Kansai Music Festivals [2025–2026]: Special Feature on Must-See Outdoor Fests & Events

Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Live performances resonating from vast outdoor stages, the electric energy created by artists and fans as one, and making memories with friends.

This year, a variety of unique music festivals will once again be held across the Kansai region.

In these special spaces where diverse genres—rock, pop, jazz, and more—intertwine, why not experience irreplaceable moments of excitement?

In this article, we introduce standout outdoor festivals and event information.

Past events

Festival of NotesSun, May 25 – Sun, June 1, Hyogo Prefecture

onpunosaiten.com

Schedule	Sunday, May 25, 2025 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
place	Izushi Shrine, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture / Blue Ridge Hotel / Toyooka Keikodo & Civic Gallery / Toyooka Civic Plaza – Hot Stage / Kokufu District Community Center / Nakatakeno Furusato Hall / Kodō District Community Center / Shōzen-ji Temple / Kiyamachi Koji Alley / Tajima Airport (Konotori Tajima Airport) – Lobby / Toyooka Civic Hall – Culture Hall
Website	https://onpunosaiten.com/event/
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External StrengthSun, May 25 – Shiga Prefecture

Schedule	Sunday, May 25, 2025
place	Special Event Venue at Omi-Maiko Minami-hama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
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Tezukayama Music FestivalSat 5/24 – Sun 5/25, Osaka Prefecture

http://www.tezukayama.com

A music festival in the Tezukayama area. Since it began as an event to revitalize the community, in addition to live stages there are also bazaars, exhibitions, and music classes, with local residents working together to host a variety of activities. It offers content that many people can enjoy.

Schedule	Sat., May 24–Sun., May 25, 2025
place	Bandaike Park, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka Prefecture
Website	http://www.tezukayama.com/ongakusai/

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The world foreverSun, 5/18 – Kyoto Prefecture

sekaiwa.info

“Itsuseka” is a circuit-style event organized by Six Blitz in Kyoto. Steeped in DIY spirit, it’s held with the aim of energizing Kyoto’s music scene. They’re also recruiting volunteer staff, so joining behind the scenes could be a great option. As a circuit event, many shops and music spots serve as venues. “The world will always be…”—what words would you add after that?

Schedule	Sunday, May 18, 2025
place	Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Nakagyo Ward / Multiple venues such as live music clubs and restaurants
Website	http://sekaiwa.info
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KANSAI ROCK SUMMITSun, May 18 – Osaka Prefecture

crowmusic.jp

KANSAI ROCK SUMMIT, held since 2014, is one of the largest visual kei circuit festivals in the Kansai region. Using live houses around Osaka’s Amerikamura as venues, a wide variety of visual kei artists perform one after another. There aren’t many visual kei events on this scale, are there?

Schedule	Sunday, May 18, 2025
place	Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City BIGCAT / OSAKA MUSE / FANJ twice / LIVEHOUSE BRONZE / SHOVEL / Live House ANIMA / SUNHALL / SUNHALL WEST (Ai-Karyu out-store)
Website	http://crowmusic.jp/2025/01/01/%E8%A5%BF%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%80%E5%A4%A7%E7%B4%9Avisual%E7%B3%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9%EF%BC%81kansai-rock-summit25-explosion-circuit-vol-13-2025-5-18%E6%97%A5%E8%81%96%E5%9C%B0%E3%82%A2/
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COMING KOBESun, May 18 — Hyogo Prefecture

comingkobe.com

Kobe, which recovered and rebuilt after the damage caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. There was a great deal of support for the recovery. This charity festival began as a way to give back for that support and has been held every year since. Admission is free every year, and donations are collected throughout the venue. The event has safely been confirmed to take place again this year.