In the last couple of years, the public was urged to refrain from gathering at Shibuya during Halloween. This year, Shibuya ward mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi is doubling down on the same resolve by announcing that Shibuya will be closed for Halloween. The city is more determined than ever to prevent overcrowding in the streets surrounding the ever-busy Shibuya Station in days leading up to the holiday.
For many years now, Shibuya was the de-facto gathering spot for Halloween celebrations. Hordes of revellers could be seen flocking to the streets and public squares around Shibuya Station to party and show off their elaborate costumes. But the district has put a stop to this, as it’s aiming to distance itself from its ‘unofficial’ image of rowdy Halloween festivities. Moreover, Shibuya is serious about combating issues of littering, noise and public disturbances caused by these massive gatherings.
In general, Shibuya is stepping up its efforts to curtail overcrowding by implementing several initiatives. The first is a year-round ban on public drinking, which went into effect earlier this month.
Additionally, from October 26 to October 31, the police and 185 security guards will be deployed in Hachiko Square and ten other locations in Shibuya for crowd control. The famous Hachiko statue will also be cordoned off behind a fence.
Shibuya city has even asked venues including convenience stores to refrain from selling alcohol during the hours of 6pm to 5am on the abovementioned dates.
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