Summer Sonic 2019

Summer Sonic is back, and this year will be more awesome than ever as it’s the 20th anniversary. In an amazing location overlooking Tokyo Bay, the huge arena main stage and various other smaller stages are host to a wide range of acts spanning every genre. The festival is held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, with acts switching days—so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.

The 2019 line-up features incredible headliners on all three days. Friday has Fall Out Boy, B’z, The 1975, Weezer, Wanima, Rita Ora, Yuki, Two Door Cinema Club, Robert Glasper, an acoustic Snow Patrol set and even Bananarama. Saturday’s sets include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radwimps, Babymetal, Rancid, Bring me the Horizon, Foals, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Circa Waves and 10-feet. SUnday rounds it off with The Chainsmokers, Zedd, a Disclosure DJ set, Perfume, Chvrches, Flume, Alan Walker, Brockhampton, Blackpink and the Vamps.

Tickets are ¥15,000 for one day or ¥39,000 for three days. Zozo Marine Stadium requires blocking down the middle, so tickets are either L Block (left side) or R Block (right side). Based on our best guess on the stadium orientation and the angle of the sun, the right block will see more shade as the day progresses. Children aged under 12 can enter for free if accompanied by an adult, but a second child will require a ‘kid ticket’ which costs ¥3,500 and is available on the door.

Zozo Marine Stadium is located in Chiba and takes about 40 minutes to reach from Tokyo Station and about one hour from Shinjuku. Read our transport guide for more information.

If you’d rather get your music fix in the cool(ish) mountain air, you might prefer Fuji Rock in July.

(Lily Crossley-Baxter)