Summer in Japan is packed with outdoor activities. Matsuri, hana-bi, and other cultural festivals punctuate the summer season. In fact, summer is when the archipelago's best music festivals take place. Here's a selection!
Fuji Rock Festival
This is the biggest festival in Japan – no more, no less!
For three days and three nights, over 100,000 people gather there every year. As its name suggests, the Fuji Rock Festival celebrates rock music (although pop, electronic, and hip-hop are also represented), and the world's best come to perform. Among the international artists performing this year are Jack White and Vampire Weekend.
- Dates: July 29, 30 and 31
- Location: Naeba ski resort, Niigata
- Website: https://en.fujirockfestival.com/
Rock in Japan Festival
Fans of Japanese rock, this festival should be at the top of your list!
The very best perform there every year in a blazing atmosphere. Solo artists, bands, and idols—there's something for every rock taste. This year's lineup is another stellar one: Man with a Mission, Hyde, The Back Horn, Reol, UVERworld, Alexandros, Coldrain, and ONE OK ROCK—to name just a few!
- Dates: August 6, 7 and 11, 12, 13
- Location: Soga Sports Park, Chiba
- Website: https://rijfes.jp/
Download Japan
Rock music definitely occupies a prominent place on the Japanese festival scene.
Indeed, if the name of this festival sounds familiar, it's perhaps because it's a well-established international festival, particularly in England, France, Spain, and Australia. The 2022 edition promises some great moments with bands such as Dream Theater, Bullet for My Valentine, and Band-Maid.
- Date: August 14
- Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
- Website: https://www.downloadfestivaljapan.com/
Summer Sonic
The Summer Sonic Festival is a true institution.
More eclectic than the aforementioned festivals, it brings together Japanese and international artists of all styles. What makes this festival unique is that it takes place simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka. This year's lineup includes Post Malone, Carly Rae Jepsen, THE OFFSPRING, CL, ZICO, and AIMER.
- Dates: August 20 and 21
- Venues: Zozo Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe, Chiba (Tokyo); Maishima Sonic Park, Osaka
- Website: https://www.summersonic.com/
Ultra Japan
Ultra Japan is the biggest EDM music event in Japan.
Like all "ultra" festivals around the world, the best DJs on the planet come to perform there, such as DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, AFROJACK or KYGO.
This year's program has not yet been announced – stay tuned!
- Dates: September 17 and 18
- Location: Odaiba, Tokyo
- Website: https://ultrajapan.com/
- Please note, this festival is not open to those under 20!
![[Japon Pratique] Nouveaux JR Pass vers Kyushu et Shikoku !](https://espaceprof.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled-400x300.jpg)