Don’t you hate when people open blog posts with a copy and pasted segment of a Wikipedia article…. or a definition of a common word?
So cheesy.
Anyway, it’s the start of Japan’s music festival season. The big fests like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic are finally here!
Today, I am sharing what I bring to festivals so you can be prepared and have a great time guaranteed.
I procrastinate packing when I don’t know what to bring, so I hope this can help you start packing soon!
Here is what to bring in your bag from a seasoned festival goer.
THE MUST BRINGS
These are the first items I make sure to have in my pack. My festival tickets, cash money, mobile battery, towel, and water bottle.
Tickets and Cash
Tickets can be printed from convenience stores and you can withdraw some cash from the ATM while you are there. Most vendors don’t take credit so you should have some cash on you always.
For cash, it is a good idea to bring around 5,000 per person for food and drink, and more depending on if you want merch (merch does tend to take credit more often).
Battery Pack
Battery packs, or “Mobile Batteries”, can save you when your phone is low. There is no guarantee your fest will have a working phone charging station.
Reusable Bottle
Water bottles or even empty PET bottles are good to carry so you can refill water. With drink lines being long, the last thing you want is to wait 30 minutes for a bottle of water.
Towel
Finally, a towel. It is a part of fest culture! Everyone will have a towel hanging from their neck, and if they are cool, it will be the print of their favorite band. Towels can be used as a hat, to wipe sweat, or as a seat on the grass. All band merch tables sell towels.
*Also, one last thing – remember to have your ID. You are required to always have an ID as a foreigner in Japan. Please keep it on you at all times!!
THE STUFF THAT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
So now you have the basics for surviving and getting into the festival, but what about items for actually enjoying the festival?
Handheld Fan
USB and battery powered fans are everywhere in Japan. They don’t cost a lot and feel amazing. Of course, you can be old school and use a paper fan too!
Vinyl/Picnic Sheet
100 yen shops sell super cheap vinyl sheets you can use to have picnics. Fests don’t provide benches or chairs, only big open areas with grass.
If you plan to sit down to eat or lay down at any point, the vinyl sheet is a lifesaver.
Sun Protection
I am not your mom, but I have gone to a festival and forgot to reapply sunscreen. Please don’t be me. 😦
Reapply often and use waterproof sunscreen if you plan to get wet.
Wet Tissue
Spills are apart of festivals, it is always nice to have a quick and easy way to clean up picnic sheets or clothing.
Cooling Spray
Surprisingly, the cooling items in Japan work really well. Sprays and sheets are common festival items. They have some kind of magic tingly cooling juice inside them that make you instantly cool down.
There are also neck cooling rings and other cooling items you can buy at drug and electronic stores.
FOR THE EMERGENCIES
Life is unpredictable!! Festivals even more so!
Poncho
Japan is an island country that gets hit with typhoons and sudden showers. While it usually passes quickly, a poncho is an easy and lightweight way to avoid getting wet.
Electrolyte Powder and Jelly
You can buy jellies from the convenience store or electrolyte powders from drug stores to help combat dehydration. Japan has tons of vitamin drinks for you to try, and lots of hangover cures too (smart to bring those along as well).
The leading cause of sickness at festivals is from mixing substances with heat – please keep your electrolytes up!
Ear Protection
If you start to feel your ears hurt please put in some ear plugs or toilet paper at the very least. Three days of loud music can be too much for some people, and its better safe than sorry.
Sanitary Products
Nature waits for no one. Its always smart to bring extra sanitary products.
Kairo
Kairo are a cheap pocket heating pad you can buy in most convenience stores. They don’t take up much space and are great for when the cold nights hit or after swimming.
All items can easily be found at convenience stores like 7/11 and Family Mart, 100 yen stores like Daiso, and drug stores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
I have more info about attending concerts in Japan like how to attend local shows, where to buy merch, or how to buy tickets. Check them out!
I hope this helped you with your packing, and have fun at the festival!
Until next time.
official GF blog 
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