Hokkaido Rock Festivals List [2025]

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?

This historic festival in Kushiro, Hokkaido began in 1985. It started by turning the troublesome sea fog—something the locals often contend with—into a unique event theme. Highlights include not only live performances by artists, but also food stalls and kitchen cars from local shops offering delicious fare, as well as a sound-and-light fog laser show in collaboration with DJs. Since 2021, there have also been booths where you can experience glamping and day-trip camping. It’s well worth the trip: enjoy music and food while taking in the natural surroundings!

JOIN ALIVE has been held every year since 2010 at Iwamizawa Park, which features an open-air music hall and the Hokkaido Greenland amusement park. You sometimes hear about music festivals held at amusement parks, but a unique feature of JOIN ALIVE is that you can actually enjoy the rides there as well. This means families can attend without younger children getting bored. Admission is also free for junior high school students and younger, so this event may inspire many children to fall in love with music.

Do you know Sorachi, a region in Hokkaido? A new festival is launching at a nature-rich venue located between Sapporo and Asahikawa. After the spread of COVID-19, keeping our distance became part of everyday life. Even so, the concept of the festival is that we are connected like the sky above us—that even when we’re apart, music can unite us. To make it enjoyable for all ages, there will also be delicious food and a market featuring Hokkaido-focused offerings. As a unique pleasure of an outdoor festival, be sure to savor soothing music and great gourmet treats under the pleasant open sky.

It started as an early-summer music event born from OTO TO TABI, which has been held in Hokkaido during the winter. The venue, surrounded by Hokkaido’s nature, offers a pleasant space where time seems to flow slowly, letting you experience a break from the everyday. With an outdoor stage and lawn areas, it’s easy to enjoy freely and comfortably even with small children—another big plus. With music, forest bathing, food, and shopping in an appealing setting, it’s well worth going a little out of your way to check it out!