[2025–2026] Recommended Music Festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you should attend at least once

ROCK IN JAPAN, organized by Rockin’ On Japan, is one of Japan’s premier summer festivals alongside Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock. Since 2014 it has been held over four days, making it one of the largest events in the country. With an exceptionally impressive lineup every year, attending Rockin’ might be the perfect way to catch all the most popular Japanese bands.

ULTRA, one of the world’s largest music festivals originally held in the United States, has been held in Japan since 2014. Staged across the globe, ULTRA has become a major festival in Japan as well, known for its overwhelmingly lavish production. With countless artists who lead the global dance music scene performing, this is an event you can’t take your eyes off.

ROCK IN JAPAN, organized by Rockin’ On Japan, is one of Japan’s premier summer festivals alongside Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock. Since 2014 it has been held over four days, making it one of the largest events in the country. With an exceptionally impressive lineup every year, attending Rockin’ might be the perfect way to catch all the most popular Japanese bands.

Inazuma Rock, an outdoor rock festival with an uncompromising focus on Shiga Prefecture, organized by Takanori Nishikawa—who hails from Shiga and serves as a Shiga Hometown Tourism Ambassador—has been confirmed for this year as well. Held in an unbeatable setting by Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei, the event mainly features artists connected to Shiga or who have ties with Nishikawa. Part of the venue offers free admission, and there’s even a stage within the free area where you can enjoy live performances! Nishikawa is also known for his engaging talk segments, so it’ll be exciting to see how he fires up the crowd.

Freedom once overcame a crisis of cancellation through crowdfunding. It’s a “thank-you” festival for music fans, with a strong commitment to keeping admission free. On the day, live performances will take place one after another across multiple stages. Odaka Ryokuchi, the venue, is a pleasant spot with plenty of trees and lawns, and it’s also close to the station—access is excellent.

MEET THE WORLD BEAT is an event hosted by FM802 where you can fully enjoy performances from emerging artists to hugely popular stars. The standout feature of this event is that attendees are invited by lottery from among FM802 listeners, and those selected can participate for free. Tune in to FM802 and join MEET THE WORLD BEAT!