Karatsu Drop Festival 2025

• September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am
  Event date:
• September 28, 2025 at 8:00 pm
  Event end:

Background & History

Karatsu Drop Festival 2025 is the inaugural Japanese edition of the surf-inspired music festival “DROP FESTIVAL,” originally launched in Australia and previously held in Miyazaki, Japan, in 2022. Taking place on September 27–28, 2025, at Niji no Matsubara Higashihama Beach in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture—known as the birthplace of Kyushu surfing—this two-day event blends music, surf culture, and coastal vibes. Featuring a diverse lineup of Japanese artists across genres like hip-hop, rock, and pop, the festival is set against the scenic backdrop of the Rainbow Pine Grove, one of Japan’s three great pine forests. With a capacity of approximately 5,000–10,000 per day, the open-air beach venue offers a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore Karatsu’s cultural sites, such as Karatsu Castle or the Genkai Sea’s seafood cuisine, making it a perfect blend of music and coastal adventure.

Why Tourists Visiting Japan Should Attend

• Experience Japan’s first Karatsu Drop Festival, a surf-inspired music event with artists like Dragon Ash, KREVA, and Chara at the scenic Niji no Matsubara Beach.
• Enjoy a diverse lineup spanning rock, hip-hop, and pop, with performances by MONGOL800, Kimura Kaela, and more, plus DJ Yatsui Ichiro spinning on both days.
• Accessible for international fans via Ticket Pia, eplus, and Jasumo’s bilingual ticketing support; local discounts for Karatsu residents.
• Explore Karatsu’s coastal charm, including Karatsu Castle (5-minute drive), fresh seafood, or the historic Rainbow Pine Grove, a 17th-century scenic spot.
• Family-friendly with free entry for preschoolers (with adult) and discounted tickets for students; workshops and craft stalls enhance the festival vibe.
• Combine with autumn travel to enjoy Saga’s mild September weather, nearby Fukuoka (1-hour drive), or cultural events like Karatsu Kunchi (November).
• Immerse in a unique blend of surf culture and Japanese music, set on a beach dubbed the “birthplace of Kyushu surfing.”

Ticket & Booking Information

Location: Niji no Matsubara Higashihama Beach, 4-chome Higashikaratsu, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
View on Google Maps

• Access:
  • 15-minute walk from Higashi-Karatsu Station (JR Chikuhi Line).
  • From Fukuoka Airport: ~25 minutes by subway to Meinohama Station, then ~1 hour by JR Chikuhi Line to Higashi-Karatsu.
  • From Saga Station: ~1 hour by JR Nagasaki Line to Karatsu Station, then ~5 minutes by JR Chikuhi Line to Higashi-Karatsu.
  • Parking: Limited spaces (200 at Parking A, 700 at Parking B); tickets required (¥1,500–¥5,000). Public transport recommended.
• Venue Notes: Outdoor beach setting; bring sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas. No camping or car camping allowed.

Event Dates: September 27–28, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday)

• Schedule:
  • September 27 (Sat): Doors 11:00, Start 12:00, Ends ~20:00 (estimated).
    • Performers: ACIDMAN, GANG PARADE, KREVA, The BONEZ, Def Tech, Dragon Ash, MONGOL800, Retro Riron, DJ Yatsui Ichiro, Pixel Ribbon (Opening Act).
  • September 28 (Sun): Doors 11:00, Start 12:00, Ends ~20:00 (estimated).
    • Performers: adieu (Moeka Kamishiraishi), GADORO, Kimura Kaela, KOGYARU, Chara, Dos Monos, Charan Po Rantan, MINMI, DJ Yatsui Ichiro, ASTERISM (Opening Act).
  • Note: imase’s September 28 performance canceled due to health issues; replaced by Doburock and Matsumura Kanau.
• Setlist: Varies by day; expect rock (Dragon Ash, MONGOL800), hip-hop (KREVA, GADORO), pop (Kimura Kaela, Chara), and comedy-folk (Doburock).
• Sales Period: General sale until September 26, 2025, 23:59 JST (Ticket Pia, eplus, Lawson Ticket, Rakuten Ticket). Karatsu citizen discount tickets (¥2,000 off) sold August 9–17, 2025, at Yume Town Saga. Presales ended July 2025.

