Japan Cider Cup 2023
Come celebrate the most popular ciders in Japan (as voted by the public). The Japan Cider Cup is the country’s premier international cider tasting event and competition featuring vendors from across the country as well as special guest Right Bee Cider from Chicago, Illinois. Entry is free; food, craft cider, craft beer, wine, and souvenir purchases can be made on the day. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Follow along
@japancidercup or check website for event details.
When: April 22
Where: Tama Mirai Messe, Hachioji, Tokyo
Web: japancidercup.com
GoPro Water Games Minakami
Get up close to the world-renowned rapids of the Tone River at the GoPro Water Games Minakami, a white water competition where Japan’s top athletes show off their skills. New for 2023 is a flat water competition that will also be held on the nearby lake.
When: June 3-4
Where: Minakami, Gunma
Web: mofest.jp
Sea to Summit
Montbell—Japan’s largest homegrown outdoor brand—is behind the popular Sea to Summit race series. Their goal is to invigorate local areas, holding events to experience nature through two days of canoeing, cycling and trekking. This year they are hosting the series across twelve locations around Japan.
When and Where:
May 20-21: Lake Biwa, Shiga
May 27-28: Daisen, Tottori
June 10-11: Etajima, Hiroshima
June 17-18: Okhotsk, Hokkaido
July 15-16: Itoigawa/Joetsu/Myoko, Niigata
July 1-2: Bizen, Okayama
July 22-23: Gassan, Yamagata
Aug. 19-20: Asahidake, Hokkaido
Aug. 26-27: Mt. Chokai, Yamagata
Oct. 7-8: Kamimachi, Miyagi
Oct. 14-15: Chikuma River, Nagano
Web: seatosummit.jp
Rainbow Disco Club
Enjoying camping and dance music in the subtropical Izu Peninsula for a three-day party to kick off Golden Week.
When: April 29 – May 1
Where: Higashi-izu, Shizuoka
Web: rainbowdiscoclub.com
Japan Jam
If you’re staying in town for Golden Week, check out this almost-week-long festival in Chiba City.
When: Apr. 30 & May 3-6
Where: Chiba City, Chiba
Web: japanjam.jp
Fuji & Sun
Camp and enjoy live music at the foot of Mt Fuji in a relaxed, open-air space.
When: May 13-14
Where: Fuji, Shizuoka
Web: fjsn.jp
Aco Chill Camp
If you missed Fuji & Sun, check out this camping festival also held near Mt. Fuji. BBQ sets available.
When: May 20-21
Where: Gotemba, Shizuoka
Web: acochill.com
Hakuba Yoo-hoo! Festival
This mountaintop festival lets you enjoy the best of Hakuba’s green season. Enjoy a weeklong festival with music, camping, hot air balloon rides, a trail run, fitness workshops and yoga. Held at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, this festival works with Protect Our Winters Japan to raise awareness of environmental conservation.
When: May 20–28
Where: Hakuba, Nagano
Web: iwatake-mountain-resort.com
Greenroom Festival
This annual surf and beach lifestyle festival is back at the Yokohama seaside. Check the website artist updates.
When: May 27-29
Where: Yokohama, Kanagawa
Web: greenroom.jp
Go Out Camp Inawashiro
Enjoy the start of summer at this lakeside getaway with live music, camping, food booths and a market.
When: June 2-4
Where: Inawashiro, Fukushima
Web: gooutcamp.jp/inawashiro
The Camp Book 2023
Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort transforms into an outdoor stage for this camp and music festival. The event is set against the peaks of Yatsugatake and easily accessible by car from Tokyo.
When: June 10-11
Where: Fujimi, Nagano
Web: the-camp-book.com/2022
Fuji Rock
Some artists have been announced and early bird tickets are already available for Japan’s most iconic music festival. Stay at a nearby lodge or hotel or camp out for the three-day event.
When: July 29-31
Where: Naeba, Niigata
Web: fujirockfestival.com
Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji
This 100-mile course along mountain trails, local footpaths and forest roads around the foothills of Mt. Fuji while experiencing the natural beauty and culture around Japan’s most famous mountain.
When: Apr. 21-23
Where: Fuji, Shizuoka / Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Web: ultratrailmtfuji.com
Sendai International Half Marathon
This popular race starts at Sendai Station and passes through Nishi Koen Park and Jozenji Avenue.
When: May 8
Where: Sendai
Web: sendaihalf.com
Minakami Trail Race
The nature-abundant Minakami Biosphere Reserve is the setting for this race, which is divided into four divisions: the 100k, 80k, 40k and 20k.
When: May 13-14
Where: Minakami, Gunma
Web: gon-ff.com/?p=2694
Spartan Race Super 10K in Chiba
This 25-obstacle race blends speed, endurance and technical skill. A 5K sprint and a kids race are also available.
When: May 26
Where: Sodegaura, Chiba
Web: spartanrace.jp
16th Skyline Trail Sugadaira
This beginner-friendly trail run is a great way to enjoy the cooling Shinshu area and springtime in the alpine region.
When: May 28
Where: Sugadaira Kogen, Nagano
Web: sugadaira-trail.jp
Togakushi Mountain Trail
Navigate your way through this ancient forest in the mystical ninja town of Togakushi. There are four challenges: the long course (20 kilometers), short course (10 kilometers), a vertical run and kids run.
When: June 4
Where: Togakushi, Nagano
Web: nature-scene.net/tmt
