Jazz Festivals in Western Japan [2025–2026]: List of Jazz Streets

Sasebo’s major autumn event, Sasebo JAZZ! Starting around September, this jazz festival features concerts at various venues throughout Sasebo City, and on this day, the event at Arkas SASEBO serves as the grand finale of Sasebo Jazz. How about enjoying jazz in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Sasebo?

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter preserves townscapes from the Edo period. This jazz festival takes place in this area steeped in historical charm. A small river runs through the quarter, and rows of traditional white-walled buildings create a wonderful atmosphere. A jazz festival held in such a setting is sure to be something special.

In 2003, with the hope of “someday holding a citywide jazz event in Okazaki like the Kobe Jazz Street,” the precursor to the current executive committee, the Okazaki Jazz Fun Club, was established. After three years of preparation, the first Okazaki Jazz Street was held in 2006, and it has since become a staple autumn event. The festival features both free and paid venues, with nearly 300 musicians performing.