[Held in 2025] Recommended Music Festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you should visit at least once

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.

A 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.

It’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.

When 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!

MERRY 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!