Summer Music Festivals Held in Eastern Japan [2025–2026]

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 a live event hosted by NONA REEVES. It has been held in Nagano Prefecture, the hometown of drummer Shigeru Komatsu, since 2019. As a pop ‘n’ soul band that pursues a sound with a strong focus on pop music—and is active beyond band activities by publishing a guidebook on ’80s pop and providing songs to other artists—it’s also worth noting which artists they invite. The event, crafted by musicians who are deeply dedicated to sound, is well worth the trip to Nagano.

SUMMER STATION LIVE Arena is an urban-style festival organized by TV Asahi, held right in the heart of Roppongi Hills. In addition to live music, there are many fun booths collaborating with popular TV programs, so people of all ages are sure to enjoy it.

This year’s Tokyo Tango Festival is a special edition, welcoming new tango friends from across Asia, including South Korea and Taiwan. They, too, are fired up to perform alongside Japan’s leading top groups.

Japan’s number one yakiniku town is hosting a rock festival! Yakiniku and music that bring smiles to people’s faces. The lineup is as sizzling hot as the barbecue itself! Whatever your definition of rock, let’s share a hot and exciting time together! At the venue on the day, there will be a zone where you can enjoy yakiniku empty-handed—just show up and dig in.

This event, held since 2009 under the name KESEN ROCK, wasn’t started by band members or event promoters but by ordinary people. It’s said to be “an event entirely handmade without even knowing what a rock festival is,” and, D.

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It’s an event brimming with the spirit of Y.