Summer Sonic 2019

Summer Sonic is back, and this year will be more awesome than ever. Featuring some of the biggest acts from around the world, previous headliners have included Coldplay, The Strokes, Radiohead and Underworld. 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 2018 line-up included Chance the Rapper, Beck, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Shawn Mendes, Tame Impala and old school rockers Queens of the Stone Age, among others.

Tickets are ¥16,000 for one day or ¥29,000 for two 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.

There’s also SonicMania, which is a one-day festival held on the Friday preceding Summer Sonic which featured Nine Inch Nails, Marshmello and My Bloody Valentine for the 2018 edition. Tickets cost ¥12,000 with an additional ¥500 drink charge. You can purchase a premium platinum ticket for this event for ¥20,000, with benefits including platinum shuttle bus access, exclusive viewing areas and a platinum lounge.

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)