It’s frightening to think just how much is going on over the next few days. Even though Halloween is next Tuesday, much of the spooky merriment will be going on over the weekend. And if you want a break from ghouls and goblins, there’s plenty of art, food, and film events to keep you busy – there’s even a log rolling exhibition going on Kiba… Read on, and here’s to a scarily good weekend.

Tokyo Skytree Halloween Magic 2017

Spend a happy Halloween with family and friends at one of the Tokyo’s best attractions! Enjoy stunning city views and spectacular night scenes with some additional spooky seasonal flair. Cute dancing spooks will take over the Skytree round theater screens, and the pumpkin fairies will also be there to deliver some musical fun if you can catch one of their special performances.

Tokyo International Film Festival

From classic musicals to youth dramas and animated action via Godzilla, Charlie Chaplin and more, there is something for everyone in the jam-packed program including many world premiere screenings. Over the weekend, there will be special Halloween themed cinematic offerings, so check out the event listing for more details.

Tokyo Ramen Show 2017

Ramen, ramen, ramen! The Tokyo Ramen Show is in its ninth year of its annual noodletastic takeover. Whether you’re looking for regional rarities or universally known names, Tokyo Ramen Show has it all.

Kanda Used Book Festival

Every year, a book festival to rival book festivals sees bookstores placing bookshelves opposite their storefronts on the sidewalks of Yasukuni street, the main thoroughfare in the area. This corridor of books is itself a sight worth seeing first hand, but there are also book-related events, including a book fair with particularly rare and valuable books, and a number of workshops.

Tokyo Motor Show 2017

See how motor vehicles will evolve at this fascinating look into the automotive future.

Strangers Pop-up Shop

Tokyo-based underground clothing label Strangers is hosting a two-day pop-up shop this weekend at Rizzi B in the lanes of Harajuku. Shop for satin windbreakers, wool caps, bamboo T-shirts and more, while enjoying an organic tea or coffee in Rizzi B’s café/gallery space.

Shimokita Kids’ Halloween

Wish you could give your kids a similar trick or treating experience to what you had when you were young? Shimokitazawa may be just the ticket! The area’s annual Halloween event is specifically aimed at children and offers them a safe and fun way to experience trick or treating in Japan.

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Daniel Kelly – Something Fishy

Check out paintings, watercolors, and prints by the versatile American-born, Kyoto-based artist.

Halloween Fun – and Tasty Treats

Every year, it seems like Tokyo raises its Halloween quotient, and this year is looking no different. To make the most of the spooky season, we’ve put together two roundups: one with all of the events going on that we haven’t included here, and another that tells you where you can savor the best Halloween eats.

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Fear in Painting

An exhibition that’s timed nicely for the spookiest time of year, this collection of paintings is inspired by a best-selling book, Kowai-e (Scary Paintings). In some cases, the imagery of the works is enough to give you the shivers, while other pieces require a back story to send a chill up your spine.

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CWAJ 61st Annual Print Show

The College Women’s Association of Japan’s annual print show is a chance to see pieces by young, up and coming printmakers and the works of established figures in the world of Japanese prints.

Scream! Halloween Party

Now in its eighth year, Scream! is certainly one of Tokyo’s longer-running Halloween parties, well known for its wicked vibe, spooky costumes and killer beats. This year they are headed to Shibuya’s WWW and WWW X, taking over a total of four floors with disco, house and techno tunes.

Kiba Square Log Rolling

This popular autumn event features brave souls showing off their log rolling skills and performing acrobatic feats like doing handstands on the top of ladders in the middle of water.