Japan is home to some world-class music festivals that draw big names from both Japan and the international scene. In 2023, I got to see Kendrick Lamar, Fallout Boy and AWICH perform at Summer Sonic! This festival and Fuji Rock are the most recognizable names, held annually in Osaka and Niigata (a ski resort about 2.5 hours from the center of Tokyo), respectively. However, many smaller cities will host their own music festivals during this time of year, often with more local or domestic acts.
An important characteristic of summertime in Japan, however, is the weather. Japanese summers are no joke. With temperatures easily climbing to over 30 degrees celsius PLUS 80%+ humidity, heatstroke and dehydration are certainly not unheard of. Why, then, do all Japanese music festivals seem to occur at the height of these heat waves (usually July or August)? I have asked myself this question countless times, and while I haven’t come up with an answer, I’ve learned to instead implement some methods to enjoy these festivals in spite of whatever the weather decides to do. Whether you use one or ten preventative measures to keep yourself cool and safe, here are some recommendations as someone who has endured her fair share of summer music festivals in Japan.
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Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water when the weather is 30 degrees plus 80 percent humidity is just common sense. Locate where you can find spots to purchase water, or refill a bottle if possible. Sometimes, like at Summer Sonic the year I went, there are vending machines scattered around the grounds. The price of water had not been elevated the way it was at concession stands, which was a huge lifesaver the couple of days I spent there. Plus, it took others a while to notice this, and even once they did, the line was always considerably shorter than the ones at concessions.
Bring Cooling Goods from the Convenience Store or 100 Yen Shop
Before you even step foot on the festival grounds, do yourself a favor and make a quick stop at a convenience store or 100 yen shop. Japanese stores sell all kinds of cooling items designed for summer survival: menthol body wipes, cooling sprays, mini handheld fans, and even cooling gel sheets you can slap on your forehead or neck. These things might sound silly, but when you’re stuck standing in the middle of a sun-drenched field, they can feel like lifesavers. Plus, they’re cheap and easy to carry around in your bag or pocket.
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See Some Indoor Acts
Have a look at the festival’s lineup and try to plan a couple of indoor acts per day. This can also be a great way to discover some groups that you might not have seen otherwise. Most of the indoor spaces have some aircon (however depending on how many people are packed into the venue, it might not feel very cool). That said, it’s still much better than standing outside in the sun.
Watch Out for Sudden Rain
Another thing to keep in mind about Japanese summers is that sudden rain showers can hit out of nowhere. Even if the weather forecast shows sunny skies all day, don’t be fooled, because cloudbursts are super common. Bring a cheap rain poncho with you instead of an umbrella. Not only are umbrellas hard to manage in a crowd, but many festivals actually ban them for safety reasons. A simple poncho will keep you dry and let you keep dancing without missing a beat.
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Protect Yourself
I know, I know. Resist the urge to roll your eyes. As tedious as it can feel to apply SPF throughout the day or wear protective clothing, future you will be grateful. This is especially important if you’re planning on participating multiple days in a row. There’s nothing worse than having to go back into the sun with a burn. Hats and loose clothing make a big difference as well.
A towel is an underrated but incredibly useful accessory to bring with you: it will keep you dry, which is a simple way to feel less grotty by the end of the day. You can also wet the towel throughout the day and drape it around your neck in order to cool yourself down, or even use it to protect your head from the sun. Most festivals will even sell special edition neck towels for that year, which make great souvenirs!
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Wear the Right Shoes
You’ll be standing and walking A LOT, often on muddy fields, gravel, or even steep hills if it’s an outdoor mountain festival like Fuji Rock. Sandals might seem like a good idea at first, but they can cause blisters or even slip off in the mud. Comfortable, closed-toe sneakers or hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty are the best bet. Bonus points if they’re waterproof!
Eat Properly (Don’t Skip Meals!)
When it’s insanely hot, it’s easy to lose your appetite. But skipping meals can actually make you more vulnerable to heat exhaustion. The good news is that Japanese festivals usually have some really great food options. Whether it’s yakisoba, takoyaki, or kakigoori (shaved ice), make sure you’re eating small amounts throughout the day to keep your energy up. Plus, trying different festival foods is half the fun!
Take Breaks in the Shade
It’s so, so important to find time to just sit in the shade and do nothing if you’re planning on spending the whole day at a festival. It can feel frustrating that you’re not “getting your money’s worth”, but honestly, you’d be wasting a lot more money if you had to leave early due to heatstroke. Music festivals will always have a concession area where you can find a shady spot to gulp down a smoothie, ice cream, or other cold treat to help bring your body temperature down.
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Not Every Song Has to be a Dance Number
The energy at music festivals is palpable, and it can make you want to dance the whole way through a set. Music festivals in most places during the summer are intense, but in Japan they are a marathon for sure, not a sprint. Save your energy during more lowkey numbers, and pace yourself during the faster ones while the sun is out.
Know When to Call It a Day
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is know your limits. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or extremely tired, it’s not weak to take a break or even leave early. Japanese festivals are usually super well organized, with re-entry options or places to chill out away from the crowd. Listen to your body first—there’s always next year’s festival!
Japanese summer festivals are truly incredible experiences, packed with unforgettable music, food, and atmosphere. But to really enjoy them, you’ve got to respect the heat and take care of yourself. A little planning goes a long way. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don’t be afraid to take a break when you need one. You’ll have a much better time because of it!
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