Public drinking banned for Halloween in Japan capital’s nightlife hotspots

The mayors of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife districts are joining forces to tackle public drinking and related disorder as Halloween approaches, blaming overtourism for an increase in crowding and misbehaviour.

Announcing the initiative, the mayors linked public drinking to antisocial behaviour, with Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe saying that “drinking on the street has led to environmental damage, including loud noise and littering”.

“To prevent overtourism, the efforts of Shibuya Ward alone are not enough. Strong measures are needed,” he said on Monday, standing beside his counterpart from neighbouring Shinjuku ward, Kenichi Yoshizumi.

The plan appears to have widespread support from the Japanese public, though some bar operators are concerned that a total ban on street drinking is too harsh. Critics also argue that blaming tourists unfairly paints foreigners as the source of the problem.

The plan includes collaboration with police, public transport authorities, local businesses, and community organisations to implement temporary traffic restrictions, limit access to railway stations, and launch “Operation Zero Litter”.

A central aspect of the campaign is a blanket ban on street drinking from 6pm to 5am in areas surrounding Shibuya station, particularly in the pedestrianised backstreets northwest of the station known as Centre-Gai.

Shibuya enacted a local ordinance in 2019 that banned public drinking on specific days, including Halloween, when large crowds often gather to celebrate.