If you're a music lover, you won't want to miss Japan's top music festivals! This comprehensive guide covers festivals specializing in Japanese artists, as well as events featuring musicians from all over the world.
Whether you're looking for festivals in central Tokyo or rural areas with breathtaking natural scenery, we've got you covered. With festivals held in every season, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter, there's no shortage of options.
Some festivals have already taken place in 2022, and we can expect many to return in 2023. We've compiled a list of both past and future events to help you plan your next music festival adventure.
Check out our guide to the best music festivals in Japan and discover your next favorite event!
Recommended Indie Bands in Japan
Fuji Rock Festival
- Date: Summer (July-August)
- Location: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa-cho, Niigata
Fuji Rock Festival is a three-day outdoor music festival held annually in the stunning Naeba Ski Resort, located in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture. This world-renowned music festival draws over 100,000 visitors each year, making it the largest outdoor music event in Japan.
With an impressive lineup of both domestic and international acts across multiple stages, Fuji Rock Festival is a mecca for music lovers. The festival features a diverse range of genres, including rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, and more.
In addition to music, Fuji Rock Festival offers a wide range of activities to keep attendees entertained, such as art installations, food vendors, and even a hot spring bath. The beautiful natural surroundings and comfortable facilities of Naeba Ski Resort make for a unique and unforgettable festival experience.
Fuji Rock Festival has a reputation for being one of the most well-organized and safe music festivals in the world, with excellent facilities and a strict no-drugs policy. The festival also prides itself on being environmentally conscious, implementing eco-friendly initiatives and promoting sustainability.
With its stunning location, world-class lineup, and top-notch organization, Fuji Rock Festival is an event that should not be missed. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this premier music festival promises an unforgettable experience.
Summer Sonic
- Date: 2023/8/19, 20
- Location: Tokyo(ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba), Osaka(Maishima Sonic Park, Maishima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Summer Sonic is an annual music and arts festival held in Tokyo and Osaka. This multi-day festival is one of the largest and most popular music events in Japan, attracting top-tier international and local artists.
The festival features a diverse lineup of music genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and more. In addition to music, Summer Sonic offers a range of art installations and attractions, including performances by street artists, circus acts, and more.
One of the unique features of Summer Sonic is the dual-city format, with the festival being held simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka over the same weekend. Attendees can purchase a ticket for one city or a two-day pass for both cities.
Summer Sonic prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe festival experience for attendees, with excellent facilities, food and beverage options, and security. The festival also promotes sustainability through eco-friendly initiatives such as waste reduction, recycling, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Over the years, Summer Sonic has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, and Rihanna, to name just a few. With a reputation for attracting world-class talent and a diverse range of music and arts experiences, Summer Sonic is a festival that should not be missed.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, a music lover or an arts enthusiast, Summer Sonic promises an unforgettable festival experience with memories that will last a lifetime.
Asagiri Jam -It's a beautiful day
- Date: Autumn (October)
- Location: Asagiri Arena, 487-5 Fumoto, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka
Asagiri Jam is an annual two-day music festival that takes place in the beautiful Asagiri Highlands in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. This premier event draws thousands of music enthusiasts from all over the world to experience the best of Japanese and international artists in a stunning natural setting.
The festival has a reputation for hosting a diverse range of music genres, including rock, pop, electronic, reggae, and more. Asagiri Jam features multiple stages, with performances by top-tier artists as well as up-and-coming talents.
One of the unique aspects of Asagiri Jam is its scenic surroundings. The festival takes place amidst a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and green fields, offering attendees a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the distance. This backdrop, coupled with the eclectic mix of music, creates a one-of-a-kind festival experience that attendees are sure to remember for a lifetime.
In addition to music, Asagiri Jam offers a range of food and beverage options, including local delicacies, as well as a variety of activities such as art installations, workshops, and more. The festival has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect event for families, friends, and music fans of all ages.
Asagiri Jam is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. The festival also promotes eco-friendliness by using biodegradable and recyclable materials, as well as encouraging waste reduction and recycling.
If you're a music lover looking for a unique and unforgettable festival experience, Asagiri Jam is an event that you won't want to miss. With its stunning natural surroundings, diverse range of music and arts experiences, and welcoming atmosphere, Asagiri Jam promises a festival experience like no other.
Loud Park
- Date: 2023/3/25, 26
- Location: Tokyo(3/26 Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba), Osaka(3/25 INTEX Osaka, 1-5-102 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Loud Park is an annual two-day metal music festival that will be held in both Chiba and Osaka, Japan in 2023. The festival is known for its impressive lineup of international and local metal bands, drawing music fans from all over the world.
