If you find yourself traveling in Japan this summer, the must see event of the year is the 2008 Fuji Rock Festival running Friday July 25th until Sunday July 27th. Originally inspired by Britain's Glastonbury Festival, the Fuji Rock Festival acquired its name due to the first event in 1997 being held on the foot of famous Mt Fuji. Since 1999, the annual festival has been held in Naeba in Niigata prefecture, 200 km north-west of Tokyo.
The atmosphere is amazing and unique, high up in the mountains. It is a ski resort during the winter, and even for those who don’t necessarily like rock music, it offers plenty to do and see for those who travel to Japan. Dragondola, the world's longest Gondola lift will take you to the top of the mountain overlooking the festival site, enabling you to fully appreciate the area's natural beauty.
It is probably the world’s cleanest, most friendly, and beautifully scenic outdoor musical festival in the world. Fans travel from all over Asia and the world to watch the many bands on several stages. There’s even a hot spa loaded with soaps and shampoos.
It is suggested to arrive to the festival by way of Tokyo. Asia travel is an experience all its own, unlike any other. For international travelers, who travel to Tokyo, it is suggested to see all the sights and sounds here, before traveling on the JR Shinkansen, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h . From Tokyo Central Station you will arrive at Echigo-Yuzawa Station after the 80 minute rocket ride, where a free shuttle bus will transfer you to the festival. Sometimes it is cheaper to find discount tickets to Japan if you land in Tokyo first and then travel by train everywhere else.
For first time musical festival participants, the Fuji Rock Festival is a perfect place to get your feet wet. Walking from stage to stage, witnessing all the greatest talents, the beautiful scenery, experiencing all the good clean fun, and riding the Japan Rail makes for an incredibly unique experience you’ll never forget.
For more information on the Japan Rail pass rates and timetables, as well as discount tickets to Tokyo, Thailand, Philippines, and the rest of Asia subcontinent, Europe. U.S. Domestic, and other countries, visit www.gatewaylax.com.
