As we previously shared our experiences at the Labyrinth Festival, we realized that while the festival itself was fantastic, the directions and information about reaching the venue could be clearer. To help those planning to attend Labyrinth Festival in 2013, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to ensure you arrive without any hiccups.
Traveling from Tokyo to Labyrinth Festival
There are several ways to reach the festival, but the most convenient option is to take the bullet train to Echigo Yuzawa. If you’re in Japan for a week or two, consider purchasing the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which costs around $345 for seven days. While this may seem pricey, it’s a cost-effective choice if you plan to travel between cities. For our ten-day trip, we opted for a pay-as-you-go approach, which worked out to be cheaper for our itinerary.
Purchasing Your Train Ticket
You can buy your ticket to Echigo Yuzawa either at Tokyo Station or from vendors outside. However, be cautious: if you purchase from an outside vendor, you’ll receive a receipt instead of an actual ticket. You must take this receipt to the JR Office inside the train station to obtain your ticket.
Your ticket will look something like this:
- Train Name: MAX TANGAWA
- Train Number: 409
- Date: 9/15 (15th of September)
- Journey: Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa
- Departure Time: 11:52 AM
Once you have your ticket, head to the JR section of Tokyo Station, which is marked in green. Swipe your ticket and look for the train schedule to find your platform.
From Echigo Yuzawa to the Festival
After arriving at Echigo Yuzawa, the next step is straightforward. Turn right after passing through the ticket gates and walk to the back of the station where the buses are located. While taxis are available, they can be expensive, and drivers may not be familiar with the festival, leading to potential confusion.
If you arrive after 2 PM on the first day of the festival, you’ll likely see other festival-goers waiting for the bus. If you’re camping at the festival, stay on the bus until the final stop, as some passengers will disembark at hotels along the way. This year, we found that staying on until the end was the best option, as we were dropped off right outside the path leading to the festival, near the Naeba Prince Hotel.
Additional Tips
If you’re uncertain about where to get off, it’s best to stick with the crowd. A smaller bus also runs between the festival and the town, so if you wait, you may catch a ride.
With this guide, we hope to make your journey to Labyrinth Festival smoother and more enjoyable. We can’t wait to return!
Labyrinth Festival 2013 Line-up
- Donato Dozzy (DJ/Live)
- Peter Van Hoesen
- AtomTM & Tobias (Live)
-
AtomTM HD (Live) - Material Object (DJ/Live) “Pete Namlook Tribute Set”
- So
- Hiyoshi
More artists will be announced soon!
Accommodation Options
For those who prefer not to camp, we recommend checking out HotelsCombined.com for the best accommodation deals. The Naeba Prince Hotel is the closest option, but there are several other hotels nearby. A shuttle bus runs frequently from the town to the festival, making it easy to get around.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your way to Labyrinth Festival with ease. Enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the unforgettable experience that awaits you!