Autumn Music Festivals in Western Japan [2025–2026]

More than 30 stages will be set up in total across the central shopping streets, parks, and around Oita Station, where about 250 groups—1,000 musicians in all—from within and outside the prefecture will put on performances. The genres are diverse, with an array of music filling the city, from pop and jazz to rock and classical.

This festival carries the meaning of connecting people through music. Since it’s an event created with the intention of energizing Osaka as it shares music from the city, it has drawn large crowds and, just as hoped, is generating great excitement.

Himeji Sound Topology, which began with the desire to root music in the Banshu region, is a circuit-style festival that uses three venues around Himeji Honmachi. About half of the performers are local artists, making it a festival brimming with hometown pride.

This is the Kawajan Rock Festival held in Shimanto City in western Kochi Prefecture. It takes place at a beautiful green campground right beside the Shimanto River. Every year, many artists from within Kochi and from the Kansai area perform. In the past, acts like BEGIN, KING BROTHERS, and Ryo Kagawa have appeared. Best of all, admission is free! It’s a wonderful festival where you can enjoy music in nature all day long.

The outdoor rock festival HAZIKETEMAZARE, hosted by Osaka rock band HEY-SMITH, will be held again this year. It originally started as an event at live music venues, but later moved outdoors. It has finally become a staple of summer outdoor festivals. HAZIMAZA is an event full of playful spirit that only HEY-SMITH can deliver.