Image: Jan Lievens / public domain
Chasing Official HIGE disM in Japan: A Complete Fan Travel Guide
If you're a dedicated fan of "Hige" (Official HIGE disM), visiting Japan to see their live performances or explore related landmarks is definitely something that belongs on your bucket list. This legendary band from Hiroshima Prefecture has gone from street performances to stages at Japan's most iconic music festivals, creating countless earworm hits, and gained popularity across Asia with their theme song "Laughter" for the drama My月薪 Happy?. Whether you want to see one of their concerts in person or visit places closely tied to their musical journey, this guide will help you plan everything from pre-trip preparation to the actual itinerary.
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Why Chase Official HIGE disM in Japan
Official HIGE disM was formed in 2012, with the band name combining "髭" (beard/hige) and the concept of "HIGE." They are one of the most infectious live performance bands in the Japanese music scene. Their music blends rock, blues, and pop with catchy melodies and refined arrangements, with lyrics often carrying humor and self-deprecation from urban men. Starting with the album Traveler in 2019, the band's popularity soared. Their theme song for the 2021 film The Great Yokai War: Guardians (note: actually 信用欺詐師 jp = The Great Confidence Trickster jp), and the soundtrack for the drama Dressed in Love that same year further demonstrate how deeply their music has integrated into Japanese pop culture.
Actually traveling to Japan to listen to them live is not just an auditory experience—it's a cultural shock. The audience quality, venue standards, and audiovisual effects at Japanese concerts are completely different from what you might experience elsewhere. Especially at HIGE's live shows, the interaction and chemistry between band members are truly exceptional. Lead vocalist Satoshi Fujiwara's charisma and stage presence often ignite the entire audience instantly. If you ever get the chance to experience thousands of people singing "I Love" or "Cry" together, it will definitely become an unforgettable memory.
Additionally, following HIGE is an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Japan's regional areas. Most of the band's core members are from Hiroshima, and many of their works are inspired by Hiroshima's land and people. Visiting their hometown allows you to understand the stories and emotions behind the music more deeply—this is the most fascinating part of the pilgrimage.
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Must-Visit Landmarks – Places Related to Official HIGE disM
The following is a curated list of HIGE-related locations, covering concert venues, members' hometowns, and MV filming locations. Whether you want to follow their concerts or do a deep pilgrimage, you can find the right destination for you.
1. Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium (Hiroshima City)
This is one of the places where HIGE's dream began. The members grew up and studied in Hiroshima, accumulating extensive live performance experience through street performances. Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium or Hiroshima Citizens' Hall were important early venues for them. Even if you can't attend a HIGE concert held here, just stepping into the land that nurtured them feels like you can sense the rock spirit that's unique to Hiroshima.
2. Zepp Haneda (Tokyo)
Located near Tokyo's Haneda Airport, Zepp Haneda is one of the top concert venues in central Tokyo, accommodating about 3,000 people with excellent sound quality and sightlines. HIGE has held multiple shows here, and it's also one of the most accessible concert venues for international tourists. The surrounding area has many shopping malls and restaurants, making it perfect for pre- and post-show逛街 plans.
3. Makuhari Messe (Chiba City)
As one of Japan's largest exhibition and event venues, Makuhari Messe can accommodate over 10,000 people and is an important stage for HIGE's performances at major music festivals (such as ROCK IN JAPAN, Fuji Rock). If your trip happens to coincide with one of their festival appearances, this is undoubtedly the best pilgrimage destination. The venue is spacious with clear flow patterns, and it's very convenient to reach from central Tokyo by train.
4. Yoyogi First Gymnasium (Shinjuku)
This is the venue of choice for many of Japan's most iconic artists to hold concerts, and HIGE has also performed spectacular solo shows here. Located in the heart of Tokyo, Yoyogi First Gymnasium has excellent transportation connections, easily accessible from Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Harajuku—making it ideal to include in the middle of your Tokyo itinerary.
