Dive into Japan's indie music scene with ONE MUSIC CAMP in Sanda, Hyogo
When thinking of summer music festivals in Japan, mega-concerts like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic immediately spring to mind. With impressive lineups of world-renowned international artists, these events naturally attract the lion’s share of media attention. Yet for the discerning music aficionado, there’s an entire world of small-to-medium size summer festivals available to music-lovers across Japan—should they seek to discover them. From psychedelic-trance raves in the forests of Nara (奈良県 Nara-ken) to reggae festivals in the sprawling urban metropolises of Japan’s capital region, there’s a summer concert for any musical niche you can imagine in Japan. Few, however, are able to captivate as wide an audience as ONE MUSIC CAMP—held annually in Sanda City (三田市 Sanda-shi), Hyogo (兵庫県 Hyogo-ken)—and almost none offer as intimate an encounter with renowned local and international indie artists as this festival does.
Conceptualised as a festival for all to enjoy, ONE MUSIC CAMP provides an immersive music experience where festival-goers camp out in nature surrounded by the rhythmic beats and mesmerising melodies of some of Japan’s top indie artists. Intricately planned and deftly executed, this annual outdoor festival features top-quality performances and welcoming communal vibes that deliver the perfect escape from the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life. Whether young or old, married or single, Japanese or foreigner, with children or without, ONE MUSIC CAMP has something for everybody.
The venue
Entrance to ONE MUSIC CAMP concert and campgrounds. (Image credit: Maeda Hiroshi)
ONE MUSIC CAMP takes place over two days at a camping and athletic grounds tucked away amongst the mountains of Sanda. The perfect setting for an outdoor festival, the site features a wide range of facilities and spaces that the ONE MUSIC CAMP organisers have worked tirelessly to maximise down to the last inch. With multiple stages holding simultaneous performances, an outdoor pool for cooling off in the summer heat, and an assortment of vendors selling delicious food and beverages, ONE MUSIC CAMP functions more like a self-sufficient community than a simple outdoor concert.
Looking to cool down? Take a dip in ONE MUSIC CAMP’s spacious outdoor pool. (Image credit: Maeda Hiroshi)
The layout of the festival has also been carefully designed to ensure that both families and young festival-goers can get the most out of their time here. The main stage serves as both the focal point of the festival as well as a buffer between the various activities taking place concurrently. For example, at night families and other sleepy guests can get some sleep on the hilly side of the main stage, while those eager to get in a little more partying can enjoy DJ-led dance sessions directly under the main stage complex. The thoughtful organisation of the venue is just one of the many ways ONE MUSIC CAMP delivers on its promise to be a festival for all.
The performers
Snapshot of a live night-time performance at ONE MUSIC CAMP. (Image credit: Yamashita Soichiro)
Let’s face it. In the end, it’s the performances that make or break a festival. On this, ONE MUSIC CAMP does not disappoint. Punching well above its weight, ONE succeeds year after year in attracting both cutting-edge performers and well-established artists—some of whom can even be found playing at larger festivals such as Fuji Rock. Past performances include the likes of Quruli (くるり kururi), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Polaris, Tavito Nanao, Bagdad Cafe The Trench Town, and many more local and international indie artists.
One of the many stages features unique artists at ONE MUSIC CAMP. (Image credit: Maeda Hiroshi)
What’s more, ONE’s eclectic selection of bands covers nearly every genre and musical taste that is out there, ensuring everyone will find something to groove to. And after a brief hiatus in 2020, where the event was taken online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ONE MUSIC CAMP is back with a fully-stocked lineup of exceptional artists in 2021 for your listening pleasure.
The experience
Children playing on some of the athletic equipment found at the festival. (Image credit: Maeda Hiroshi)
More than just a music festival, ONE MUSIC CAMP is an experience. Whether it be camping out with friends, getting in a morning yoga session, joining various workshops, or even taking a dip in a barrel-turned-hot tub, ONE MUSIC CAMP offers so much more than music, which is surely one of the reasons it was selected as one of 2018’s best music festivals by the website beehype. Indeed, ONE is consistent in the variety of activities it provides to its guests. This festival knows that life is never one size fits all and ensures that, no matter who you are, there will be something to fall in love with each and every summer at ONE MUSIC CAMP.
COVID-19 measures
As with the current COVID-19 situation, necessary precautions and measures have been taken to ensure the safety of all attendees. This includes:
- The enforcement of strict social distancing
- Regular disinfection of any communally used items (doorknobs, faucets, etc.), regular cleaning of communal spaces
- Limiting the number of attendees to 50-75% of average festival years
- Controlling/limiting pedestrian traffic along narrow spaces/paths
- Monitoring the health of attendees
In addition to the festival being completely outdoors in a well ventilated and open area, the organisers have also worked closely with government officials and healthcare professionals to design and plan the festival in a way that limits the spread of any contagious illnesses to the greatest extent possible. They also intend to cancel the festival in the event of a new state of emergency or other such government declaration.
Getting there
From Osaka Station (大阪駅 Ōsaka-eki), take the JR Fukuchiyama Line (福知山線 Fukuchiyama-sen) to Sanda Station (三田駅 Sanda-eki) and get off. Exit out the North Gate (北口) and head to bus platform number 11. Take the Himeji Bus (姫路バス) bound for Hazukawa (波豆川) and get off at the last stop (Hazukawa). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop to the festival grounds.
ONE MUSIC CAMP
Address: Sanda Athletic Outdoor Stage (三田アスレチック野外ステージ)
281 Hazukawa, Sanda-shi, Hyogo
Nearest station: Sanda Station (三田駅)
Price: ¥8,000 (1-Day), ¥11,000 (2-Day)
Date: August 28th and 29th, 2021
Header image credit: Maeda Hiroshi
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