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

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.

MONSTER baSH is an outdoor rock festival that has been held in Kagawa Prefecture since 2000. It’s affectionately known by its nickname, “Monbasu.” Since 2003, the main venues have consisted of two stages: STAGE Kukai and STAGE Ryujin. These two stages are set up side by side, so you can see every act performing on the main stages. There’s also an area at the back of the main stage zone where you can lay down sheets or set up parasols, making it possible to stay comfortable even in the intense heat.

Sky Jamboree, a long-running rock festival held since 1999, is an outdoor festival that takes place every year in Nagasaki. With many popular rock bands on the lineup, it’s an event you’re guaranteed to enjoy if you attend.