Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival: Become a Cat and Join the Parade

Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival - The Cat Halloween Parade

Halloween has become very popular in Japan in recent years. During October, you can find cute Halloween souvenirs everywhere, enjoy adorable Halloween desserts, and participate in costume parades.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival in Tokyo, which will be held on October 12 (Sunday) in 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This unique parade celebrates cats and involves parading through the streets dressed as spooky or cute felines in your own creative way.

Bakeneko - What are They?

The writer's odd-eyed cat, Grace. Picture courtesy of Japan Cat Network

Since ancient times, cultures around the world have believed that cats possess mystical powers, and Japan is no exception. The Bakeneko is one of Japan's yokai (supernatural creatures). Its name literally translates to “demon cat” or “changed cat,” referring to a supernatural being in the form of a cat.

The stories about the bakeneko vary greatly. Some tales describe them as demons that transform into house cats to either protect their owners or bewitch them. Others say that older cats can become bakeneko to take over human bodies or even speak human language.

Did you know that the popular maneki-neko (beckoning cat) actually has roots as a type of bakeneko?

Additionally, the Catbus from Studio Ghibli's movie My Neighbor Totoro is another example of a bakeneko.

The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival - I Am a Cat

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

The Bakeneko Festival has been held every year since 2010 in mid-October in Kagurazaka. Kagurazaka is a neighborhood in Tokyo's popular Shinjuku ward. This cat-themed Halloween parade typically takes place about two weeks before Halloween.

The reason why a cat-themed parade is held in Kagurazaka is that the author of the famous Japanese novel I Am a Cat, Natsume Soseki, lived in this area.

What better place to combine Japanese cat yokai with the ghosts and demons of Halloween?

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

Everyone is invited to join, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. The staff will do their best to assist you with simple English if you have any questions. Even if you normally dislike cats, you are welcome to join the parade because bakeneko are not ordinary cats after all.

The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival Schedule 2025

In 2025, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival will be held on Sunday, October 12. The starting and meeting point is the senior citizen welfare facility in Kagurazaka, near Kagurazaka Station.

Please note that in case of rain, the festival may be canceled.

9:30 Until Sold Out - Buy a Cat Make-up Ticket

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

If you want someone to do your cat makeup for you, please purchase a ticket at the reception. Make-up for adults costs 1,000 yen per person, and for children, 500 yen. Accessories such as cat ears will cost extra.

Please note that tickets sell out quickly. It is advisable to arrive early if you want to take advantage of this service.

10:00 Until 15:30 - Buy a Ticket for the Bakeneko Festival

Participation in the parade costs 500 yen for adults and is free for children. After paying the participation fee, you will receive a wristband with a bell—please do not remove it until the festival is over.

The reception also offers lockers to store your bags or extra clothes. They cost between 500 and 1,000 yen depending on the size. Please note that the number of lockers is very limited.

If possible, it’s best to come already in costume rather than changing there and using a locker.

13:30,14:30,15:30 and 16:30 - The Bakeneko Parade

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

To participate in the parade, please make sure to arrive at the senior citizen welfare facility in Kagurazaka before the time you wish to join. Don't forget to pay your participation fee and wear your wristband in advance.

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

At 13:30, you will be led down Kagurazaka's main street to showcase your purr-fect cat costumes and make feline friends. A dance performance will take place when the parade reaches Iidabashi Station.

Afterward, everyone will gradually march back to the starting point. The parade officially concludes around 17:00.

From 12:20 - 13:00 Anya Odori Dance

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

Anya Otori is a wordplay on the popular Awa Odori Dance. “Nya” is the sound a cat makes in Japanese (“meow”), so instead of Awa Odori, it’s called A-nya Odori.

The cat dance will be taught in the Kagurazaka shopping area. At the end of the one-hour dance lesson, everyone will be able to dance the Anya Odori together.

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

One of the most famous bakeneko stories involves a cat dancing like a human, with a towel on its head. This scene was even depicted by the renowned ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who was known for his love of cats.

Why not try performing this bakeneko dance yourself?

17:00 - Even Cat Demons Have to Return Home

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

The event ends at 17:00. Please make sure to gather your belongings from the lockers at this time.

Picture coutesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

Of course, you are welcome to stay and explore the surrounding Kagurazaka area. Surely there will be some other cats, or bakeneko, strolling around as well.

Special Bakeneko Festival Booths, Goods and Services

There are many different things to explore and discover during the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival. Let’s have a look.

1. Cat Make-up Corner

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

As mentioned earlier, you can have your cat's makeup done by the staff at the festival. Even if you're already transformed, it can be fun to watch other people turn into cats.

2. Cat Kimono or Yukata Rental

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

Would you like to combine dressing as a cat with wearing a kimono or yukata? If so, be sure to visit the special cat kimono rental booth available on the official website: https://bakeneko.oops.jp/

For 2,500 yen, you'll receive a kimono or yukata and an obi (traditional kimono belt), all featuring some kind of cat print. Please note that footwear and accessories are not included, so remember to bring your own.

It is recommended to arrive between 10:00 and 12:00. If you come after 12:00, an additional fee of 500 yen will apply. The earlier you come, the greater the selection of items available.

3. Cat Goods and Snacks

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

Throughout the festival area, you'll find many booths offering a variety of cat-related items. In addition to bags and souvenirs, you can also purchase bread and snacks shaped like cats in all kinds of adorable designs.

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

How about walking around and discovering all of them?

4. Ring Ring Service

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

If you show your cat bell bracelet you can get different free or discounted services at some of the surrounding shops. Besides discounts you can even get free presents.

Make sure to check the participating shops beforehand on the official site (only Japanese) and ring your cat bell when you get there.

5. Find the Bakeneko and Get Candy

Picture courtesy of Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival

The Bakeneko Festival's version of trick or treat. Search for the bakeneko in disguise with the treats. If you discover them they will give you some candy

Unfortunately, this bakeneko hunting game is only for children but if you ask nicely, maybe they will give some candy to your inner child as well.

6. Street Performances

All kinds of street performances will be held in the area from 10:00 until 17:00. Surely you can discover a performer you like if you have some free time between showing off your awesome cat costume.

Become a Bakeneko for a Day

Festivals, the Awa Odori dance, and ghost stories are traditional parts of Japanese summer, while Halloween marks the arrival of fall. The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival combines both seasons—and it’s all about cats—so can it get any better?

In many traditional stories, the bakeneko transforms into a human. But on this special day, it’s the other way around! Why not join the fun and see if you can encounter a real bakeneko in disguise?

In cooperation with the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival