Japan’s rural Festival 2026: First Artist Announcement – Willikens & Ivkovic, Al Wootton & More
Located in Numajiri Highlands, Fukushima, the outdoor music festival rural 2026 will take place over four days, from July 17 (Friday) to July 20 (Monday, public holiday), 2026. Artists who continue to operate beyond existing genre boundaries—spanning techno, house, experimental music, and other forms across scenes around the world, will gather at nowhere CAMP in Numajiri Highlands, Fukushima. This marks the third year that rural is held at this distinctive site.
ARTIST LINEUP
For the first wave of artist announcements, rural is pleased to present Willikens & Ivkovic, the duo formed by Lena Willikens and Vladimir Ivkovic. Celebrated globally as “DJ’s DJs,” both artists have left a profound mark on electronic music culture through appearances at leading festivals and legendary clubs worldwide. Each has previously performed at rural as a solo act, and this long-awaited duo performance signals a new chapter shaped by their deep connection to the festival.
Also announced is the highly anticipated Japan debut of Al Wootton, the UK-based artist acclaimed for his low-end–focused rhythms and rigorous sonic exploration. He will perform both a live set and a DJ set.
From BASSIANI in Georgia, widely regarded as a new epicenter of techno—longtime resident NDRX joins the lineup, alongside Spekki Webu, the Delft-based artist pushing the outer limits of next-generation psychedelic music. Spekki Webu will appear in a B2B set with OCCA, who continues to expand his presence from Sapporo to the global stage. Also featured is YuY, a mysterious and compelling talent whose activities stand out within the rapidly evolving Taipei scene.
From Japan’s ever-maturing domestic scene—where cross-pollination continues to deepen—YAMA makes his first appearance at rural. Having performed at institutions such as London’s fabric and Thailand’s Wonderfruit Festival, YAMA commands overwhelming support in Japan’s Kansai region, where he is based. Alongside them, YAMARCHY, now regarded as an indispensable figure driving the new generation of psychedelic house music, joins the lineup. Joining the lineup are SAMO, a charismatic resident DJ at FULLHOUSE, and LEVOLANT, whose firmly rooted style connects Japan’s scene with neighboring scenes across Asia.
SOUND & PRODUCTION
Sound remains a defining element of rural. In 2026, Void Acoustics will once again be installed on the outdoor stage, while Danley Sound Labs will power the indoor stage. With a trusted sound team built over many years, rural promises a singular, deeply immersive experience that resonates through all five senses.
VENUE & EXPERIENCE
Set in the lush natural environment of Numajiri Highlands in Fukushima’s Tohoku region, the festival site lies at the foot of Mount Adatara, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, surrounded by forests, lakes, and one of the country’s most renowned hot spring areas. At the adjacent Numajiri Kogen Lodge, guests can enjoy free-flowing natural onsen baths. With smooth access between campsite and dance floor, attendees can fully immerse themselves in the festival while surrounded by nature.
Inside the venue, a carefully curated selection of festival food vendors will be joined by local sake and craft beer. Special programs are also planned, including an “Extreme Onsen Tour,” where local guides introduce participants to regional hot springs—offering unique experiences unavailable in everyday life.
This year, rural is also preparing extended-stay plans with special benefits, allowing guests to fully enjoy time in the Numajiri area. Extended-stay tickets are already on sale, making it possible to spend up to five days on site and enjoy the festival until the very end.
As in previous years, options such as rental tents and auto camping are available, ensuring comfort for first-time campers or those traveling light. Camp tickets are free for attendees under 25. Partner accommodation tickets near the venue are also on sale, and shuttle buses will operate between accommodation areas and the festival grounds throughout the event.
ACCESS
The venue is accessible in approximately 3.5 hours by car from central Tokyo, or about 4 hours via the official tour bus departing from Shibuya.
Leave the city behind and surrender to electronic music in the heart of nature—we look forward to sharing another extraordinary, non-ordinary experience with you. We hope to see you on the special dance floor that appears for just four days each summer in Numajiri Highlands. For the latest updates and detailed information, please visit the official rural website.
Tickets:
4-Day Pass
Category 1: ¥18,000 *Sold OutCategory 2: ¥21,000 *Sold Out- Category 3: ¥23,000 (moves to next category once allocation is sold)
- Category 4: ¥24,000
- Category 5: ¥25,000
Under 25 Discount: ¥14,000 (includes 1 camp ticket)
Tohoku Resident Discount: ¥15,000
3-Day Pass: ¥22,000 (on sale from April)
(Entry from July 18 (Sat) 12:00)
2-Day Pass: ¥18,000 (on sale from April)
(Entry from July 19 (Sun) 08:00)
For Category 5 4-day passes, 3-day passes, and 2-day passes, purchases of four or more tickets receive a ¥1,000 discount per ticket.
- On-site parking: ¥9,000
- Off-site parking: ¥4,000
- Camp ticket: ¥5,000 (per tent)
Auto camp ticket: ¥21,000 (1 car + up to 2 tents)- Additional parking: ¥9,500
- Additional tent: ¥6,500
- Official accommodation (booking deadline: June 30, 2026)
Ticket Sales:
ZAIKO: https://ruraljp.zaiko.io/e/rural2026
Resident Advisor: https://ra.co/events/2289803
Official Accommodation:
Numajiri Kogen Lodge & Extreme Onsen Tour:
https://www.zenryo-marupay.com/marupay/event/select-item/E2509230008?shop_code=000378&key=nEzSOIiSzD
Official Bus:
https://www.zenryo-marupay.com/marupay/event/select-item/E2510230009?shop_code=000378&key=fUdCuPbRQ8
Rental Tent:
https://www.zenryo-marupay.com/marupay/event/select-item/E2510240005?shop_code=000378&key=jlkTOR9eZj
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