[Held in 2026] Recommended music festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you’ll want to attend at least once

Started in 1999 as Japan’s first full-fledged all-night outdoor rock festival, RSR is a large-scale open-air rock event that makes the most of Hokkaido’s vast landscape. A major feature is that you can pitch a tent and camp—chat with friends around your campsite, stay up all night catching live shows, or choose freely among the nearly simultaneous performances across multiple stages. How about crafting your own two days of freedom, in your own way?

A flagship Japanese festival that has been held since 2000. Not only top domestic acts but also many renowned international artists perform, making it an event that draws global attention. A defining feature of Summer Sonic is that it’s an urban, touring-style festival. In addition to being easily accessible, the Tokyo and Osaka lineups swap over the two days. So whichever venue you attend, if you go for both days, you can see all the headliners.

A flagship Japanese music festival that has been held since 2000. It features many renowned artists from both Japan and overseas and is an event that draws attention from around the world. A distinctive feature of Summer Sonic is that it’s an urban, touring-style festival. In addition to easy access, the lineups for the Tokyo and Osaka venues swap over the two days. So whichever venue you attend, if you go both days, you can see all the headliners.

WILD BUNCH FEST. began in 2013 as the successor to SET STOCK, a music festival held in Hiroshima for ten years starting in 1999. One especially striking feature of WILD BUNCH is the small stage called “On the Sea,” which floats on the water in a small cove-like area within the venue and is used only for the closing act. Since it’s the closing act, the surroundings are fully dark by then, making the live performance on the tiny stage floating on the sea a must-see. Also, last year a campsite was set up inside the venue, allowing attendees to stay overnight from day one to day two, which is another highlight.

SWEET LOVE SHOWER is an outdoor festival organized by SPACE SHOWER TV. These days it’s held at Lake Yamanaka at the foot of Mount Fuji. With its location offering views of Mount Fuji and a lineup packed with popular artists, it’s an extremely popular event.