Things to Do in Tokyo: Yokai Parades, J-pop Jams, and Vending Machine Wonders

Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Tokyo! Today is Saturday, October 25, 2025, and what a day it is in this electrifying metropolis. The sun’s already doing a sassy game of hide-and-seek with clouds, the air is crisp with that dramatic pre-Halloween charge, and the city is buzzing—not just with commuters but with festival fanatics, music lovers, and monster chasers. If Tokyo had a pulse, today it’s pounding like a taiko drum at rush hour. First up, it’s absolute mayhem in Koenji at the legendary Koenji Fest, where pro wrestling meets a curry championship, and over 200 performers strut their supernatural stuff in the Kanto region’s wildest “Yokai Parade.” Think shapeshifting foxes, umbrella monsters, and crow spirits winding through Koenji Look Shopping Street from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Even the local beer gardens get in on the action, pouring IPAs cold and frothy for festival-goers looking to fuel up between monster sightings. If you’re craving music, today is a feast. Oasis—the Britpop legends—will rock the Tokyo Dome at 6 pm, while local J-pop heroes Yuzu play Ariake Arena at 4 pm for fans who prefer their energy heartfelt and harmonized. If you hunger for electronica, Omoinotake hits Zepp Haneda at 6 pm, and for those who run on math rock, toe mathematically shreds at Ryogoku Kokugikan at 5:30 pm. For K-pop fans, D.O. (aka Doh Kyung Soo of EXO fame) is storming Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium at 5 pm. Basically, Tokyo’s concert scene today is a snack buffet—and you want a taste of everything. Families, don’t panic—the city has not forgotten you. Tokyo Disney Resort is deep in Halloween mode, with Disneyland haunted by friendly ghouls and villains, trick-or-treats at DisneySea, and pumpkin Mickey photo ops to melt your heart. Over in Harajuku, Omotesando is gearing up for its iconic Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade tomorrow, so snag those pumpkin costumes and pre-register if your kid wants to march. If you need indoor fun, Sanrio Puroland is pure kawaii Halloween, complete with Hello Kitty dressed as a wizard and magic shows galore. Culturally curious? The Autumn Meteorite 2025 Performing Arts Festival at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is still running, with bold international performances, breathtaking workshops, and programs to get your creative juices flowing. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s art galleries are brimming with exhibits—from upstart design shows to avant-garde installations—so treat yourself to an afternoon of whimsy and wonder. Hot city news! There’s buzz about new ramen shops launching in Shinjuku and a wildly trendy bakery opening in Setagaya—city foodies, sharpen those chopsticks! Some train lines around Chiyoda are running extra services for festival crowds, so expect more trains but equally more humans—leave early, dress for adventure, and don’t be shy if you get gently squished. Last bit: alcohol in public is tightly regulated for tonight’s big Halloween street parties in Shibuya, so head to Shinjuku Nichome for more laid-back LGBTQ+ vibes This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.