Loud Park has a reputation for hosting some of the biggest names in metal, including Iron Maiden, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, to name just a few. The festival also showcases up-and-coming metal artists, offering attendees a diverse and unforgettable music experience.
In addition to music, Loud Park offers a range of activities and attractions, including autograph sessions, merchandise vendors, and more. The festival also features a food court with a variety of options to suit all tastes.
Loud Park is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. The festival also provides easy access to public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the festival site.
If you're a metal fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable music experience, Loud Park in Chiba or Osaka is an event that you won't want to miss. With its impressive lineup of metal legends and rising stars, along with a range of activities and attractions, Loud Park promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Punk Spring
- Date: 2023/3/25, 26
- Location: Tokyo(3/25 Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba), Osaka(3/26 INTEX Osaka, 1-5-102 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Punk Spring is an annual music festival that showcases some of the best and most diverse punk rock music acts from both Japan and around the world. In 2023, the festival will be held in both Chiba and Osaka, Japan, providing punk rock fans with even more opportunities to attend.
Punk Spring features several stages, with music that ranges from classic punk to hardcore, and pop punk to ska. The festival provides a platform for punk rock bands to connect with their fans and build their following.
In addition to music, Punk Spring offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise vendors and other attractions. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for punk rock fans of all ages.
Punk Spring is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. The festival provides easy access to public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the festival site.
If you're a punk rock fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable music experience, Punk Spring in Chiba or Osaka is an event that you won't want to miss. With its diverse range of punk rock acts and a fun and exciting atmosphere, Punk Spring promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Download Festival Japan
- Date: Summer (August)
- Location: Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
Download Festival Japan is part of a brand of outdoor rock festivals held around the world under the same name. Originating in Leicestershire, England, the Download Festival has become a global celebration of rock music, and the Japanese edition is no exception.
The festival is held over two days in Chiba, Japan, and features a diverse lineup of international and local rock bands across multiple stages. With a focus on heavy metal, hard rock, punk rock, and more, Download Festival Japan has become a must-attend event for rock music fans of all ages.
In addition to music, Download Festival Japan offers a range of attractions and activities, including art installations, food vendors, and more. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying the best of rock music.
Download Festival Japan is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. The festival also provides easy access to public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the festival site.
If you're a rock music fan looking for a global celebration of rock music, Download Festival Japan is an event that you won't want to miss. With its impressive lineup of international and local rock bands, exciting attractions, and diverse range of rock music genres, Download Festival Japan promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Rock In Japan Festival
- Date: Summer (August)
- Location: Chiba City Soga Sports Park, 1-20, Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
Rock in Japan Festival is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan. The festival is known for showcasing some of the best and most diverse rock music acts from Japan.
The festival is typically held over multiple days, with the number of days varying from year to year. With multiple stages, Rock in Japan Festival features music that ranges from rock to punk, pop, and more. In addition to music, the festival offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise vendors and other attractions. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for rock music fans of all ages.
Rock in Japan Festival is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. However, it should be noted that the festival is located approximately 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, and requires a free shuttle bus ride to the festival venue. While access may not be the easiest, the festival's outstanding lineup and lively atmosphere more than make up for it.
If you're a rock music fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable music experience featuring Japanese artists, Rock in Japan Festival is an event that you won't want to miss. With its diverse range of Japanese rock music acts, a fun and exciting atmosphere, and excellent amenities, Rock in Japan Festival promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Q. rock in japan festival how many people go
Q. how many people attend the rock in japan festival
A. Rock in Japan festival attracted a record 337,421 visitors for a total of five days in 2019. In 2022, there were 225,000 people in attendance.
Q. rock in japan festival how to enter
A. Rock in Japan Festival will start accepting lottery applications for advance registration around April. The venue can be reached by train from Tokyo Station to Chiba Station or Chiba-dera Station, which is about 40 minutes away, and from there by free shuttle bus.
Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO
- Date: Summer (August)
- Location: Outdoor special stage next to Tarukawa Pier, Ishikari Bay New Port, Ishikari City, Hokkaido
The Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO is an annual music festival that takes place in Ishikari, Hokkaido, Japan. The festival is known for showcasing some of the best and most diverse rock music acts from Japan.
With multiple stages, the festival features a wide variety of rock music genres, including rock, pop, punk, and more. Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO has a reputation for hosting both well-known and up-and-coming Japanese rock bands, offering attendees a diverse and unforgettable music experience.
In addition to music, Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise vendors and other attractions. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for rock music fans of all ages.
Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. However, it should be noted that the festival is located approximately one hour by bus from New Chitose Airport. While access may not be the easiest, the festival's outstanding lineup and lively atmosphere more than make up for it.
