On Saturday, October 28, 2023, I attended the hoshioto Camp’23 (ホシオトキャンプ).
Held every May in Ibara City, hoshioto (ホシオト) is a historically significant local outdoor music festival that has been completely independent and ongoing for 12 years since 2012.
While there are a total of 6 stages at hoshioto, hoshioto Camp is a slightly more relaxed acoustic version with a reduced scale of 3 stages.
I will introduce a bit of the event in a practical report that can serve as a reference for future participation.
Overview of hoshioto Camp
The day was clear with a high, crisp autumn sky.
Located a little up in the mountains about a 10-minute drive from Ibara City, the beauty of the sky was something I felt during the May hoshioto, but it may have been even more beautiful this time.
The hoshioto Camp is being held for the third time in 2023.
Originally, it started as a comeback for the hoshioto that was canceled for two years in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, held in October 2021.
Although the event title includes "camp," it is not necessary to camp.
If you set up a tent, you will need a paid "Camp and Tarp Ticket" in addition to the admission ticket.
Practical Report on hoshioto Camp: Access
The event starts at 10 AM, but I arrived around 1 PM after finishing household chores and errands at a leisurely pace.
Even if you are not camping, I recommend securing a base as a resting area and luggage storage upon arrival.
There is a sheet area behind the main stage "SKY FILED," and if you lay down a leisure sheet you brought, you should be fine.
There were also people who set up tents quite far from the stage, as the way to enjoy it is free.
Relaxing in nature while listening to professional performances flowing in with the wind...
It is a situation that you don't usually experience.
What is the most comfortable way to get there?
I purchased the "Admission Ticket with On-site Parking" directly connected to the venue and the "Camp and Tarp Ticket" to set up a tent, participating with a perfect setup.
There are mainly three ways to get to the event venue.
- Directly by private car (requires a slightly more expensive admission ticket with parking)
- By shuttle bus (paid) from Ibara Station (you can come to Ibara Station via the Ibara Line or drive to Ibara Station and park at the South Parking Lot)
- By shuttle bus (paid, reservation required) from JR Fukuyama Station (for those coming from west of Fukuyama City)
During my last participation, I used the bus from Ibara Station.
Everyone boarded a large dedicated bus and climbed the mountain together, which heightened the tour feeling, and I remember being excited while gazing at the scenery from the window.
No need for gasoline or a car navigation system; you can just relax and let it take you, which is convenient.
However, this time, I was convinced by using the on-site parking directly connected to the venue.
“Next time I come, I will definitely use the parking!!”
Having a car provides a lot of flexibility.
In busy days, you can pack what you think you might need without being strict about it, and you can leave unused items in the car and only carry what you need.
Above all, you can enjoy your own pace without worrying about the bus schedule.
Whether you go by bus or car, both have their advantages, so I would like to decide based on my budget next time.
Should you camp?
If you camp, there is an additional fee required apart from the admission ticket.
While the price is reasonable for staying overnight, it is definitely not cheap just to set up a tent without staying overnight...
I was envious of those relaxing in tents at the May hoshioto, so I decided to try it out to see how much the relaxation level differs.
Since I am not a camper, I did not have a proper tent, but I used a simple tent that can be set up just by opening it, which was sufficient for day camping.
The advantages include being able to avoid the sun, so you don't have to worry about sunburn.
You cannot use an umbrella in the sheet area, so this is a significant difference.
Also, as expected, you can be a little hidden from view, which makes it easier to maintain privacy and increases the freedom of how you spend your time.
You can lounge around or even sleep.
One thing to keep in mind is that, just like reserving a spot for a sports day, the best spots are first come, first served.
If you want to enjoy the main stage from your seated position in the tent, make sure to arrive early to secure the best position.
Practical Report on hoshioto Camp: Experience
Since there were no artists I particularly wanted to see, I was able to enjoy the music freely at my own pace.
If I wanted to hear something up close, I would go to the front of the stage and feel the energy of the music and the artists.
While drinking coffee and buying delicious food from the stalls, I would simply surrender my body and mind to the sounds that were coming.
Without any pretense or tension, I listened to serious performances, serious singing, and serious sound.
I suddenly realized how casually I was listening to music brought together by professionals, and I thought it was the height of luxury.
Revolutionary sound system
I went with my son, who usually plays guitar, and since he has experience performing on small stages, he is sensitive to sound.
