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Tokyo Weekender
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Upcoming Japanese Summer Music Festivals in July 2025
Japan's summer music festival season is heating up. From intimate Tokyo music festivals to the legendary Fuji Rock Festival, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the major music festivals in July, plus essential tips for making the most of the festival season. List of Contents: Summer Music Festivals in Japan: July 2025 Preparing for a Summer Music Festival in Japan Related Posts Summer Music Festivals in Japan: July 2025 The MusiQuest 2025 The MusiQuest is all about musical diversity and discovery, spotlighting new sounds alongside big names. For its 2025 edition, the festival moves to Yoyogi 1st National Gymnasium in Tokyo and brings a high-energy lineup featuring Hyde, Yuta from K-pop group NCT, the theatrical visual-kei rock band Shintenchi Kaibyaku Shudan: Zigzag and rising Korean boy group TWS. Expect a blend of J-rock, K-pop and new talent. Date & Time Jul 05-06・ Price Regular: ¥13,000, U18: ¥7,700 Location Yoyogi 1st National Gymnasium More Details Ocean Peoples '25 Set at Sunset Beach Park Inage in Chiba, Ocean Peoples is Japan's go-to beach culture music festival. With the theme 'Save The Beach, Save The Ocean,' this weekend event mixes environmental awareness with laid-back coastal vibes. Performances take place near pools and beach areas, while food trucks and markets round out the experience. Def Tech, headlining the second night, is known for its surf-inspired island pop, which matches the festival's relaxed, sun-soaked atmosphere. Date & Time Jul 05-06・ Price One Day: ¥9,800 | Two Day Pass: ¥15,000 Location Sunset Beach Park Inage, Inage Seaside Park, Chiba More Details Inspire Tokyo 2025 J-Wave's Inspire Tokyo is a city-wide culture and music festival built around the theme 'From Tokyo to the World.' Taking place across four days, the event includes free outdoor concerts, installations and pop-ups across Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando. This year's live lineup includes soulful multi-instrumentalist Taro Kawahara, known professionally as Tendre, and genre-blending pop vocalist Furui Riho, among others. Date & Time Jul 10-13・ Price Location Yoyogi Park Event Plaza & Keyaki Namiki, Line Cube Shibuya, Tokyu Plaza Harajuku (Harakado), Tokyu Plaza Omotesando (Omokado) More Info Free live performances take place July 12–13. More Details Talking Rock! Fes 2025 Organized by music magazine Talking Rock!, this Kanagawa-based festival is a summer staple for fans of Japanese rock. Hosted inside the massive Yokohama Arena — with additional sets held at its neighboring live house stage, New Side Beach!! — the event focuses on guitar-heavy acts, from indie heroes to headlining rock veterans. This year's lineup features major acts such as Kana-Boon, Super Beaver and Frederic. Date & Time Jul 12-13・ Price ￥11,000 Location Yokohama Arena, New Side Beach!! More Details Osaka Gigantic Music Festival 2025 Known as 'Jaiga,' Osaka's largest hometown festival shifts locations in 2025 from Maishima Sport Island to the spacious Expo '70 Commemorative Park. Jaiga is known for huge, high-energy crowds, multiple stages and a festival-ready mix of chart-toppers and energetic live acts. Past years have featured some of the biggest names in J-pop and J-rock, and 2025 promises another dynamic bill of artists, including the likes of Indigo la End, Imase, Awich and more. Date & Time Jul 19-20・ Price Adults ¥11,500, Elementary School Students ¥5,500 Location Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Osaka More Details Fuji Rock Festival '25 Japan's most iconic music festival returns to the lush mountains of Naeba for a full weekend of world-class performances. Known for its sprawling outdoor setting and genre-spanning lineups, Fuji Rock 2025 features acts such as Vampire Weekend, Fred Again, Tatsuro Yamashita, Haim, James Blake and Radwimps. The festival welcomes a range of bands, creating a cross-cultural, multi-genre experience. Rain or shine, Fuji Rock is a rite of passage for any serious festival-goer in Japan. Date & Time Jul 25-27・ Price One Day Pass: ￥25,000 | Three Day Pass: ￥59,000 Location Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa, Niigata More Details Preparing for a Summer Music Festival in Japan Expect Heat, Crowds and a Lot of Walking Japanese summer festivals are intense. July temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Most festivals are full-day or multi-day events, and many are outdoors. Expect packed schedules, multiple stages and large crowds. Whether you're in a city park or a ski resort, you'll be on your feet a lot — so prepare for long days. What To Wear Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Opt for quick-dry fabrics and avoid heavy cotton. