Ghosts and ghouls have been urged to stay away from Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing this Halloween.
It comes as seven people were injured at the weekend after a car collided with pedestrians.
Shibuya Crossing is reputedly the busiest urban intersection in the world with five crosswalks in between 10 lanes of traffic.
Shibuya City administration has asked revellers not to congregate at the crossing this Halloween.
For years Halloween partygoers have gathered at the crossing for impromptu celebrations.
“The damage caused by overtourism has become serious, resulting in property damage caused by drinking in the street, altercations with local residents, and littering,” the city council said.
“Every year during Halloween, the area around Shibuya Station becomes so crowded that it is nearly impossible to move.”
It issued a formal request for Japanese and foreign tourists not to hang out at the crossing during October 27-31.
The notice said there is a risk of a dangerous crowd crush.
Drinking in the streets will be banned between 6:00 pm and 5:00 am during these days.
Extra police and security will be deployed to keep people moving.
“The streets of Shibuya are not party venues,” mayor, Ken Hasebe said.
