Yokai Night 2026: Winter Spirits at RoHoEn

About this event

This event was moved from October 30th to December 12th due to weather conditions.

Yokai Night - Winter Spirits at RoHoEn is a special evening event celebrating Japanese folklore and culture. Guests are invited to explore the garden at night while encountering stories and displays inspired by yokai, the mysterious supernatural beings and spirits of Japanese legends. The event features themed decorations, performances, cultural activities, food, and interactive experiences, creating a fun and slightly spooky atmosphere for visitors of all ages. It offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese folklore in the beautiful setting of the Japanese Friendship Garden.

The history of yokai dates back over 1,000 years, with many legends originating from Japan's oral traditions and later appearing in illustrated scrolls, literature, and woodblock prints during the Edo period (1603–1868). Yokai range from playful tricksters and protective spirits to eerie ghosts and monsters. They were often used to explain unexplained natural phenomena, teach moral lessons, or entertain through storytelling.

Event Details:

The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary lantern

ART DISPLAYS, ACTIVITIES & PERFORMANCES (subject to change)

· Yokai dance by Project Shinobi

· Yokai Costume Showcase

· Yokai Story Ghostly Tales from Old Japan, with Dr. James Baskind

· Yokai Craft Corner – Mask, Lantern, Fan decoration with an additional cost of $5

· Yokai mask displays and Yokai parade

· Led by Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo kai) https://www.arizonabujinkan.com/

· Yokai Scavenger Hunt & Photo Booth

VENDORS & CULTURAL BOOTHS

· Yokai activity booth by Project Shinobi (Jacky Nattapong Jakeo)

· Designed Lighting - Project Mapping w/ Dr. Xavier Nokes and students from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (HIDA) after sundown

· Yokai Craft Corner – Decorating Masks and Fans ($5 each) and Lanterns ($10 each)

· Yokai Scavenger Hunt

· Yokai Snapshot (Photo booth)

FOOD VENDORS

• Kakigori Addict

• Japansee Friendship Garden - Sake Bar, Snack, and various Drinks

MAIN STAGE PROGRAM (TENTATIVE)

Gate Opens: 4:30 PM

Evening Program

· 5:00 PM – Yokai Dance with Project Shinobi

· 5:30 PM – Yokai Story - Ghostly Tales from Old Japan, with Dr. James Baskind

· 5:45 PM – Yokai Costume Showcase

· 6:15 PM – Yokai Parade (Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai)

· 6:45 PM – Yokai Hero Show presented by Project Shinobi

· 7:15 PM – Yokai Story - Ghostly Tales from Old Japan, with Dr. James Baskind

· 7:30 PM – Yokai Costume Showcase

· 8:00 PM – Yokai Final Parade (Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai)

-Last admission at 8:00 PM-

Program ends by 8:30 PM

The garden closes at 9 PM

Permitted  Costumes

• Yokai-related costumes or cosplays within themes of the event

• For costume inspiration, please visit this site to see different types of Yokai (Note: this site contains mature content; please use discretion):  https://yokai.com/

• Bags, costumes, and props are subject to inspection at entry.

• Costume masks or helmets that fully cover the face must be removed briefly during entry and identification checks.

• For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we ask that you do not bring weapons or dangerous items into the garden. Please do not bring: • Real weapons, including knives, swords, or firearms

• Replica weapons, toy guns, airsoft guns, or realistic weapon props

• Sharp or dangerous objects that could cause injury

• Fireworks, explosives, flammable materials, or other hazardous items

• Any other item that staff considers unsafe or inappropriate for the event

Please note: Even if an item is intended as part of a yokai costume, it may not be permitted if it could pose a safety risk. Thank you for helping us keep our Yokai Night safe and enjoyable for everyone!