If you're a rock music fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable music experience featuring Japanese artists, Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO is an event that you won't want to miss. With its impressive lineup of Japanese rock bands, exciting attractions, and diverse range of rock music genres, Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Rush Ball
- Date: Summer (August)
- Location: Izumiotsu Phoenix, Yunagi-cho, Izumiotsu-shi, Osaka
Rush Ball is an annual music festival that takes place in Osaka, Japan. The festival is known for showcasing some of the best and most diverse rock music acts from Japan.
Featuring only Japanese artists, Rush Ball has a reputation for hosting both well-known and up-and-coming rock bands, offering attendees a unique and unforgettable music experience. The festival features multiple stages with a variety of rock music genres, including rock, punk, pop, and more.
In addition to music, Rush Ball offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise vendors and other attractions. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for rock music fans of all ages.
Rush Ball will be held at the Izumiotsu Phoenix in Osaka, providing a great venue for fans to enjoy the music and the festival's lively atmosphere. While access may not be the easiest, the festival's outstanding lineup and excellent amenities make it well worth the journey.
If you're a rock music fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable music experience featuring only Japanese artists, Rush Ball is an event that you won't want to miss. With its impressive lineup of Japanese rock bands, exciting attractions, and diverse range of rock music genres, Rush Ball promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Mori Michi Ichiba
- Date: Summer (August)
- Location: Laguna Beach (Otsuka Seaside Green), Kaiyo-cho, Gamagori City, Aichi
Mori Michi Ichiba is an outdoor event held annually since 2011 in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This popular festival brings together over 300 vendors from all over Japan, who offer a wide variety of food and sundries for attendees to enjoy.
The festival's collective market is the main attraction, featuring a wide variety of food items such as local specialty dishes, snacks, sweets, and drinks. In addition to the food, there are also vendors selling handmade crafts and other unique items. Live music performances take place on multiple stages throughout the festival, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere.
Mori Michi Ichiba is held over three days, providing plenty of time for attendees to sample the delicious food, enjoy the live music, and explore the unique products offered by the vendors. The festival has become a beloved annual tradition in the Mikawa region, attracting locals and tourists alike.
If you're looking for a fun and unique outdoor event in Aichi Prefecture, Mori Michi Ichiba is an event you won't want to miss. With its impressive selection of food vendors, live music, and unique products, Mori Michi Ichiba promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
COUNTDOWN JAPAN
- Date: End of year
- Location: Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
COUNTDOWN JAPAN is an annual music festival held in Japan every New Year's Eve since 2000. This popular festival has become a beloved annual tradition, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Featuring over 200 artists from a variety of music genres, COUNTDOWN JAPAN has a reputation for showcasing the best and most diverse Japanese music acts. The festival features multiple stages, each offering a unique and exciting music experience. The festival has something for everyone, with music genres ranging from rock, pop, punk, hip-hop, and more.
In addition to the music, COUNTDOWN JAPAN offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise vendors and other attractions. The festival provides a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for music fans of all ages.
COUNTDOWN JAPAN is known for its excellent organization and amenities, with clean and well-maintained facilities and a safe and secure environment for all attendees. The festival provides easy access to public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the festival site.
If you're a music fan looking for a high-energy and unforgettable New Year's Eve experience, COUNTDOWN JAPAN is an event you won't want to miss. With its impressive lineup of Japanese music acts, exciting attractions, and diverse range of music genres, COUNTDOWN JAPAN promises a festival experience that is not to be missed.
Recommended Indie Bands in Japan
Summary
Japan is known for its vibrant and diverse music scene, with a wide variety of festivals taking place throughout the year. From rock to pop, punk to hip-hop, there is a music festival in Japan for every taste and preference.
Some of the most popular festivals in Japan include Rock in Japan Festival, Rising Sun Rock Festival in EZO, Rush Ball, COUNTDOWN JAPAN, Summer Sonic, Loud Park, Download Festival Japan, Punk Spring, Asagiri Jam, and the Fuji Rock Festival.
Each of these festivals has its own unique vibe, lineup, and attractions, but they all share a commitment to showcasing the best and most diverse music acts from Japan and around the world. These festivals offer attendees a unique and unforgettable music experience, with multiple stages, food and beverage options, merchandise vendors, and other attractions.
Many of these festivals are held in outdoor venues and offer a fun and exciting atmosphere that is perfect for music fans of all ages. With excellent organization and amenities, including easy access to public transportation, attending a music festival in Japan is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Whether you're a rock music fan, a pop music enthusiast, or a lover of all things music, Japan's music festival scene has something to offer everyone. So, come and enjoy the best of Japanese music and culture at one of these amazing festivals!
Recommended Indie Bands in Japan