Fuji Rock: Five Awesome Summer Music Festivals!

Fuji Rock Festival is one of Japan’s hottest summer events and one of the year’s highlights. But maybe rock isn’t your jam, or you won’t be in the country that weekend. Is there another musical celebration that you can participate in?

As a matter of fact, yes. Here are five summer music festivals, including Fuji Rock, that you should attend in Japan. Keep in mind that, due to popular demand, this year’s tickets might be sold out.

Fuji Rock

The biggest music festival on our list, Fuji Rock, started in 1997. As the name suggests, it was held at the foot of Mt. Fuji before moving to Naeba, Niigata Prefecture, in 1999. Despite facing challenges in its first years, the festival has become one of the most popular and beloved events worldwide for rock and electronic music fans. 

This three-day event generally attracts a variety of performers, with 2024’s lineup including Theatre Brook and The Killers. Fuji Rock also prides itself on being the “cleanest festival in the world,” prioritizing waste removal and recycling. Attendees can also sleep at a nearby hotel or camp on the festival grounds, 90 minutes by shuttle bus from Echigo Yuzawa Station. 

Date: July 26-28, 2024

Venue: Naeba Ski Resort

Admission: 60,000 JPY ($385 USD) for 3-day tickets and 25,500 JPY ($163 USD) for 1-day tickets.

Summer Sonic

Looking for hip-hop with rock and EDM? Check out Summer Sonic. This festival was held in Kanto and Kansai in 2000 and is now in Osaka and Tokyo. There are international versions of the event, too, with this year’s edition happening in Bangkok. 

The night before, EDM lovers can enjoy the musical extravaganza Sonicmania. Emerging artists can audition to perform at Summer Sonic, be support acts for other events, and possibly get a contract with Space Odd Management. This year’s performers include Super Beaver, One Republic, and Ateez.

Date: August 17-18, 2024

Venue: ZOZO Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe (Tokyo) and Expo Commemoration Park (Osaka)

Admission: All 2024 tickets are sold out. Two-day tickets for Tokyo were 36,000 JPY ($231 USD), while two-day tickets for Osaka were 32,000 JPY ($205 USD).

Are you looking for some snacks to bring along to your next summer music festival? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese refreshing treats directly from Japan!

Osaka Gigantic Music Festival

Staying in Osaka, we have its Gigantic Music Festival, also called JIGGA or GIGA. Despite being a newer event, it’s attracted well over 55,000 attendees. People can enjoy music at the three stages while sipping JIGGA’s signature lemonade and shopping for JIGGA merchandise.

The festival is more Japanese-centric, featuring popular J-rock and J-pop artists. This year’s acts include yama, Hinatazaka46, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. For convenience, attendees are encouraged to download the JIGGA app, which includes maps, timetables, and advance payment options. Also, don’t forget to stay cool to avoid heatstroke!

Date: July 20-21, 2024

Venue: Osaka Maishima Sports Island

Admission: For adults, one-day tickets cost 11,000 JPY ($71 USD), while two-day tickets cost 20,000 JPY ($128 USD). As of this writing, two-day tickets for JIGGA 2024 are sold out.

Monster baSH

Also first held in 2000, Monster BaSH or “Monbas” is a beloved summer tradition in Kagawa Prefecture. There are generally five stages, including the two main ones Kukai and Ryujin, spread across three areas. Atarashi Gakko!, Vaundy, and UVERworld are just some of the acts performing this year. 

You’ll find food and merch at the MONSTERcircus and MONSTERcircus+ sections. And if you’re worried about being overwhelmed, don’t worry. There are designated areas for people to relax in the shade and rest from all the chaos. We hope you’re able to check out Monbas this summer!

Date: August 24-25, 2024

Venue: National Sanuki Manno Park

Admission: 12,000 JPY ($77 USD) for 1-day tickets, 22,000 JPY ($141 USD) for 2-day tickets.

Ultra Japan

Our last festival is the perfect way to bid summer adieu. Ultra Japan is an electronic music bonanza that has been held for ten years (as of 2024). Its high number of international artists makes it great for foreign attendees to dip their toes into the Japanese music scene or EDM.

Leading up to the main festival, a pre-party countdown tour stops at multiple locations in Japan and neighboring countries. This year’s lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but the 2023 lineup featured Skrillex, Hiroko Yamamura, Osamu M, and the Watanabe Sisters. Don’t forget to watch the fireworks at the end of the festival!

Date: September 14-15, 2024

Venue: Odaiba Ultra Park, Tokyo

Admission: Varies per stage. Visit the Ultra Japan website for more details.

Why should I go to summer festivals like Fuji Rock?

Going to Fuji Rock and other summer festivals is a great way to broaden your musical tastes or discover Japanese artists in your favorite genre. While some artists have been active for years, others have only recently debuted. Attending these festivals supports them and shows your appreciation for all their hard work.

Finally, you can connect with music lovers from other countries. Maybe you’ll make it a tradition to attend these events with your new friends! Have you been to Fuji Rock or any of these summer music festivals? Tell us in the comments.