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to handle long hours in the sun. For rural festivals like Fuji Rock, waterproof shoes or sandals with a good grip are smart as sudden downpours are common. Always carry a rain poncho or compact umbrella. What To Bring A reusable water bottle (many venues have refill stations) A small towel Portable phone charger Cash (some vendors don't accept cards) Earplugs A foldable chair or blanket Buying Tickets Festival tickets in Japan are typically sold through local platforms like e+ (E-plus) , Lawson Ticket or Rakuten Ticket. Some festivals offer English-language sales via their websites. Buy early — many events sell out. If attending multiple days, consider camping or booking a nearby lodging well in advance. Related Posts The Biggest Music Festivals in Kyushu: A Guide 2024 Guide to Art in Japan: Exhibitions, Festivals and Fairs 5 Artists To Help You Dive Into Kyushu's Underground Music Scene
Metropolis Japan
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Water-Themed Summer Events in Tokyo 2025
Tokyo's summer is all about water—rituals, festivals and splash-filled fun. By Katie Dicken and Kamille Jahncke Credit: Ocean Peoples Official Website From centuries-old rituals calling on dragon gods to keep the skies clear, to Disney-level splash zones and river sports for the bold, Tokyo and its nearby regions are soaked in summer culture. Several of the local festivals center around one unifying element: water. Cool off with a traditional mikoshi parade, drift through lantern-lit nights, or paddle down rivers with fellow SUP fans. This summer's lineup is bursting with chances to get drenched—both in water and in wonder. Dive into these refreshing experiences, which blend nature, community and culture in the most unforgettable ways. River SUP Festival July 14 – 15 Stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts of all levels can embrace an opportunity to get out on the water together at this event, which includes still water practice, running water sessions and downriver courses. Set against the scenic backdrop of local rivers, the festival provides a supportive environment for participants to learn, improve and connect with fellow SUP aficionados. English speakers are welcome, and certified SUP badge holders enjoy special benefits during the event. When: July 14 – 15 Ocean Peoples July 5 – 6 Ocean Peoples'25 is set to make waves at Chiba's SUNSET BEACH PARK INAGE, a unique venue where a sprawling pool facility meets the sandy coastline. This urban beach festival blends music, sustainability and seaside culture under the banner 'Save the Beach, Save the Ocean.' The 2025 lineup features a diverse mix of artists: chelmico, MFS, KZA, YonYon, SAMO, RUI, Def Tech, Rickie-G, BAGDAD CAFE THE trench town, DJ HASEBE and DJ KAWASAKI. Lounge by the pool, or explore a vibrant market of curated shops and brands. Mizudome-no-mai 2025 July 13, 1pm – 3pm Experience a centuries-old tradition at the Mizudome-no-mai, a ritual dance believed to 'stop the rain.' The ceremony begins with a procession where two young men representing dragon gods are carried in straw-wrapped barrels while blowing conch shells, symbolizing a plea to end the rainy season. Upon reaching the temple, performers don lion masks and execute a sacred dance accompanied by traditional music, offering gratitude for clear skies. This unique festival, a designated Tokyo Intangible Folk Cultural Property, offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Enoshima Lantern Festival Mid July While Enoshima is often associated with summer swimming, a limited-time event offers a more tranquil way to enjoy the season. Around 1,000 lanterns light up the island from mid-July to the end of August, creating a cool and breezy evening atmosphere unique to Shonan. This year also introduces a new feature at Enoshima: Starting late July, Hetsunomiya Shrine will glow with soft blue lighting inspired by the ocean breeze. Chichibu