From forest-fringed open-air stages to electrifying city-center dance parties, music festivals in Japan are more than just sonic spectacles, they’re immersive experiences where music, nature, and culture converge. Below is a curated list of Japan’s most popular festivals, complete with dates, locations, highlights, and nearby attractions, helping you plan an unforgettable music-inspired journey across the country.
When: Late July (usually the final weekend)
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture
Website: https://fujirockfestival.com
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Fuji Rock Festival, Japan’s most internationally renowned outdoor music event since 1997, spans genres from rock and electronic to folk and world music. With legendary headliners like Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, and Kendrick Lamar, it’s a global magnet for music lovers. Nestled in lush mountains and forests, the festival champions eco-consciousness and offers both camping and hotel accommodations, blending epic performances with nature’s beauty.
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View more about Kiyotsu Gorge:
https://wawojapantours.com/the-echigo-tsumari-art-triennale-in-niigata-art-born-from-nature-nature-born-from-art/
When: Mid-August
Where: Makuhari (Chiba, near Tokyo) & Maishima (Osaka) — dual-city format
Website: https://www.summersonic.com
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Summer Sonic is a major city-based festival held simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka, eliminating the need for camping. It showcases a vibrant mix of global superstars and top Japanese artists across pop, rock, EDM, and beyond. Past performers have included The Chainsmokers, Arctic Monkeys, Post Malone, BTS, Perfume, and Kenshi Yonezu. With artists rotating between the two cities, it’s a must-attend event for music fans who want big names and big energy without leaving the urban scene.
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When: Late July to mid-August (2025 dates: September 13-15, 20-21)
Where: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Website: https://rijfes.jp/
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Rock in Japan is one of the country’s biggest homegrown music festivals, celebrating the full spectrum of J-ROCK and J-POP. It features only Japanese artists, with past lineups including fan favorites like Official HIGE DANDism, King Gnu, Aimer, and SEKAI NO OWARI. With its upbeat energy and youthful crowd, it’s the perfect summer outing for friend groups looking to sing, dance, and scream along under the sun.
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When: Mid-August (around Obon holiday)
Where: Ishikari Bay New Port, Hokkaido
Website: wess.co.jp
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Founded in 1999, Rising Sun Rock Festival is Japan’s only overnight outdoor music fest, set under the open skies of Hokkaido. It focuses on homegrown talent, with past lineups featuring major names like Superfly, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and Cocco. In 2025, big acts like Sheena Ringo and Suchmos caused tickets to sell out in a flash. With camping zones, food stalls, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, it’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the music.
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When: Mid-September, usually over a long weekend (2025 dates: September 13–14)
Where: Odaiba Ultra Park / Aomi area, Tokyo
Website: https://ultrajapan.com
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ULTRA Japan is the Tokyo spin-off of the global EDM festival born in Miami, lighting up the city since 2014. With a heavy focus on EDM, house, techno, and trance, it’s a dream come true for clubbers and party lovers. Past headliners have included Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Zedd, and Kygo. Think massive drops, dazzling lights, and a crowd that’s just as stylish as the beats are loud. Its central, urban location makes it perfect for a quick weekend escape—no camping needed.
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When: Late September (2025 dates: September 27–28)
Where: Alps Park, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Website: https://ringofes.info
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First held in 2009, this music festival blends Japanese and international indie sounds across a wide range of genres, from alternative rock to electronic pop. It’s known for its relaxed, open-air vibe—mixing live performances with local markets, nature, and camping. Some editions also feature special cultural stages or collaborations. Past performers include Chara, Dongurizu, Wednesday Campanella, and Zazen Boys.
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When: Early September (2025 dates: September 6–7)
Where: Central Park, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Website: https://oneparkfestival.jp
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One Park Festival, a beloved outdoor event in the Hokuriku region, celebrates the concept of “The City as a Theme Park.” Blending music, food, and crafts, it offers a family-friendly, multigenerational atmosphere right in the heart of the city for easy access. Though modest in size, it attracts big-name artists like Sheena Ringo and RHYMESTER, making tickets highly sought after—2025 sold out fast!
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Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is one of Japan’s largest and most vibrant street jazz events—and it’s completely free to enjoy. With over 90 stages and more than 700 performing groups, the festival fills the streets, parks, and cafés of the city with lively jazz tunes and a joyous, festive atmosphere that draws music lovers of all ages.
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When: Late May (2025 dates: May 23–25)
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Kanagawa Prefecture
Website: https://greenroom.jp
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A laid-back lifestyle festival that blends music, art, and surf culture under the theme “Save the Beach, Save the Ocean.” Held in the scenic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse area, it features genres like reggae, soul, lo-fi, and indie rock. Beyond music, you’ll find open-air art exhibits, sustainable brands, and a coastal market vibe. Past performers include The Wailers, Tom Misch, Nulbarich, and Hirai Dai — perfect for beach lovers and mellow groovers alike.
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Where: Hakuba Valley (Nagano) / Niseko Ski Resorts (Hokkaido)
Website: snow-machine.com
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Snow Machine is a unique winter-only festival that fuses world-class skiing with high-energy electronic music parties. Held at Japan’s top powder snow destinations, it draws a global crowd of snow lovers and partygoers alike. Think ski slopes by day and EDM, house, and techno-fueled dance floors by night — all set against stunning alpine backdrops.
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Japan’s music festivals go far beyond what’s listed here. Across the country — even in remote villages — you’ll find large and small festivals, many of them free and welcoming. If you happen upon one during your travels, join in! It’s a beautiful way to experience local energy and creative expression.
Japanese people have a deep love for music, and their festivals showcase that passion — from world-class headliners to beloved local bands and rising stars. These events let you not only enjoy incredible music, but also immerse yourself in local culture, connect with communities, and create lasting memories.
Next time you plan a trip to Japan, consider building your itinerary around a festival. Let music be your new way to explore the country.
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<Author>
Fangfang Zhu
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel