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Burning Man getting too crowded? Head to Burning Japan instead!

Preston Phro Sep 9, 2015
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Burning Man hardly needs an introduction—the annual festival has become so thoroughly ingrained in mass culture that even your boring elderly relatives are complaining about Jack Ü performing. Still, we’d stop short of calling it “mainstream,” even if there were around 70,000 participants this year.

But maybe 70,000 people is too much for you, or maybe you were stuck in boring old Japan while everyone else was having a blast with Skrillex “on the Playa.” If so, we have good news: There’s still time to plan your trip to Japan’s version of Burning Man, Burning Japan!

Though Burning Man has been going strong for decades, Burning Japan is still quite young. In fact, the first event was held just a few short years ago in 2012! Nevertheless, Burning Japan, which is to be held in Tochigi Prefecture this year, has drawn participants from all over the country.

▼ Including some industrious hammock makers!

▼ As well as…um…interspecies babysitters?

The event aims to uphold the 10 principles of Burning Man, including a spirit of self-reliance, gifting, leaving no trace, and decommodification. While there’s clearly a strong “party” vibe to Burning Japan, everyone is welcome and you can find families with small children participating in the festivities, which include music, fireworks, dancing, a foam party, and of course fire in the form of the immolation of a giant wooden phoenix.

▼ Some people also play with swords, apparently.

▼ A group photo from 2013

Like Burning Man, Burning Japan is held out where the stars can actually be seen at night, though last year Burning Japan was actually held on a beach in Chiba instead of in the middle of a desert! This year, it looks like the event has been moved to a rural but green area in Tochigi. There may not be an ocean right next door, but we imagine you can still see the stars.

▼ A photo of this year’s venue

▼ One 2014 participant standing on the beach

▼ Did we mention foam parties?

You can learn more about the event at the official Burning Japan website, which has both English and Japanese versions as well as a fairly detailed FAQ. You can also find a few hundred photos on their Facebook and Flickr pages. Tickets cost 7,800 yen (about US$65) until September 18 and will cost 8,800 yen (roughly $73) when Burning Japan actually starts on the 19th.

▼ You’ll be able to dance all night…

▼ …and all day!

The nearest station is Iwafune Station on the Ryoumou Line, which is about a 10–15-minute walk from the camp site. You can also drive and park at Burning Japan, though it costs 2,000 yen (about $16) for parking.

Event Information
Burning Japan
Address: Tatamioka, Iwafune-cho, Tochigi-shi, Tochigi prefecture, JAPAN 329-4309
日本, 〒329-4307 栃木県栃木市岩舟町静岩船山
Dates: September 19 (Saturday) to September 22 (Tuesday)
Website

▼ Promotional video made with footage from Burning Japan 2014

Sources: Burning Japan, Facebook (Burning Japan)
Images: Facebook (Burning Japan)