January Music Festivals [2025–2026]: A roundup of New Year’s music events, including winter festivals and outdoor live shows

This event takes a novel approach by combining hot springs and music. It involves renting out a hot spring inn in Fukushima and holding a live concert for 150 people in the grand banquet hall. The audience can enjoy being close to the artists as well as the hot spring ryokan itself—what a wonderful event. After the earthquake, a third of the establishments in the host area, Tsuchiyu Onsen Town, closed down. This event was launched to help bring vibrancy back to the hot spring town.

This event, launched with the hope of brightening and energizing Niigata, is a jazz festival held at venues such as restaurants, jazz cafes, and halls throughout Niigata City. Influenced by the postwar occupation forces and the American Cultural Center, Niigata has long had strong ties to jazz. On this day, the city becomes a “music theme park,” offering a day of enjoyment for everyone from adults to children.

It has been 30 years since the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks relocated to Fukuoka. As one of the commemorative projects for this 30th anniversary year, the FUKUOKA MUSIC FES will be held. This is their first music festival as a self-produced event. In honor of the 30th anniversary, the lineup is star-studded! There are tickets that let you enjoy experiences unique to the Yafuoku Dome, as well as VIP tickets that include access to a buffet.

This is a jazz festival held at the Gifu Civic Hall Main Auditorium. If you want to listen to or experience jazz in Gifu, be sure to check it out.