5. Hiroshima Hatchobori and Hondori Shopping Street
Several of HIGE's MVs were filmed in Hiroshima city, with filming locations for "Cream" and "I Love" reportedly scattered around Hatchobori and Hondori Shopping Street. Strolling these streets and trying to match the scenes from the MVs, you'll discover many familiar yet unfamiliar perspectives—it's an alternative pilgrimage method and a great opportunity to experience Hiroshima's urban charm.
6. Onomichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture)
About an hour's drive from Hiroshima City, Onomichi is famous as the city of slopes and has been a source of inspiration for many artistic creations. Some of HIGE's MVs are said to have been filmed in Onomichi. This city, blending mountain and sea scenery with nostalgic old streets, aligns perfectly with the simple yet poetic atmosphere in HIGE's music. If you have extra time, consider planning a side trip to Onomichi from Hiroshima to explore this often-overlooked gem.
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Transportation and Accommodation Tips
Transportation
When traveling from Taiwan to Japan to follow HIGE, your itinerary will typically be centered around two major hubs: Tokyo or Hiroshima. Flights from Taiwan to Tokyo are frequent, with multiple daily departures from China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, etc., with a flight time of approximately 3.5 hours. If your target is Hiroshima, you can fly to Osaka or Hiroshima, then take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima City.
For intra-city transportation in Japan, purchasing a Suica or PASMO IC card is recommended for Tokyo. These work on subways, buses, and some railways—convenient and time-saving. If your itinerary includes both Hiroshima and Tokyo, consider purchasing a JR PASS nationwide pass, which allows unlimited rides on Shinkansen and JR lines within designated zones—extremely cost-effective for long-distance travel.
For concert venues, Zepp Haneda can be reached by taking the Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Island Station, about a 5-minute walk from the venue. Yoyogi First Gymnasium is about a 3-minute walk from JR Yoyogi Station, making transportation very convenient. We recommend confirming venue locations when purchasing tickets and checking routes and required travel time in advance to avoid missing any great performances by rushing between venues.
Accommodation
Tokyo offers diverse accommodation options. If attending concerts is your primary purpose, we recommend choosing business hotels in the Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Shinagawa areas. These districts are not only conveniently located but also closer to major concert venues, and you won't be too exhausted returning to your hotel after a show. Chain business hotels like Toyoko Inn, APA HOTEL, or Super Hotel offer relatively affordable rates, with double rooms ranging from approximately ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 per night.
If you're planning a pilgrimage to Hiroshima, there are many hotels near JR Hiroshima Station in the city, such as Hiroshima Grand Crown Hotel or Hiroshima RIHGA Royal Hotel. These are not only convenient for transportation but also have excellent shopping and dining options. Accommodation costs in Hiroshima are considerably more budget-friendly than Tokyo—you might save 20% to 30% under similar conditions. If you're on a budget, consider prioritizing Hiroshima as your base.
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Local Food Recommendations
One of the greatest joys of following HIGE's journey is combining it with Japan's culinary experiences. Below are recommended restaurants and cuisine types for different areas.
In Hiroshima, we recommend trying Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is quite different from Osaka-style okonomiyaki. The noodles and cabbage are cooked separately and then stacked, creating richer layers of texture. The city has many affordable and popular shops, such as "Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Kohitsuji" or various stalls inside the "Okonomi Village" building—each with its own characteristics, so it pays to explore and compare. Hiroshima's Onomichi ramen is also highly representative, famous for its rich soy sauce broth and specially selected chashu. Don't miss it when visiting Onomichi.
In Tokyo, we recommend experiencing the izakaya (Japanese pub) culture around concert venues. Many restaurants near Zepp Haneda remain open even after shows end, with lively atmospheres—great places to connect with other fans. The Omoide Tunnel (Omoide Zaka) or Golden Gai area in Shinjuku is a cluster of izakayas with Showa-era charm, offering an authentic taste of Tokyo's nighttime culture.
