Fuji Rock Festival

With past line ups featuring international mega stars Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, The Pixies, Bjork, Coldplay and Eminem; the best of British indie such as Franz Ferdinand and Super Furry Animals; up and coming talent such as The Automatic; and festival favourites Scissor Sisters and Happy Mondays, you would have thought that Japan's annual Fuji Rock festival (despite the name, taking place in the famous Naeba resort) would be better known on these music-loving shores.

Fuji Rock remains an undiscovered gem on the world festival circuit; a festival where the original counter-culture ideals of Glastonbury still hold true, 'alternative' still holds some meaning and where relentless consumerism can be left behind for the weekend. Oh, and the toilets are clean, there are hot spring baths(!) and cooling showers, not a spot of litter is to be seen and there is a steak eating competition with the chance to win a year's supply of beef!!

The setting high in the mountains is breathtaking as the peaks of the Japan Alps rise high on all sides. The festival site itself snakes its way down the valley, following the course of the crystal clear river which is perfect for a cooling dip on the hotter days. Fuji Rock is almost the perfect size; big enough to keep you thoroughly entertained all day every day but not so big you spend hours trekking between bands and miss half the fun. And there is of course, the requisite amount of side-show entertainment with circus performers, comedians, and quirky novelty acts to fill in the gaps between the big name bands.

This three day celebration of music and freedom is something not to be missed by festival goers, old and young alike.