Once summer starts, there are endless outdoor activities in Japan. There are traditional matsuri festivals and firework festivals all throughout the country, but did you know that Japan is also a very good destination for music festivals? If you enjoy rocking out to the best bands and artists from all over the world, keep reading for a list of the best Summer Music Festivals in Japan in 2022!
- 1. Fuji Rock Festival
- 2. Rock in Japan Fes
- 3. Summer Sonic Festival 2022
- 4. Rising Sun Rock Festival
- 5. Sweet Love Shower 2022
- 6. Download Japan
- 7. Rush Ball
- 8. MONSTER baSH
- 9. Local Green Festival
- 10. Inazuma Rock Fes
- 11. Gampeki Music Festival 2022
- 12. Greenroom Beach
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours
- Other articles you might be interested in
1. Fuji Rock Festival
Perhaps the most well-known summer music festival in Japan, Fuji Rock Festival is guaranteed to have some of the music world’s biggest names on stage like Halsey, Jonas Blue, and Jack White from the White Stripes. Of course, there is also no shortage of local musicians such as the famous Yoasobi and Takkyu Ishino. For those who won’t be able to join the festival in person, they will also be holding a Live YouTube feed for free for everyone to watch.
Dates: July 29 – 31, 2022
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture
Official website: Fuji Rock Festival
2. Rock in Japan Fes
The Rock in Japan Fes is the largest J-pop and J-rock festival in Japan when it comes to the number of fans. This festival always manages to attract some of the hottest artists in the history of J-pop. Musical legends such as Bump of Chicken, One OK Rock, and Hyde share the stage with fresh talent like Vaundy and this is LAST. If you want to be immersed in Japan’s pop and rock scene, this is the summer festival for you!
Dates: August 6 – 13, 2022
Where: Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki prefecture
Official website: Rock in Japan Fes
3. Summer Sonic Festival 2022
Held simultaneously near Tokyo and Osaka, the Summer Sonic Festival is one of the summer festivals that is the most accessible. It is also the Japanese summer music festival that attracts the most artists from abroad. This year, they were able to get some amazing acts such as The Offspring, Post Malone, and Megan Thee Stallion! And of course, there will be many famous Japanese artists like One OK Rock and King Gnu to name a few.
Dates: August 20 – 21, 2022
Where: ZOZO Marine Stadium/Makuhari Messe near Tokyo/Maishima Sports Island in Osaka
Official website: Summer Sonic 2022
4. Rising Sun Rock Festival
Due to the fact that it is held in Hokkaido, temperatures are bound to be on the cooler side during the Rising Sun Rock Festival. Mainly featuring Japanese rock and indie performers, you can enjoy the music in a beautiful rural environment. This year’s line up includes artists such as Asian Kung-fu Generation, My hair is bad, Yoasobi, and Super Beaver!
Dates: August 12 – 13, 2022
Where: Ishikari and Otaru, Hokkaido
Official website: Rising Sun Rock Festival
5. Sweet Love Shower 2022
With wonderful views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanakako in the background, the Sweet Love Shower festival is a great way to enjoy the best of Japan’s music scene. This year you will have the opportunity to listen to artists like Wanima, The Oral Cigarettes, and Grapevine among others in the clean and fresh mountain air.
Dates: August 26 – 28, 2022
Where: Lake Yamanakako, Yamanashi prefecture
Official website: Sweet Love Shower 2022
6. Download Japan
For the best rock and metal bands from Japan as well as other countries, Download Japan is the place to be! Held in one of the largest indoor event spaces in all of Tokyo, the Makuhari Messe, it is easy to get to this one-day festival. Rock out to bands like Mastodon, Bullet for my Valentine, and Band-Maid in the comfort of an air-conditioned venue.
Dates: August 14, 2022
Where: Makuhari Messe near Tokyo
Official website: Download Japan
7. Rush Ball
Rush Ball is an open-air rock event in Osaka where everyone who loves to experience music the best way(live right in front of you) get together and enjoy great music among one another. Dance and sing along with Japanese rock groups like Shishamo, Hump Back, Creepy Nuts, and BiSH!
Dates: August 27 – 28, 2022
Where: Izumiotsu Phoenix Multipurpose Field, Osaka
Official website: Rush Ball
8. MONSTER baSH
Shikoku is probably most famous for its 88 temple pilgrimage. However every summer, music fans go on a different kind of pilgrimage to Kagawa’s beautiful Sanuki Manno National Park to enjoy music under the beautiful blue sky while surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. With both lively concert venues and even more quiet open nature spots, MONSTER baSH (or Monbash) has something to offer for everyone. Enjoy Japanese artists such as My First Story, Dragon Ash, 04 Limited Sazabys, and Orange Range at this festival out in the middle of nature.
Dates: August 20 – 21, 2022
Where: National Sanuki Manno Park, Kagawa prefecture
Official website: MONSTER baSH
9. Local Green Festival
You don’t have to leave the metropolitan area to enjoy music while you’re surrounded by green. At the end of the summer, the Local Green Festival is held in the picturesque Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama. With good eats as well as good music featuring Japanese artists like Rhymester, ReN, Awich, and Chilli Beans, this outdoor festival is fun for the whole family!
Dates: September 3 – 4, 2022
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Kanagawa prefecture
Official website: Local Green Festival
10. Inazuma Rock Fes
On the scenic shore of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, Inazuma Rock Fes is held in the middle of September. With multiple stages and a free area, every year it is a large get together for those who love to listen to Japanese rock music. Jam out to bands like Da-iCE, Vaundy, Dish//, and Novelbright at Shiga’s largest music festival not far from the touristy Kyoto.
Dates: September 17 – 19, 2022
Where: Lawn Square, Kusatsu, Shiga prefecture
Official website: Inazuma Rock Fes
11. Gampeki Music Festival 2022
The Gampeki Music Fes that’s held in September in the rural Yamaguchi prefecture has one of the most spectacular backdrops for a music festival. It is held in an old stone quarry with large vertical stone walls that surround the festival terrain. Once the evening approaches, the light show that accompanies the music is beautifully reflected on the walls and it feels as if you are in another world!
Dates: September 17, 2022
Where: Uriwari Sekitei Park, Yamaguchi prefecture
Official website: Gampeki Music Festival 2022
12. Greenroom Beach
If you like Japanese rock music and being on the beach, then you can’t miss the Greenroom Beach music festival near Osaka. Bask in the comfortable ocean breeze at the end of the summer season while enjoying music by bands like Nulbarich, Vaundy, Lucky Tapes, Sirup, and American Donavon Frankenreiter. There is also a beach market, where they sell scrumptious finger foods that are hard to pass up.
Dates: September 24-25, 2022
Where: Sennan Rinku Park, Osaka
Official website: Greenroom Beach
As you can see, there are loads of great summer music festivals that you can take part in in Japan. No matter what kind of music you are into, there is bound to be a festival out there that you can enjoy. We hope you found a festival that you want to join and that you can take advantage of the hot but beautiful summer in Japan!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Other articles you might be interested in
Stefanie Akkerman moved from the Netherlands to Japan in 2013 with her Japanese husband and son. She jumped into the niche of Dutch tour guiding in Tokyo and Kamakura in 2015 and occasionally writes articles about all the great sights and activities Japan has to offer. She loves (Japanese) food, and to work that all off she goes diving, snorkeling, cycling, or hiking.
This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.
