6 Japanese Music Festivals to Visit During Golden Week

29.April.2019 | FEATURES / FES / MUSIC

Hi, readers. I’m Heir from the MMN editorial department.

 

Japan’s week of holidays known as Golden Week is about to begin. This year there are a whopping 10 holidays in a row, and during that time, lots of festivals are set to take place up and down the country.

 

Have you ever experienced a Japanese festival yourself? In this article I’m going to recommend 6 music festivals taking place during Golden Week that won’t fail to excite music lovers.

 

1. ARABAKI 2019 (Miyagi)

ARABAKI ROCK FEST is one of the main rock festivals in Japan that takes place in the Tohoku region. The event came to be as a way to promote Japan’s native culture up and down the country through a fusion of history, culture and rock music.

 

A total of 52 artists are set to perform this year including Aimyon, Wednesday Campanella and QUEEN BEE. Enjoy two days of music while getting up close and personal with Tohoku culture.

 

▶︎INFO

ARABAKI ROCK FES.2019

Date: April 27, 2019 – April 28, 2019

Location: Michinoku Park, Kawasaki, Miyagi Prefecture

Official Website: https://arabaki.com

 

2. FM802 REQUESTAGE (Osaka)

This live event will take place at Osaka-jo Hall on April 29. Six huge names in the Japanese music industry will take to the stage for this one-night show: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, [ALEXANDROS], UVERworld, King Gnu, THE ORAL CIGARETTES, and Motohiro Hata.

 

▶︎INFO

FM802 30PARTY SPECIAL LIVE Kiyo Bank presents REQUESTAGE 2019

Date: April 29, 2019

Time: Open 15:00 / Start 16:00

Venue: Osaka-jo Hall

Official Website: https://funky802.com/requestage/

 

3. Kyoto Mirai Matsuri (Kyoto)

Kyoto Mirai Matsuri 2019 will take place at Minami-za, Kyoto’s oldest kabuki theatre, where the latest cutting-edge technology will clash with contemporary culture. The event will take place both in the day and at night offering their own unique experiences.

 

The line-up includes artists such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, BiSH, m-flo, CAPSULE and more. This is a chance to witness traditional Japanese culture combine with modern art, so if you’re in Kyoto this Golden Week be sure to check it out.

 

▶︎INFO

OTOMATSURI–

Date: April 30, 2019 – May 5, 2019

Venue: Minami-za (198 Shijo Dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)

Official Website: https://www.miraimatsuri.com

 

4. VIVA LA ROCK 2019 (Saitama)

VIVA LA ROCK, or VIVA LA for short as it’s known, is a rock festival that has taken place every May since 2014. The event invites a line-up of next generation artists that represent the “now” of the Japanese music scene.

 

An incredible 97 artists will be at this year’s festival including ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, UVERworld and KEYTALK. As well as music, concertgoers can look forward to food, outdoor BBQs, DJ performances and much more.

 

▶︎INFO

VIVA LA ROCK 2019

Date: May 3, 2019 – May 6, 2019

Venue: Saitama Super Arena

Official Website: https://vivalarock.jp/2019/

 

5. JAPAN JAM 2019 (Chiba)

JAPAN JAM is a huge music festival that has taken place every Golden Week since 2010. This outdoor event will take place at Soga Sports Park where attendees can look forward to a line-up of 54 artists and musicians such as Aimer, Fujifabric, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Gesu no Kiwami Otome, miwa―the list goes on.

 

▶︎INFO

JAPAN JAM 2019

Date: May 4, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Venue: Soga Sports Park, Chiba

Official Website: http://japanjam.jp

 

6. TOKYO M.A.P.S (Tokyo)

Another annual Golden Week event―this one since 2008―TOKYO M.A.P.S is a celebration of music, art and performance. The line-up this year features Trio Ohashi, Kitri, Ukigumo and more.

 

What’s great about this event is that it’s free to attend! Kick back and enjoy the live performances of a line-up of incredible artists in a relaxed environment.

 

▶︎INFO

J-WAVE & Roppongi Hills present TOKYO M.A.P.S ohashi Trio EDITION

Date: May 5, 2019 – May 6, 2019

Venue: Roppongi Hills Arena

Official Website: http://www.tokyomaps.jp

 

Golden Week is a time for fun and games, so if you’re in Japan, be sure you get to experience one of its many music festivals!

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