Into the groove at Fuji Rock

There are music festivals and then there's Fuji Rock. Set in the Japanese ski resort of Naeba, just over an hour's ride on the bullet train from Tokyo, this three-day music extravaganza is one of its kind.

With the stages nestled in cloud-covered mountains, in the middle of forests or even in places accessible only by cable car, the surroundings, if not the music, will keep you engrossed.

Forget the usual image of music festivals with dirty Portaloos, rowdy crowds throwing bottles and hippies dancing in the mud. This being Japan, the festival is characteristically well organised but with an electric atmosphere. The campsite, set on a golf course, is easy to reach and close to the venue.

Hot showers and even traditional Japanese baths, called onsens, are available to campers.

Green distractions

Having been to several festivals in the United Kingdom before, I was astounded by the sheer beauty of the location.

Everything is lush and green and it is hard to keep your eyes only on the stage. Amazingly, for a venue with such a large number of people, there was hardly any litter.

The environment is taken very seriously at Fuji Rock and recycling is the norm.

When I first decided to go on a holiday to Japan, I was warned it would be expensive.

However, I didn't find this the case at Fuji Rock. Meals cost around Dh18, which is a great value at a festival.

And better still, the food, mainly Japanese and Asian, is of high quality — no greasy, overpriced burgers.

Featuring a host of bands from Japan, the UK, the United States and other places, Fuji Rock has an iconic appeal in the country, with Japan's staunch music lovers returning every year to get their fix of Fuji.

Crowd-pullers

Bands such as Primal Scream, Kasabian, My Bloody Valentine, Bloc Party and Travis had the crowd rocking at the main stage.

Elsewhere, CSS, The Go! Team, Ian Brown and The Gossip packed out the Red Marquee stage.

The event has a wonderfully stress-free vibe. Queues are minimal, security personnel greet you with a cheery smile and children are welcome too.

After three days and four nights of great bands, stunning scenery, great food and decent facilities, Fuji Rock was one of the best weekends of my life.

Information

Online tickets

Fuji Rock Festival takes place on the last weekend of July every year.

Tickets can be bought from overseas at http://www.ganban.net/ frf08-oversea.html.

Detour

Snow games

Naeba ski resort is close to the Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen railway line, approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station.