Burger King Japan is channeling the spirit of Halloween this year with a zombie-themed promotion unlike any other.

In a world's first for the flame-broiled burger chain, the "Shibuya Ghost Store" has opened in the area near Shibuya Station famous for Halloween revelry, and customers who venture in will be able to enjoy a "Ghost Whopper" and a specially-priced 500 yen set from now until 5 am, November 1st.

Those who know their way around Shibuya will recognize the location as the Center-Gai (Center Street) store which mysteriously "closed" earlier this month. But if you were expecting a few posters, streamers, fake cobwebs and plastic skeletons, think again. The "Ghost Shibuya Store" is by no means a half-hearted Halloween decoration job, beginning with the exterior:

Once inside, you'll notice the considerable effort they've put into the theme.

...Mind the zombies when you go in

The Ghost Whopper

Just like the Ghost Whopper which will be offered from October 24th in selected stores in the United States, the burger is essentially the Whopper, with its flame-broiled 100% beef patty, cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup and creamy mayonnaise but sandwiched between limited-edition ghostly white sesame buns infused with cheddar cheese flavor. The white color is achieved by baking the buns for a longer period of time at a lower temperature, creating a unique taste and a soft chewy texture.

Even zombies are turning out in hordes to feast on this Halloween exclusive:

  • Ghost Whopper: 400 JPY (incl. tax)
  • Ghost Whopper Set with medium drink: 500 JPY (incl. tax)

Shibuya Ghost Store

The interior looks almost like the set from a zombie film:

Zombies in the Store

On the second floor, you'll encounter zombies if you come on the 25th, the 26th or the 31st. You may even be able to take a selfie with one too!

Promotional Video

Global version (Ghost Whopper):


Get a free Whopper Jr.

If you take a picture of yourself eating a Ghost Whopper and post it on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #burgerking and #halloween, and show it to the Shibuya Ghost Store staff on campaign days, you'll get a free Whopper Jr.

There's only one catch. You have to be "dressed as a zombie." Since there are no further specifications, what qualifies as "dressed as a zombie" is probably open to interpretation. You don't have to break out the special effects kit if you don't want to. A quick look on Twitter to see what has qualified so far gives a hint.

For example, you can see Twitter user @fashionman_BS who just made a scar on his arm (although we can't see his face):

And this look with one scar on the cheek, as demonstrated by Twitter user @mipochi96 (at the pre-opening party) probably qualifies too:

Here are the campaign days and times when you can get a voucher for a free Whopper Jr. at the Shibuya Ghost Store:

  • October 25th (Fri.): 12:00 to 20:00
  • October 26th (Sat.): 12:00 to 20:00
  • October 31st (Thu.): 12:00 to 29:00 (5:00 Nov. 1)

Note: Only one voucher per person. Vouchers are valid until April 22, 2020 and can only be redeemed at other Burger King Japan locations from today or at the Center-Gai location once it reverts to its former appearance. The Ghost Whopper is the only food item available at the Shibuya Ghost Store, although other menu items may be added later to satisfy "hungry zombies."


Shibuya Ghost Store and Halloween in Shibuya

To ensure that Halloween remains safe and fun for everyone, Shibuya Ward has issued a special ordinance putting into effect a ban on public alcohol consumption on October 25th, 26th, 27th, and 31st, from 18:00 to 05:00 the following day (except on Sunday, when the ban ends at midnight) in a special zone of Shibuya (see below). Alcohol will be available at many establishments within this zone for consumption on the premises. The Shibuya Ghost Store will do its part to cooperate with the ordinance, possibly limiting sales of food in the event of excessive crowding, and restricting the sale of alcohol.

Here is a map showing the public drinking ban zone and the location of the Shibuya Ghost Store:

Shibuya Ghost Store information

  • Name: Burger King Shibuya Ghost Store (Burger King Center Street)
  • Address (JP): 東京都渋谷区宇田川町25-5 センタービル1F
  • Address (EN): 1F Center Bldg., 25-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
  • Duration: October 23rd 10:00 to November 1st 05:00
  • Telephone: 03-5489-5761

For more details about the Ghost Whopper, the Shibuya Ghost Store and the free Whopper Jr. social media promotion, visit the Shibuya Ghost Store special Halloween campaign page here.


By - Ben K.