MY EXPERIENCE AT FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL AS A FOREIGNER

Fuji Rock, but not really about Fuji.

Update April 2026: this year’s line-up just dropped and it’s so good — The xx, Massive Attack… I already got my festival ticket, so you will definitely see me there. The fastest way to get there is by bullet train, and from experience: it gets very crowded. I highly recommend booking your train to Echigo-Yuzawa in advance and reserving your seat — you can do it easily on Omio. From there, it’s just a 30-minute local bus ride to the festival site in Naeba.

I went last year thinking it would be “just a music festival.” It’s not. It’s three days of living in the mountains, constantly walking, slightly wet, slightly tired, and very, very happy.

Because Fuji Rock is not near Mount Fuji (surprise), but in Naeba, surrounded by forests, rivers, and hills. And that changes everything.

The feeling

You don’t just go from stage to stage. You hike.

Sometimes 30 minutes between sets. Through trees, across bridges, next to streams. And somehow, that’s the best part.

At some point, you stop caring about seeing everything. You sit by the river, you hear music in the distance, you meet people, you drift.

It feels less like a festival, more like a temporary little world.

What I loved most

• The Field of Heaven area — slower, softer, almost dreamy

• Random artists you didn’t plan to see (always the best ones)

• The food (!!) — actually good

• Walking at night between stages, slightly lost, following the sound

And that moment when you’re exhausted, a bit muddy, and still decide to walk 25 minutes for one last set.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Tokyo, book your bullet train to Echigo Yuzawa, it takes around 1h30. You can use Omio to secure a reserved seat (it gets very busy and sold out for the festival). Once arrived in Echigo Yuzawa, you just have to hop on a local bus to Naeba for 30 minutes.

What to know (so you enjoy it more)

1. It’s not easy. That’s the point.

It’s big, it’s hilly, and you’ll walk a lot. Accept it early.

2. The weather is unpredictable

It can be hot, humid, or rain non-stop. Mud is part of the experience.

3. Book everything early

Accommodation goes fast — whether camping or nearby stays. Trains also get sold out so don’t forget to reserve early (e.g. on Omio)

4. Bring the right things

Waterproof shoes

A proper raincoat (no umbrellas inside)

A reusable water bottle

5. Don’t over-plan your schedule

You won’t make it to everything anyway. And you shouldn’t.

My small tips

• Pick one or two must-see artists per day, max

• Leave time to wander

• Sit down more than you think

• Follow the music, not your phone

Final thought

Fuji Rock is messy, physical, sometimes uncomfortable.

But it’s also one of those rare experiences where you feel completely present.

A bit disconnected from everything else.

And somehow, that’s exactly why it stays with you.