Kawase Festival July 19 – 20 Set along the Arakawa River, this lively festival fills the streets with color and sound as ornate floats and stalls are paraded to traditional Chichibu yatai-bayashi music. At its heart is Chichibu Shrine, where a ceremonial welcome honors Susano-no-mikoto, its enshrined deity. As night falls, the shrine grounds glow with lanterns and bonbori lights, creating a dreamlike scene that leads to the dramatic finale–the Mikoshi Wash Ceremony, where sacred wooden shrines are carried into the river as a powerful display of tradition and devotion. Kibune Festival July 25 – 26 A designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and one of Japan's three major boat festivals, this event features boats adorned with colorful flowers and lanterns, towed by traditional Kaidenma rowboats across Manazuru Port. Daytime processions showcase these ornate vessels accompanied by traditional music and Kashima dancing, while the harbor is illuminated at night in a mesmerizing spectacle unique to this coastal town. This event offers a captivating glimpse of maritime traditions and community spirit. Sumida River Fireworks Festival July 26 See the skies light up over the Sumida River at Tokyo's most iconic summer event. This historic celebration dates back to 1733, and continues to dazzle with approximately 20,000 fireworks launched from two riverside sites near Asakusa and Ryogoku. The festival is renowned for its competitive spirit, where rival pyrotechnic teams showcase their latest designs—from traditional chrysanthemums to innovative shapes like hearts and cartoon characters. Spectators often cheer with shouts of 'Tamaya!' and 'Kagiya!' honoring the historic fireworks guilds. Viewing spots fill up quickly, with yukata-clad crowds arriving hours in advance to secure prime locations along the riverbanks. For a more relaxed experience, areas around Ueno such as Shinobazu Pond offer less crowded vantage points. Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Mid August Nicknamed mizu-kake-matsuri meaning ('water-throwing festival'), this event lives up to its name as people splash water on the mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the district. From locals to firefighters, everyone joins in the fun: some throw water, while others watch the mikoshi procession or enjoy street food. The five-day celebration also features taiko drumming, koto performances, and traditional dance. Tokyo Disney Resort Summer Cool-Off July 2 – September 15 At Tokyo DisneySea, the new 'Dockside Splash Remix' show at the American Waterfront's Dockside Stage features Mickey Mouse and friends in a high-energy dance fest, complete with spraying water and upbeat music, including a special collaboration with Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The 'Get Soaked' Harbor Splash show debuts in the Mediterranean Harbor, where water jets erupt and drench guests during six daily 'Splash Time' performances. For thrill-seekers, Aquatopia's 'Get Soaked' version returns. The Caldera Corridor also transforms into a mist-filled 'Get Soaked' Zone, providing a cool respite as guests move between attractions. Tokyo Summerland All Summer Tokyo Summerland in Akiruno offers a refreshing escape just over an hour from Tokyo. This expansive water and amusement park features the Adventure Lagoon, home to Japan's longest lazy river, the 650-meter 'Great Journey'. Thrill-seekers should head to the exhilarating 40-meter free-fall waterslide, while families with children can hang out at the indoor Adventure Dome, with its wave-generating Cobalt Beach pool and various kid-friendly attractions. The park also boasts the new 'Monster Stream,' a fast-flowing river-like pool. Beyond water attractions, the amusement area has rides suitable for all ages, including the Tornado roller coaster and a Ferris wheel. All Summer (Mission Uchimizu especially encourages people to take part on August 1st) The Japanese custom of uchimizu —sprinkling water on the ground—is a traditional way to cool streets and show hospitality. In 2003, this simple act inspired Mission Uchimizu, a social experiment to reduce urban temperatures by two degrees. It worked, and the idea grew. Now, thousands of people join in by sprinkling water to cool cities and connect communities. As the climate heats up, this tradition continues—simple, symbolic, and powerful in its call for collective climate action.