He immediately reacted, saying, "The sound is amazing."
According to my son, "Normally, you would hear it from the right and left, but it feels like it’s coming from the center, all around. There are no inconsistencies or biases in the sound, and the mix is really good."
While hoshioto is known for its sound quality, the official website mentioned that "hoshioto Camp’23" would introduce a revolutionary system.
At hoshioto Camp 23, Japan's first outdoor music festival will introduce "Immersive Sound".
Immersive means "a sense of immersion," allowing for a natural spatial expression that traditional LR (left-right) speaker systems could not achieve.
Each sound emitted by the artist on stage can be heard exactly from the position it is coming from, providing a deep sense of immersion.
Furthermore, this live immersive system allows listeners to feel the sound equally from any position within the service area, whether at the center or the edge, enabling many listeners to fully enjoy the live performance.
Introduction of Japan's first system!! "Immersive Sound"
My son was unaware of this, but I was truly amazed that such a project could be realized at "hoshioto Camp"…!
Valuable Cultural Events Beyond Music
The event always includes a talk session, and the guests and their topics are always intriguing.
Titled "Post-Corona Festivals," a talk session was held with Katsuya Minada (Professor at Musashi University) and Junichi Nagai (Associate Professor at Kansai International University).
Such valuable assignments can surely be done only by Hoshioto.
In addition, there were workshops and shows by street performers and professional kendama players, creating a lively atmosphere with many children.
On the Mountain in Ibara on October 28
While it can be quite warm during the day in the city even in October, on the mountain in Ibara, the feeling of autumn was definitely present.
Climate and Temperature
When I arrived around 1 PM, it was sunny, and I was still comfortable in short sleeves.
However, after 3 PM, I began to feel a chill, and by sunset, I couldn't stay without a jacket, eventually experiencing the cold of an autumn night.
As it got colder, people began to gather around the bonfire space to warm up.
Were the Stars Visible?
Sunset was around 5:20 PM, and gradually the night sky began to appear, with the darkness unique to the mountain where city lights do not reach.
On that day, the large moon before the full moon was bright, and unfortunately, by 7 PM, it was not possible to enjoy the starry sky.
Reluctantly, I left the site at 8 PM.
At the event program "Astronomy Observation and Starry Sky Photography" held from 9:30 PM, it seems that a beautiful starry sky was observed.
Afterward, I saw some beautifully taken starry sky images being posted on social media.
Therefore, if you want to fully enjoy the starry sky, it seems better to stay until around 10 PM, even if you don't stay overnight.
Conclusion
Having participated in the "Hoshioto Camp" after the deeply moving Hoshioto held in May, I once again realized that it is a handmade event.
Having participated in another music event a little while ago, I could see the differences more clearly.
It's not about comparing which is better or worse, but I want to convey that "Hoshioto Camp" is a one-of-a-kind original event.
Throughout the event, even if you are not there, the presence of the creators is strongly conveyed.
That said, it is never pushy.
Moreover, while the overall atmosphere is not flashy, it is not modest either; there is a strangely conveyed confidence.
Recommendation for “Unplanned” Participation
The outdoor music festival "Hoshioto Camp" is a completely free event where you can enjoy a sense of openness and extraordinary experience.
Please follow the rules when participating.
Going without a plan can also be a surprise for yourself, and I recommend it.
If you casually drop by, you might encounter unexpected artists, experience culture beyond music, or find yourself healing in nature without realizing it.
The excitement is doubled because it was unexpected.
With the reliable and reassuring Hoshioto and Hoshioto Camp featuring "sound" and "artists" that you can trust, I hope everyone can experience it someday.
Data for Hoshioto Camp’23
| Name | Hoshioto Camp’23 |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28, 2023 (Saturday) |
| Location | 3535-3 Aono-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture (Venue: Grape Island Budou Roman-kan) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Reference "Hoshioto Camp '23" Ticket ・Advance Ticket ¥7,500 ・Same-day Ticket ¥8,500 ・Student Discount (High School Students) ¥2,500 ・Advance Ticket with On-site Parking ¥12,000 ・Same-day Ticket with Parking ¥14,000 ・Same-day Ticket for Parking Only ¥5,000 ・Camping Ticket (per tent) ¥5,500 ・Streaming Ticket ¥3,000 *Prices for future events may change. |
| Website | Hoshioto |
