to watch the cat parade through the day. Parade badge required to join parade. Watching cosplayers on street needs no ticket, joining in costume requires Nekomachi Passport Badge.

Citizen Cat Badge: $3.33 converted from ¥500, includes Bakeneko Parade admission. Available at merchandise booths throughout venue.

Noble Cat Badge: $6.66 converted from ¥1,000, includes Bakeneko Parade admission, Noble Cat parade lane, and $0.66 converted from ¥100 festival coupon. Available at merchandise booths.

Royal Cat Badge: $33.33 converted from ¥5,000, includes Bakeneko Parade admission, Royal Cat front parade lane, changing room and baggage storage, $3.33 converted from ¥500 festival coupon, and Royal Cat photo session. Sold exclusively at Festival Headquarters.

Cat passport badges: Cat passport badges from $3.33, with three tiers Citizen Cat, Noble Cat, and Royal Cat, playful nod to I Am a Cat and way of formally joining kingdom of cats for day.

Makeup tickets: Kids cat makeup $3.33 converted from ¥500 with numbered ticket required, 100 tickets available. Full cat makeup $13.33 converted from ¥2,000 with 50 tickets available. Changing rooms $3.33 converted from ¥500 per person wristband. Cloak service $2.00 converted from ¥300 wristband. Kimono rental $22.00 converted from ¥3,300.

Additional paid: Ninja Shuriken Dojo $3.33, Goshuin Stamp Rally $3.33, and other workshops.

Ticket release & booking

On-site sales: Nekomachi Passport Badges sold on day of event at merchandise booths throughout venue, with Royal Cat sold exclusively at Festival Headquarters. No advance online sales required for basic badges.

Numbered tickets: Kids makeup and full makeup require numbered tickets available from early morning at Kagurazaka Senior Welfare Facility, while supplies last, 100 tickets for kids and 50 for adults.

Kimono rental: Advance online booking required, limited to first 12 participants, with rental and dressing service near venue.

Changing room: Changing rooms available at senior welfare facility with separate areas for men and women, not private rooms, payment by cash or PayPay only, credit cards not accepted.

Cloak service: Tent in front of entrance offers cloak service for belongings combined into one bundle, cash or PayPay only.

Global film tie-in: Featured in film Rental Family starring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser, filmed on location across Tokyo, premiered in Japan and now streaming on Disney+, boosting international profile.

VIP & premium seating

Royal Cat premium: Royal Cat badge provides front parade lane, changing room and baggage storage, festival coupon, and exclusive photo session, representing premium participation tier.

Photo opportunities: Royal Cat photo session offers professional lighting and backdrop for premium badge holders, with special cat characters for photo opportunities at Bakeneko Car and Photo Booth.

Changing room premium: Changing room access included with Royal Cat badge, while Citizen and Noble require separate payment, giving Royal holders more convenient preparation.

Cloak premium: Cloak service allows leaving belongings securely while enjoying festival, recommended to keep valuables with you and use cloak for other belongings.

Cultural premium: Kimono rental service with professional dressing allows premium cultural experience, wearing cat-themed kimono while parading.

Viewing spots: Shirogane Park and Bishamonten Temple area offer slightly elevated viewing for parade, with early arrival recommended for best spots, especially for finale.

Event rules

Participation conditions: Wear cat-themed costume or carry spirit of cat in heart. Be comfortable having cat appearance photographed. Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by guardian. Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by adult aged 18 or over.

Passport requirement: Only cats wearing one of the Nekomachi Passport Badges may join parade lane on day of event. If joining with family or friends, every member must wear badge. Anyone who has been drinking alcohol may not join parade, drinking during parade prohibited.

Costume and changing: Please apply makeup and change clothes only in designated areas. Applying makeup or changing clothes anywhere else including restrooms inside event facilities, nearby shops, and train stations strictly prohibited. Spray products may not be used inside changing rooms. Costume weapons must remain decorative, do not point or swing.

Pets: If joining parade with pet, please use pet stroller, cart, or similar carrier so pet does not walk directly on road. Pets may not walk in parade even on leash. Pets not allowed inside event facilities. Owners must keep pets with them at all times. Restrictions do not apply to assistance dogs.

Photography: Photography and video recording inside event facilities or directed toward inside prohibited. Drones prohibited. Professional equipment like tripods requires advance contact. Unscheduled media coverage and commercial photography not permitted without advance arrangements.

Neighborhood respect: Festival does not take place in private venue, it is held in neighborhood where many people live, work, shop, and spend everyday lives. Do not block entrances of shops, homes, or facilities. Do not spread picnic sheets or set up chairs on roads. Take rubbish home, festival rubbish bags available at headquarters, separate rubbish as indicated. Smoke only in designated areas. No unauthorized performances with instruments or amplifiers.

How to get there

Access: Easily reached from Kagurazaka Station and Iidabashi Station. The festival takes place throughout Kagurazaka rather than at single venue, so allow time to explore neighborhood.

From Kagurazaka Station: Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Kagurazaka Station Exit 1 leads directly to top of Kagurazaka slope, near registration area in front of Park Luxe Kagurazaka near Risona Bank. Short walk to headquarters.

From Iidabashi Station: JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku, and Toei Oedo Lines all serve Iidabashi Station, about 5 to 10 minutes walk to bottom of Kagurazaka slope and up to Shirogane Park.

Parade route: Parade takes place between Kagurazaka Station and big cross on way to Iidabashi Station, along main Kagurazaka street and surrounding streets.

Global location: Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo because it is situated in heart of Tokyo at center of Yamanote Line.