Japan Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Stage dive into summer: Japan's best music festivals, month by month
Last year, I stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of fans as Okinawan rapper Awich lit up the main stage at Fuji Rock. As a performer she was as dynamic as I'd expected, surprisingly emotional and, of course, the music was amazing. When I think of the summer of '24, I'll remember that set. Japanese summers may be unbelievably hot, but they're also charged with possibility. For me, it's the music festivals that make these next few months bearable, even beautiful. From sultry jazz sets that echo through the city (Blue Note Jazz Festival) to deep-forest raves pulsing under a canopy of stars (rural), Japan's summer music scene is nothing if not atmospheric. There are mountain-backed stages (Ringo Music Fes.), beachside blowouts (Ocean Peoples') and sprawling pop spectacles (Summer Sonic), each offering a different kind of relief from the heat's relentless grip. But spontaneity isn't always rewarded — tickets go fast, hotels faster — and you'll definitely want to remember that SPF 50. This isn't an exhaustive list of everything happening this summer, just a guide to some of the events worth planning around. With luck, one of these stages will leave you with a memory that lingers in your head long after the season ends. Jams for July Kick off your summer at the beach — or pool — with Ocean Peoples' 25 , which takes place July 5 and 6 at Sunset Beach Park in Inage, Chiba Prefecture. Over two days, this pool-and-beach music festival brings together hip-hop, reggae, city pop, funk and more. Expect diverse musical vibes by Japanese acts such as Scha Dara Parr, MFS, Def Tech, Blue Vintage and Rickie-G, plus beats from DJ Hasebe, DJ Kawasaki and DJ Kenta. The vibe is laid-back: swim, dance, dip your toes in the sea, repeat. Next, head back into the city for Inspire Tokyo from July 11 to 13 in Yoyogi Park and various locations around Shibuya. With music, art and local craft markets curated by radio station J‑Wave, this event has both free daytime performances and ticketed headline acts. Highlights? A tribute to Eiichi Ohtaki and Niagara Records' 50th anniversary at Line Cube Shibuya and 'Guru Guru! Power Stage' featuring Tokyo comedy and indie acts like Kagaya and Dow 90000. Classical music performances abound around the country. Though many don't match the grandeur of the big festivals, they sound just as great under the sun and stars. | GETTY IMAGES On July 12 and 13, turn it up with Talking Rock! Fes , a rock-centric two-day bash at Yokohama Arena. With acts like Kana-Boon, 04 Limited Sazabys, Frederic, Yabai T-Shirts Yasan and WurtS, this festival delivers high energy all day long. Escape the city for a four-day electronic retreat at rural , deep in Fukushima Prefecture's lush mountains from July 18 to 21. This techno and house festival set at the secluded Nowhere Camp offers immersive beats from 13 international acts and 26 from across Japan, making for an intimate, nature‑infused rave that's sure to be a serene electronic getaway. Next stop: Join Alive , a rock and pop event in Hokkaido's verdant Iwamizawa Park. Taking place July 19 and 20, it features stage-toppers like Sekai no Owari and Sukima Switch. With its open-air amphitheater and forest backdrop, Join Alive is perfect for those who love talented local artists and indie rock in a relaxed, nature-surrounded setting. Simultaneously, keep your ear tuned to Hida Takayama Jazz Festival , from July 19 and 20 in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Around a dozen acts — including groups like Taku & Tommy, Dag Force Band and Your Song Is Good — will perform at various downtown venues. Meanwhile in Osaka, the Osaka Gigantic Music Festival arrives on the scene July 19 and 20 at Expo '70 Commemorative Park. This event packs a punch: With 66 acts in total spanning genres from rock and idol-pop to hardcore, this festival is Osaka's ultimate summer rock experience. Fuji Rock Festival is as much about the great outdoors as it is about music. | JOHAN BROOKS The people you meet in the crowds at Japan's summer concerts can provide some of the best moments. | JOHAN BROOKS End July on the picturesque slopes of Niigata Prefecture with Fuji Rock Festival , one of Japan's 'big four' summer music festivals (Rock in Japan, Rising Sun and Summer Sonic round out the rest). Held at Naeba Ski Resort from July 25 to 27, the country's largest outdoor festival is known for featuring big-name overseas acts, with Fred Again.., Vulfpeck and Vampire Weekend heading up this year's lineup. At stages spread out across the ski resort, a wealth of acts including Tycho, Suchmos, Four Tet, Haim, OK Go, Sambo Master, MiyaVi and more are scheduled to perform. What makes Fuji Rock special? Its beautiful mountain setting and a family-friendly vibe that makes it feel like its own mini mountain town — just with better music. August's heavy hitters The indoor event New Horizon Fest may be a welcome change of pace, come August. From