Tokyo's Shibuya on high alert due to possible overcrowding on Halloween
Tokyo's Shibuya is on high alert as local authorities strengthen measures to prevent overcrowding at this year's Halloween celebration.
This came after the district's Ward officials expressed concerns regarding potential issues related to extreme crowding and the outdoor consumption of alcohol following the incident in Seoul's Itaewon entertainment district, which killed more than 150 people due to a crowd crush.
Shibuya's ward has conducted street patrols nearly three times starting last Friday.
According to Kyodo News, cosplaying was also restrained in the Shibuya district. Different signage and posters were visible near the iconic crossing with texts that read: "No Events for Halloween on Shibuya Streets" and "No Drinking on the Street" to remind locals and tourists about the implementation of the revised ordinance, which extends "the period of alcohol consumption ban on certain streets from specific periods to year-round."
With this ordinance, alcohol consumption is prohibited daily from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the areas surrounding JR and Keio Shibuya stations.
"In an attempt to prevent people from engaging in vandalism and drunken behavior, convenience stores near the station have also suspended alcohol sales on request from Shibuya Ward," the media outlet said.
An alcohol ban was also implemented in Shibuya's neighboring Shinjuku district—around its Kabukicho area-starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.
As per Kyodo News, the drinking bans in Shibuya and Shinjuku do not carry penalties.
Moreover, the popular meeting place and photo spot, the famous Hachiko dog statue, will also be covered from 6 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, to 5 a.m. Friday, November 1.
Officials anticipate that congestion will reach its highest point on the Saturday of the last weekend before Halloween and on October 31.
Consequently, Shibuya official Teshigawara Takeru requests that individuals intending to visit the area during these days consider adjusting their plans, as significant crowds are anticipated.