Exciting All-Night Outdoor Music Festival in Hokkaido, Japan Delights All Attendees
The upcoming RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2025 in EZO is scheduled for August 15 and 16 at Ishikari Bay New Port. The festival, which attracted over 68,000 attendees last year, features 70 artists across multiple stages, providing a unique experience that lasts from day until night.
Established in 1999, this year marks the festival’s 25th edition, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, the festival has grown in popularity, drawing a diverse crowd including international visitors keen to experience the vibrancy and energy of the event. Newcomers shared their genuine impressions and experiences, praising the festival for its seamless organization and superb culinary offerings.
Lodged in Ishikari, RSR benefits from its convenient location in western Hokkaido, boasting easy accessibility from Sapporo. With the picturesque backdrop of Hokkaido’s natural beauty, attendees can camp and relish in the music, with shows lasting approximately 50 minutes per artist. Unlike the scorching summer temperatures elsewhere in Japan, Hokkaido’s cooler climate provides a comfortable environment for festival-goers.
Meet Clifford and Sienna, passionate English teachers in Japan, who have a penchant for heavy metal. Their festival highlights included performances by LiSA, UVERworld, and SKS Zigzag. Their exposure to Japanese music primarily stems from sources like Spotify, anime soundtracks, and their students. Comparing RSR to renowned UK festivals like Download Festival, they commended the festival’s food variety, describing it as a standout feature that impressed many foreign visitors.
A noteworthy aspect of RSR is its diverse and delectable food offerings, with local Hokkaido delicacies such as ramen, mutton barbecue, and fresh produce delighting attendees. From Yubari melon desserts to savory pizza and hearty mutton barbecue, the festival’s culinary experience is a crowd favorite. Visitors like Ross, a music enthusiast from China, commended RSR for its superb food selection, enhancing his overall festival enjoyment.
Jerry and Kaitland from Seattle enjoyed the festival’s upscale location and grand scale, savoring Hokkaido’s culinary treasures such as miso ramen and sushi. For Jerry, the snow-play booth’s unseasonal snow slide at RSR added an unexpected touch to the summer festivities, charming children and adults alike with its playful allure.
The festival also captured the hearts of international attendees like Svetlana from Russia and Bastiaf from France, who were enamored by RSR’s rock-centric atmosphere and electrifying performances. While Svetlana relished in the festival’s inclusivity and rock music’s universal appeal, Bastiaf praised RSR for its accessibility, comfort, and gastronomic delights, setting it apart from major festivals in his home country.
Lastly, Euan from Scotland, an Island Snowboards employee in Hokkaido, attended RSR for the first time, accompanied by his RSR-loving partner Maya and her family. This shared tradition of attending RSR annually showcases the festival’s enduring popularity and timeless appeal across generations and cultures, creating lasting memories for attendees from all walks of life.