Aug. 2 and 3 at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, this festival blends rock, J‑pop, hip‑hop, EDM — and even some anime-adjacent acts. Organizers promise over 30 artists across two full days, including 04 Limited Sazabys, Age Factory, 10-Feet and Crossfaith at the top of the lineup. From Aug. 9 to 11, take in the carnival vibe at LuckyFes' 25 , billed as Asia's biggest theme-park-style music event. Hosted by LuckyFM at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, the festival offers amusements, seaside strolls and family-friendly fun by the ocean. Performers include Atarashii Gakko!, m-flo, Mazzel, ＝Love, Masayoshi Oishi, Kreva, Shonan no Kaze and Mamoru Miyano. Meanwhile, over at Saitama Super Arena, Cannonball careens onto the scene Aug. 10 and 11 as one of the hottest new entries to Japan's summer calendar. This brand-new event leans rock, pop and alternative, featuring popular groups like Creep Hyp, SixTones, Be:First and Hitsujibungaku. The streaming service U‑Next steps into the festival game at Expo 2025 Osaka from Aug 12 to 17 with a six-day curated experience. U‑Next Music Fes is where anime meets rock meets idol-pop. The good thing is, even if you can't make it to the expo, the performances will be streamed online so you never have to leave your home (and air conditioning) to enjoy the show. Fans cheer at a previous Summer Sonic festival, which is held concurrently in the vicinity of Osaka and Tokyo. | JAMES HADFIELD Jazz shows can prove to be just as sultry as the weather in the next few months. | GETTY IMAGES Then comes Summer Sonic , running Aug. 16 and 17 in Tokyo (held in neighboring Chiba) and Osaka concurrently. One of Japan's biggest international festivals, the event will feature acts such as Fall Out Boy, Alicia Keys, The Prodigy, J Balvin, Babymetal, aespa, Beabadoobe, Porter Robinson, NiziU and many more across rock, pop, EDM and K‑pop. Taking place from Aug. 10 through Sept. 9, classical music lovers can head to the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival in Nagano Prefecture, celebrating the revered maestro who passed away last year and would have turned 90 in 2025. Expect symphonies (Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection"), chamber music, opera, street concerts and exhibitions in full view of the Northern Alps. As summer peaks, Rising Sun Rock Festival comes to Ishikari, Hokkaido, Aug. 15 and 16. With traditionally milder weather than other festivals, the experience combines camping under the stars with a youth-driven, high-energy crowd that's there for a lineup of Japanese rock, indie, punk and hip-hop. Winding down in September As summer winds down, Ultra Japan returns to Odaiba's waterfront Ultra Park on Sept. 13 and 14. This year's headliners include Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, Gryffin, Hardwell, Martin Garrix and Slander on the Main Stage. Over at the Resistance Stage are techno DJs Amelie Lens, Adam Beyer, Argy and Korolova. If your ideal summer includes high-energy drops and DJ superstars, this EDM spectacle is the one to hit. Rock in Japan Festival spans the weekends of Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 at Soga Sports Park in Chiba. Expect lauded Japanese acts such as Mrs. Green Apple, Vaundy, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Radwimps and Awich. The event also hosts stars from the world of K-pop like Ive, NiziU and Yuta (from NCT). What sets Rock in Japan apart is its breadth — from alternative rock to idol-pop — and a sprawling outdoor setup that's made for maximum crowd energy. Tokyo Calling celebrates its 10th edition over three days in Shimokitazawa, Shinjuku and Shibuya on Sept. 23, 27 and 28, respectively. With 120 bands slotted into intimate live houses, it's the ultimate chance to discover Tokyo's freshest punk, indie and genre-bending acts. Think of it as a three-night music crawl through some of the capital's liveliest neighborhoods. In addition to plenty of musical events, head out to a fireworks festival to capture the vibe of a true Japanese summer. | GETTY IMAGES Sophistication meets soul at the Blue Note Jazz Festival on Sept. 27 and 28. Held at Ariake Arena in Tokyo's Koto Ward, this is the Japanese sister event to New York's Blue Note Jazz Festival. Though the lineup is still limited, Norah Jones and R&B singer Ne-Yo are slated to headline this immersive jazz weekend. Ringo Music Fes. takes place Sept. 27 and 28 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Set amid the Japanese Alps, the two-day outdoor festival with artisan markets and food stalls blends mountain-air freedom with buzzed-about live acts such as Rhymester, Kid Fresino, Tendre and Wednesday Campanella — a perfect mix of rhythm and retreat for those chasing festival vibes in a scenic mountain haven. Summer in Japan may test your limits — the heat, the crowds, the shinkansen costs — but it also provides moments of euphoria. Ultimately, that's what you take with you. That's the memory that hums, long after the cicadas have gone quiet.
