[2025–2026] Recommended Music Festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you should attend at least once
We’ll introduce classic, large-scale, must-visit music and rock festivals!
From Japan’s “Big Four” festivals to major New Year’s countdown events, these picks are perfect for seasoned festival-goers and first-timers alike.
Check this out to catch up on the latest rock festival trends!
November
CROSS ROAD FestSat 11/15–Sun 11/16, Chiba Prefecture
https://x.com/crossroadfest/status/1920433518611407066| Schedule | Sat, Nov 15–Sun, Nov 16, 2025 |
| place | Makuhari Event Hall, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | https://crossroadfest.com/ |
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Kishidan ExpoSat 11/15–Sun 11/16, Chiba Prefecture
Kishidan Expo, organized by the rock band Kishidan, was first held as an outdoor festival in 2012. Set at Sodegaura Seaside Park in Chiba Prefecture, it grew into a major rock festival that drew 60,000 attendees in 2014. As the title suggests, the event is hosted by the rock band Kishidan, and its appeal lies in a remarkably diverse lineup—from rock bands and singer-songwriters to idol groups—allowing audiences to enjoy many popular acts all at once.
| Schedule | Sat, Nov 15–Sun, Nov 16, 2025 |
| place | Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9–11, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | http://www.kishidanbanpaku.com |
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Festival of Infinite FutureNov 22 (Sat) – 24 (Mon), Chiba Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLq4ShPynUz/| Schedule | Sat, Nov 22, 2025 – Mon, Nov 24, 2025 |
| place | Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9–11, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | https://jinmiraisai.com/ |
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December
At ShimokitazawaSat, Dec 6 – Tokyo Metropolis
https://www.instagram.com/p/DM2h7r1xtZqA circuit-style event held in the Shimokitazawa area—home to restaurants, vintage clothing stores, record shops, and live houses, and a hub for diverse culture—Shimokitazawa Nite. The organizers are the band THE Love Ningen. The event is held with the theme of creating new connections through music. With a stamp rally and performances by elementary and junior high school bands, it’s an event that can be enjoyed not only by adults but also by children.
| Schedule | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| place | Tokyo, Setagaya City, Shangri-La / CLUB251 / 440 / BASEMENTBAR / THREE / Flowers Loft / mona records / CREAM / ReG / SHELTER / LIVE HAUS / MOSAiC / DaisyBar / Laguna / ERA / WAVER / Chikamatsu / Chikamichi (Shortcut) / Otema-e / Shimokita Senrogai Open Space / Shimokitazawa Station Front Plaza |
| Website | http://www.shimokita-nite.net/ |
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Nagata Grand MarchSat, 12/6, Hyogo Prefecture
https://x.com/gagagafestival/status/1977660729546445041It’s a festival hosted by the hugely popular youth punk band, Gagaga SP. The festival was organized out of a passionate desire to keep bands rooted in Kobe. All the performers are fiery artists whom Gagaga SP themselves genuinely want to share the stage with.
| Schedule | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| place | Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, HoborStudio |
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Kyoto Sound ExpressDec 13 (Sat) – 14 (Sun), Kyoto Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIoJscIJXUeWhen it comes to summer festivals in Kyoto, 10-FEET’s Kyoto Daisakusen is the obvious pick, but the winter tradition has to be Kyoto-born rock band ROTTENGRAFFTY’s Kyouto Chotokkyu. In 2014, the event moved to Pulse Plaza, and since 2016 it has expanded to a two-day format—Kyouto Chotokkyu is a festival you simply can’t take your eyes off as it keeps growing!
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Dec 13–14, 2025 |
| place | Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto Pulse Plaza |
| Website | http://porno.rotten-g.com/ |
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MERRY ROCK PARADESat 12/20 – Sun 12/21, Aichi Prefecture
https://x.com/merryrockparade/status/1964123886011764792MERRY ROCK PARADE is held every year during the Christmas season. The annual Merry Rock is a can’t-miss Christmas rock festival! Let’s go all out at Merry Rock this Christmas!
| Schedule | Saturday–Sunday, December 20–21, 2025 |
| place | Port Messe Nagoya, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture |
| Website | http://www.merryrockparade.jp/ |
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