Additionally, HIGE's MVs frequently feature convenience store scenes, and the food at Japanese convenience stores is far better than you might expect. The prepared foods and microwaveable items from 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are of surprisingly good quality. After late-night concerts, stopping by a convenience store for some oden or onigiri (rice balls) is the most affordable and most ritualistic way to end the night.
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Pre-Trip Preparation
There are several key things to note when preparing for your HIGE pilgrimage.
Getting Tickets is the biggest challenge. Japanese concert tickets are usually sold through a lottery system. The most common lottery platforms are "Live Nation," "Ticket Pia," and "Lawson Ticket." Foreigners need to pre-register a Japanese phone number and address for lottery registration, but many platforms now support overseas credit cards. We recommend starting to follow their official SNS at least two to three months before the show, and joining the official fan club to increase your chances of winning the lottery. If you can't get tickets through the lottery, you can try purchasing from legitimate resale platforms like "Tickettrading," but be sure to pay attention to prices and authenticity.
Language—we recommend downloading translation apps like Google Translate or DeepL to help with situations like ordering at restaurants and purchasing transportation tickets. English signage at major Japanese stations and tourist attractions has improved significantly, but concert venue staff primarily communicate in Japanese. Preparing some basic Japanese greetings in advance will make your trip much smoother.
Luggage—we recommend bringing enough spare clothing and lightweight rain gear. Japan's weather is changeable: summers are humid and hot, winters are cold. Adjust your clothing according to the season of travel. If you plan to jump and interact during the concert, wear comfortable shoes and avoid carrying too many items.
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Sample Itinerary (4 Days)
Below is a sample 4-day itinerary centered on Tokyo, covering concerts and pilgrimage elements. Feel free to adjust according to your personal needs.
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration Arrive in Tokyo in the morning, take a limousine bus or railway from Narita or Haneda Airport to Shinjuku and check in. In the afternoon, visit Shinjuku Isetan and Kinokuniya Bookstore to experience the pulse of metropolitan Tokyo. In the evening, head to Shibuya to visit the Hachiko statue and the famous intersection to kick off your evening dining adventure.
Day 2: Asakusa and Surroundings Morning visit to Senso-ji Temple's Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street to experience traditional Tokyo charm. After lunch, take a Sumida River sightseeing boat to enjoy waterfront scenery and catch a distant view of the Tokyo Skytree. In the evening, dine near Sumida Park, sampling tempura or unagi (eel rice). At night, you can visit Harajuku or Omotesando for some shopping to experience youth culture.
Day 3: Concert Day This day centers around the Zepp Haneda concert. In the morning, we recommend exploring the Odaiba area, visiting teamLab digital art museum or the Statue of Liberty replica to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside city. In the afternoon, head to the venue area early for dinner and merchandise shopping. Before the concert, take a break at a nearby shopping mall or waterfront park. After the show ends, celebrate with fans you've met at an izakaya—creating the most memorable night of the trip.
Day 4: Final Tour Before Departure Morning visit to Yoyogi Park to experience Tokyo's slower pace of life. If time permits, enjoy coffee at a nearby café while reviewing photos and videos from the past few days. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to collect luggage, take the railway to the airport, and bid farewell to this unforgettable pilgrimage journey.
If extending the trip to 5 days, consider dedicating Day 4 or Day 5 to a "Hiroshima Day Trip." Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima (approximately 4 hours), visit Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium and Hondori Shopping Street, return to Tokyo in the evening or depart directly from Hiroshima Airport.
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Conclusion
A journey following Official HIGE disM is not only a musical pilgrimage but also an excellent way to deeply understand Japanese cities and culture. From Hiroshima's land to Tokyo's stages, every location related to HIGE carries the traces of this band's journey. Do your homework, purchase tickets in advance, pack light, and you can immerse yourself in those catchy melodies and electrifying live performances alongside fans from around the world on foreign soil. Music knows no borders, and the sweat you shed and the tears you leave at a concert will become the most authentic weight of this journey. Wish you an unforgettable HIGE pilgrimage.