Ticket Types & Pricing

Ticket Notes

• Purchase Channels: Ticket Pia (https://t.pia.jp/, P-code: 299-687), eplus (https://eplus.jp/), Lawson Ticket (https://l-tike.com/, L-code: 82290), Rakuten Ticket, or Jasumo. Direct sales at Yume Town Saga (9:30–21:30, cash only). Overseas fans can use https://t.pia.jp/en/. Avoid resellers like Viagogo (prices $89–$139) or StubHub due to invalidation risk; official resale opens 5 days prior.
• Age Policy: Free for preschoolers (with ticketed adult, 1:1 ratio); elementary students need guardian and ticket (¥1,000 advance only, otherwise ¥8,500). ID (e.g., passport, student ID) required for student tickets.
• Venue Rules:
  • No assigned seating; open festival layout.
  • No photography/recording during performances; beach photos allowed.
  • Attendees may appear in broadcast footage.
  • Prohibited items: chairs, tents, large umbrellas, coolers, pets (except guide dogs).
  • Bring reusable water bottles; hydration stations available.
  • No outside food/drinks; food stalls on-site.
  • Check https://karatsu.thedropfes.jp/ for rules.
• Refund Policy: Non-refundable except if canceled/postponed; no refunds for lineup changes (e.g., imase cancellation).
• ID Verification: Required for student/elementary tickets; photo ID (e.g., passport) recommended for all.
• Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to beach terrain; contact GAKUON Unity Face (0985-20-7111) for arrangements. One companion requires a ticket.
• Ticket Limits: Max 6 tickets per person; high demand reported on X, with Karatsu citizen tickets sold out.

VIP & Premium Options

• VIP Area: Not explicitly offered; 2-day tickets (¥16,000–¥20,000) provide best value for full festival access.
• Presales: Fan club and Karatsu citizen lotteries (ended July 2025) offered priority; general sale ongoing.
• Group Bookings: Contact Jasumo for arrangements.

Event Highlights

• Diverse Lineup: Day 1 features rock (Dragon Ash, MONGOL800) and hip-hop (KREVA); Day 2 blends pop (Kimura Kaela, Chara) and comedy-folk (Doburock).
• Surf Culture: Set at Kyushu’s surfing birthplace, with workshops and craft stalls enhancing the beach vibe.
• Venue: Niji no Matsubara’s scenic beach and pine grove create a unique festival atmosphere.
• Cultural Experience: Pair with Karatsu’s seafood, Karatsu Castle, or nearby Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen.
• Community Engagement: Volunteer opportunities via “Fesubu” (closed August 18, 2025) and local vendor stalls.

How to Book Through Jasumo

Book your Japan festival tickets easily with Jasumo.

• Contact us via the Jasumo Contact Form to request Karatsu Drop Festival 2025 tickets.
• Our team provides bilingual support, group travel bookings, and assistance with high-demand sales or official resale.

Inquiries:

• Event Inquiries: GAKUON Unity Face, 0985-20-7111 (Weekdays 12:00–17:00)
• Official Website: https://karatsu.thedropfes.jp/
• Social Media:
  • X: https://x.com/karatsu_dropfes
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karatsu_dropfes/

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, helping them access and apply for tickets to various events, including but not limited to sports, festivals, and cultural activities. We are not a reseller of tickets, nor do we sell tickets directly. Our role is to support international customers by guiding them through the official ticket booking process, ensuring they can secure their tickets through recognized platforms and authorized providers.

As a business based in Japan with a bilingual staff and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by non-Japanese visitors, we address common bottlenecks such as:

• Language Barriers: Navigating Japan’s primarily Japanese-language ticketing systems can be challenging for foreign tourists. Jasumo provides bilingual support to bridge this gap and ensure a smooth booking experience.
• Access to Japanese-Only Platforms: Many events in Japan require local knowledge to navigate and access, and often these platforms do not offer international payment options or are difficult to use for non-Japanese speakers. We facilitate the booking process by providing guidance and helping with international payment methods where applicable.
• Limited Availability & Complex Registration: Events in Japan often have limited capacity, and understanding the timing and process for securing tickets can be confusing for international visitors. Jasumo helps you manage deadlines and requirements, giving you the best chance of securing your entry.

Due to high demand (Karatsu citizen tickets sold out, general tickets limited), availability is not guaranteed. Refunds will only be issued if entries cannot be secured through official channels. We strongly recommend purchasing by September 26, 2025, or monitoring official resale (5 days prior) to maximize your chances of attending.

Reviews

• “Karatsu Drop Festival’s beach vibes and Dragon Ash live will be epic!”
• “Jasumo’s support got me 2-day tickets — ready for KREVA and Chara!”
• “MONGOL800 and Kimura Kaela on a Karatsu beach? Summer highlight!”

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Location