Cover Fuji Rock Festival is one of Japan’s most popular music festivals—and it's coming back with an explosive lineup this summer 2025 (Photo: Instagram / @fujirock_jp)
Fuji Rock Festival is one of Japan’s most popular music festivals—and it's coming back with an explosive lineup this summer 2025 (Photo: Instagram / @fujirock_jp)
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With Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Sonic on the horizon, here are the must-attend music festivals in Japan
In a country celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, Japan’s music scene has truly blossomed into one of the leading forces in Asia. With a deep-rooted legacy of rock and an exciting surge in hip-hop, the vibrancy of Japan’s music festivals has captured hearts and drawn crowds from all over the world.
Not that we ever need a reason or convincing to visit Japan—but such events are the perfect excuse to plan a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. As summer approaches, Japan’s festival season offers a unique opportunity for music lovers to immerse themselves in the country’s dynamic soundscape. From the stunning backdrop of the Fuji Rock Festival to the pulsating energy of Summer Sonic across Tokyo and Osaka, Tatler rounds up events that promise exhilarating performances and an atmosphere that’s simply irresistible.
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Greenroom Festival
When: May 23-25, 2025
Where: Yokohama, Japan
What: Greenroom Festival returns for its 20th anniversary, presenting a lineup as compelling as ever. With genre-defying performances from Kamasi Washington, Yussef Dayes, Awich and more, this celebration in Yokohama promises to be an inspiring experience.
Fuji Rock Festival
When: July 25-27, 2025
Where: Naeba Ski Resort
What: The Fuji Rock Festival 2025 returns to Naeba Ski Resort from July 25 to 27, transforming the lush mountainside into a haven for music lovers. With headliners like Four Tet, James Blake, Fred Again, Hyukoh & Sunset Rollercoaster, Vampire Weekend, Creepy Nuts and Radwimps, this year's lineup is an eclectic one that celebrates both international legends and rising talents.
Rising Sun Rock Festival
When: August 15-16, 2025
Where: Ishikari, Hokkaido, Japan
What: The Rising Sun Rock Festival has garnered a reputation for its rock-centric lineup, featuring both iconic bands and up-and-coming artists from Japan and beyond. Set against a stunning seaside backdrop, this festival not only showcases electrifying performances but also fosters a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere. This year, the festival is expecting local bands such as Shiina Ringo (椎名林檎 ), RIP Slyme and the The Cro-Magnons (ザ・クロマニヨンズ ).
SonicMania
When: August 15, 2025
Where: Tokyo, Japan
What: SonicMania is an underground electronic music festival that celebrates the cutting edge of techno, house and electronic art. Known for its intimate setting, this year's festival highlights renowned DJs and artists from Japan and around the world, like The Prodigy, Gesaffelstein, Floating Points and more.
Summer Sonic: Tokyo and Osaka
When: August 16-17, 2025
Where: Zozomarine Stadium & Makuhari Messe, Chiba and Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park, Osaka, Japan
What: Operating like a sister festival, Summer Sonic 2025 takes place in both Tokyo and Osaka, with its lineup rotating between the two cities. This unique format allows attendees to experience major acts—like J Balvin, Alicia Keys, Yungblud, Jeff Satur and aespa—across both locations, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates music and culture in Japan's most beloved urban landscapes.
Wild Bunch Fest
When: August 22-24, 2025
Where: Fukuoka, Japan
What: Wild Bunch Fest is coming back this year in Fukuoka. While the lineup hasn’t been announced yet, the festival has been celebrated for its eclectic lineup, featuring a mix of genres ranging from rock and pop to electronic and hip-hop. In the past, lineups have included the likes of Yoasobi, Awich and Creepy Nuts.
Ultra Japan
When: September 23-24, 2025
Where: Odaiba Ultra Park, Tokyo, Japan
What: Mirroring the spirit of the global Ultra Music Festival, Ultra Japan 2025 promises to be an unmissable show for any electronic music fan. While the lineup hasn’t been announced yet, the previous editions featured Steve Aoki, Alesso, Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack and more. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere, cutting-edge production and unforgettable performances make it a must-attend for EDM fans.
Tokyo Jazz Festival
When: Early October 2025
Where: Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan
What: The Tokyo Jazz Festival is a prestigious event that attracts jazz enthusiasts from around the globe. Celebrating a wide range of jazz styles—from traditional and bebop to contemporary and experimental—the festival features performances by both legendary musicians and emerging talent.
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
