Bakeneko Festival
The Bakeneko Festival is a unique and playful parade that celebrates cats in the charming neighborhood of Kagurazaka.
This annual event is themed around the “bakeneko,” a supernatural, shapeshifting cat from Japanese folklore.
The festival invites everyone to embrace their inner feline and participate in a grand cat-themed parade.
The main highlight is the parade itself, where hundreds of participants of all ages march through the streets of Kagurazaka.
Everyone in the parade is dressed in cat costumes or has cat-like makeup, such as whiskers and pointy ears.
Participation is open to anyone who is dressed as a cat and registers on the day of the event.
The atmosphere is fun, creative, and slightly spooky, perfectly capturing the Halloween season spirit.
Many local shops and restaurants in the Kagurazaka area also join in the fun, offering special cat-themed goods and treats.
It is a wonderfully quirky and community-driven event, perfect for cat lovers and anyone looking for a unique Tokyo experience.
Event Details
- Date
- The festival will be held on Sunday, October 12th, 2025.
- Time
- The event typically takes place in the afternoon.
- The main parade is usually held between 2:00pm and 3:00pm, with registration starting earlier in the day.
- Location
- The parade takes place along the main street of the Kagurazaka neighborhood, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
- Admission
- Participation in the parade requires a small registration fee.
- Viewing the parade from the sidewalks is free.
- Please Note
- To join the parade, you must be wearing something cat-themed.
- It is always recommended to check the official event website for the exact schedule and registration details.
Directions & Travel Information
- By Train
- The Kagurazaka neighborhood is easily accessible from several subway stations.
- Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line
- The closest station is Kagurazaka Station, which is located directly on the main street where the parade takes place.
- Toei Ōedo Line
- A nearby station is Ushigome-kagurazaka Station.
- JR Chūō-Sōbu Line / Other Subway Lines
- The major transport hub of Iidabashi Station is also a short walk from the southern end of the Kagurazaka area.
Event Details
| calendar_month DATE | Oct 12 2025 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| payments Cost | from ¥500 |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Kagurazaka |
|---|---|
| map Area | Tokyo Kagurazaka |
| category CATEGORY | Cultural |
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