I recently traveled to Japan, not for hunting anime merch nor delicious food. My main goal was to attend the Rockin' On Sonic music festival at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
This festival was amazing! The lineup was fantastic, with legendary bands like Pulp, Weezer, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. What really impressed me was how well-organized the festival was. It was easy to move around, get food and drinks, and enjoy the music without feeling overwhelmed.
I won't write about all of the performances, but here are some highlights:
Pulp delivered a truly unforgettable set. Jarvis Cocker had the entire crowd captivated with his charisma and witty stage banter. He still has those quirky dance moves despite getting older.
https://youtube.com/shorts/4ToI-LDHNQA?si=3CYVkiHyVbdegtOm
Manic Street Preachers put on a powerful performance, showcasing their signature blend of rock and roll and political commentary. Nicky Wire in particular is a truly charismatic rocker.
Jimmy Eat World brought their signature emo-rock anthems to life, creating a wave of nostalgia and pure joy among the audience.
Weezer closed out the festival with an interesting concept, not only playing all their biggest hits. But also wrapped their performance with storytelling, taking the crowd into a space journey to planet blue, planet Pinkerton, incorporated it with spectacular video content.
After the festival, I still have a few days left, so I explored Tokyo. It was much colder than I expected, with temperatures between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius. I visited popular places like Shibuya and Akihabara, but unfortunately, it rained.
I also enjoyed visiting Asakusa, a traditional area with a beautiful temple. Outside the city, I loved the peaceful countryside around Narita. And I took a day trip to Sawara, a charming town with old-style buildings.
Japan is an incredible country with a mix of modern and traditional things to see and do. My trip was unforgettable, from the exciting music festival to the beautiful scenery.
Tip for future travelers: This rock festival is good, but don't forget to pack warm clothes!