Fuji Rock Festival: The Ultimate Summer Music Event!

In Japan, a unique summer event draws local music fans and people from around the world—the Fuji Rock Festival. It welcomes more than 100,000 people each year. Even though it’s called “Fuji Rock”, it’s not actually near Mt. Fuji! So, what makes this event so special that people love it so much? Let’s find out together!

What is the Fuji Rock Festival?

It’s Japan’s biggest outdoor music party held every summer at Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture. The festival first started in 1997 at the base of Mt. Fuji. However, it moved to the green ski slopes of Naeba in 1999 after a big storm during the first year.

This exciting event happens over three days in late July or early August, with over 200 music acts from Japan and other countries. There are seven big stages spread out across a vast forest area. The biggest one, called the “Green Stage”, can fit nearly 50,000 people! Walking between stages, you can enjoy peaceful forests, cross streams, and fresh mountain air. You can also ride the Dragondola for amazing views from up high!

Here, you’ll hear all kinds of music, from rock to pop to electronic. People can join fun workshops, see cool art displays, and experience the pre-party on Thursday night with fireworks, dancing, and yummy food stalls. You can camp by the festival site or stay in hotels nearby. At night, some areas keep going with raves and late-night snacks. 

One of the most unique things about Fuji Rock is its love for nature. The festival works hard to stay clean and green by recycling and protecting the surrounding forest. Paper waste is even turned into toilet paper for the following year’s event!

What happened at Fuji Rock 2025?

Fuji Rock Festival 2025 was held from July 25 to 27. It was one of the most exciting summer events, bringing together over 122,000 music lovers. People came to enjoy music from Japan and abroad. Big stars like Fred Again, Vulfpeck, and Vampire Weekend led the lineup. This year was special with the launch of a new stage called ‘Orange Echo.’ At the same time, the older Day Dreaming stage was closed.

Many people made unforgettable memories! For example, a man named Michael from North Carolina visited Japan to see his favorite artist, Tatsuro Yamashita. Charmaine from Singapore came by herself for the first time. She felt safe the whole time and was thrilled when she got to meet the lead singer of OK Go in person! And Alex from Greece enjoyed the broad mix of music styles. He discovered many new artists and liked how the festival was closely connected to nature.

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Would you attend this event?

I’d absolutely love to join Fuji Rock Festival someday. Spending a few days dancing to live music in the mountains is exciting! I’d sing along to different kinds of bands, meet new friends, and feel the fresh air and sunshine all around me.

Planning for Fuji Rock can be tricky. Choosing where to stay is big; rain often muddies the paths. Ski lodges nearby are comfortable but pricey, and rooms must be booked early. Camping is cheaper, but heavy rain makes the Yuzawa ground soft and muddy. From everything I’ve looked into, I think that with the proper prep, I could have a fantastic time without stressing too much! Here are a few simple tips I’ve come up with:

• Book early: Whether for a lodge or a campsite, do it as soon as possible
• Wear comfy shoes: Because you’ll walk lots (sometimes 30 minutes between stages) 
• Bring rain boots and a raincoat: Fuji Rock Festival is held outdoors in the mountains, where the weather can change quickly, and sometimes it rains a lot. Also, even the best boots can get muddy, so rub some Band-Aids on your legs in case the boots rub your skin.
• Pack snacks and a water bottle: Food lines can be long, so being ready helps. Plus, you can also refill your bottle for free at the event!
• Carry something waterproof to sit on: Rainy ground gets soggy, so a waterproof mat is handy.

Why is the Fuji Rock Festival worth experiencing?

Fuji Rock Festival is remarkable because it brings together people, art, and nature. The setting in the green mountains gives the event a calm and refreshing spirit, showing how music can feel even more powerful when listened to in a natural, open space. It’s about the bands and simple moments like walking through forests, hearing streams, or sitting under the stars with music in the background.

Moreover, the festival’s environmental care makes it meaningful, showing that fun and responsibility coexist. These values create a feeling of respect and joy that lasts long after the music stops. If you had the chance, would you want to spend your summer in the mountains dancing and listening to music with people worldwide? Share your thoughts in the comments!