Though not a traditionally Japanese event, you can still celebrate the West’s spookiest time of the year at the 17th annual Kawasaki Halloween Parade. More than 3,000 revelers are expected to show up, dressed in their finest ghoulish attire, to march around the east side of JR Kawasaki Station and neighboring La Citadella shopping center.

There are various activities taking place over weekend, with something for visitors of all ages. Friday’s three-day zombie-themed film festival kicks off with a screening of “Zombieland,” while Saturday begins with a kids parade, followed by a costume contest with an impressive grand prize of ¥100,000 and two tickets to Italy. Sunday features the main parade with a special all-female lineup of DJs including DJ Ami Suzuki, DJ Yummy, DJ Hico, DJ Juri and Charisma.com. After watching the parade, visitors can keep up the high spirits at a dance party with the guest DJs or enjoy a live performance of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

The Kawasaki Halloween Parade 2013 takes place at JR Kawasaki Station and La Citadella shopping center. Registration to join the parade has closed, but visitors can still watch it for free. Entry to the film festival is ¥1,000, and ¥1,500 for the dance party. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” tickets are ¥500. For more information, visit lacittadella.co.jp/halloween_english/.

KEYWORDS Kawasaki, halloween