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

Nango Summer Jazz Festival. Not only can you enjoy performances by many artists, but Nango, where the event is held, is also a famous tourist destination, and it offers local specialties such as Nango soba and blueberries. It seems you can camp at the venue from the night of the event until the next morning, so it would be nice to enjoy the jazz festival for a full day, stay overnight, and spend the second day sightseeing in Nango.

The Monterey Jazz Festival in Noto began in 1989 as a friendship initiative through jazz by the City of Monterey in the United States and the Wakura Onsen Tourism Association of Nanao City. Due to this history, the program features performances by a U.S. all-star jazz orchestra as well as by Japanese junior high school big bands.

A uniquely Hokkaido event that fuses live music with Hokkaido cuisine. Over the course of a month, live performances are held in the Sapporo Music Tent that appears in Odori Park and at multiple venues throughout Sapporo. The tent is set up like a restaurant, providing a relaxed space where you can sit down, enjoy a meal, and take in the live music.

This is an event named after guitarist Django Reinhardt, known as the founder of Gypsy jazz. Numerous artists who resonate with his spirit will perform, with Gypsy jazz at the core. The event is packed with participatory programs such as free sessions and workshops.