Public transport & parking

Public transport strongly recommended: Localised pedestrianisation and heavy foot traffic on Kagurazaka-dori and side streets, costumed-participant crowds reduce vehicle access. Train is easiest option.

Parking: No dedicated event parking. Coin parking extremely limited in historic district and fills quickly. Use of car not recommended.

Bicycle: Bicycle parking limited during festival due to pedestrianisation. Use of bicycle to venue discouraged.

Station access: Both Kagurazaka and Iidabashi stations have elevators and escalators, but crowds can be heavy. Use early morning arrival to avoid peak.

Traffic: Traffic management by staff and local police during parade times, with temporary pedestrianisation of main street during parade blocks.

Accommodation areas

Kagurazaka immediate: Small boutique hotels and ryokan within walking distance of main street, offering traditional atmosphere and easy access to festival start point.

Iidabashi and Suidobashi: Business hotels near Iidabashi Station including Hotel Metropolitan Edmont and APA Hotel Iidabashi provide short walk to bottom of Kagurazaka slope.

Shinjuku City: Shinjuku Ward offers extensive hotel selection from luxury to budget, with direct metro access to Kagurazaka Station via Tozai Line.

Central Tokyo: For visitors combining with other Halloween events, staying in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, or Tokyo Station areas provides central access to all Halloween festivals.

Booking advice: Book early for mid-October weekend, as Kagurazaka hotels fill quickly due to festival and autumn tourism, plus Machi Tobi Festa running over three weeks.

Dining & refreshments

Bakeneko Base: Gathering place for cats featuring Scratch Post Cafe, Glowing Cat Art Exhibition, Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience, and Cat Accessory Workshop, offering light refreshments and rest area.

Bakeneko Sweets Cafe: Long-established soba restaurant opens special sweets cafe for one day only, offering cat-themed sweets and drinks.

Bakeneko Marche: Mini market for everyone transforming into cats, finding cat-themed bread, sweets, costume accessories, and enjoying workshop where you can make own cat mask.

Kagurazaka dining: Historic slope lined with traditional Japanese restaurants, French bistros, cafes, and tea houses, reflecting neighborhood’s reputation as gourmet town. Many shops host Machi Tobi Festa programs during festival period.

Post-parade: After parade finishes, many participants and spectators migrate to nearby cafes and bars in Kagurazaka for post-parade food and socializing, with local shops offering cat-themed menus.

Accessibility

Barrier-free considerations: Kagurazaka main street is stone-paved slope with some uneven surfaces. Shirogane Park area is flatter and more accessible for wheelchairs.

Changing room access: Changing rooms at senior welfare facility include accessible spaces, but capacity limited and not private rooms. Advance inquiry recommended.

Elevator access: Kagurazaka Station and Iidabashi Station have elevators, though crowds may cause waits.

Rest areas: Benches and rest areas available in Shirogane Park and around Bishamonten Temple, providing space for breaks between parades.

Support: Festival Headquarters provides maps indicating accessible routes, restrooms, and first aid. Staff can assist with navigation.

Best performances to attend

Bakeneko Parade finale: Finale parade block is most energetic with largest number of participants and crowd, ideal for photography and experiencing kingdom of cats at peak.

Oni Kenbai Sword Dance: Powerful traditional dance designated UNESCO heritage, rare to see in central Tokyo, with sword and fan performances driving away evil spirits.

Cat Awa Dance: Open-to-everyone dance where visitors can jump in without experience, creating inclusive and joyful moment with fellow cats.

Street performers: Kagurazaka Nora Neko Puroresu cat wrestling and horror Kamishibai picture show offer unique humorous performances tied to cat folklore.

Bakeneko Car photo: Climbing aboard Bakeneko Car for memorable photo and meeting adorable cat characters provides perfect souvenir.

Previous year’s highlights

Growth: Festival has grown since 2010 from small cat-costume parade inspired by town of cats reputation to major Halloween event drawing large numbers through streets.

New elements: Recent additions include Neko-machi Passport Badges in three tiers Citizen Cat, Noble Cat, Royal Cat, Ninja Shuriken Dojo, Goshuin Stamp Rally at seven points starting at Bishamonten, kimono rental service, and special guest Oni Kenbai performance.

Film appearance: International profile boosted through film Rental Family starring Brendan Fraser, filmed on location with scene of Fraser joining Bakeneko Festival with young girl, wandering lively streets with cat ears and painted whiskers, now streaming on Disney+.

Community reputation: Known for being warm and friendly event where everyone says it feels comfortable, contrasting with more extreme Halloween events, reflecting refined historic character of sophisticated neighborhood.

Machi Tobi Festa integration: Wider Machi Tobi Festa with around 41 programs hosted by local shops and artisans allows visitors to extend trip into deeper neighborhood discovery, including Enshu-ryu tea ceremony and Noh at Yarai Theater.

Official tickets

Official website: https://bakeneko.oops.jp/ is official source for parade badge information, makeup service, and event map. English page available at https://bakeneko.oops.jp/en/.

Badges: Cat passport badges from $3.33, available at merchandise booths throughout venue, Royal Cat sold exclusively at Festival Headquarters. Payment by cash or PayPay only, credit cards not accepted.

Makeup and changing: Kids makeup $3.33 numbered ticket from early morning, full makeup $13.33, changing room $3.33 per person wristband, cloak $2.00, kimono rental $22.00 with advance booking for 12 participants.

Additional services: Ninja Shuriken Dojo $3.33, Goshuin Stamp Rally $3.33, cat mask workshops, and other paid services.

Contact: +81 3-6304-1600, contact@bakeneko.oops.jp for advance inquiries.

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