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

The decisive Sekigahara Divas Battle! In Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture, idols from all over Japan gather to deliver a torrent of performances. From morning till night, adorable performers keep singing and dancing—an unmissable day for idol fans. Even if you’re new to idols, if you love a festival atmosphere, you won’t want to miss this. It’s sure to be an event that will go down in the history of Japanese idols—no, in Japanese history itself. Be a witness to history!

Held every year on summer nights when the shopping street becomes a pedestrian zone, the Ishiyama Saturday Night Market features live music across various genres, dance performances, and food stalls. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy, including those with children. How about stopping by for a cool evening out?

This is a jazz festival held in Hida-Takayama, famous for its gassho-style houses. Jazz was originally created by Black musicians, but it has come to be enjoyed around the world and has evolved continually over many years. In much the same way, Hida-Takayama has become a place that attracts people from all over the globe and continues to evolve day by day. This event is imbued with the hope that, despite these changes, it will not lose what lies at its core.

NUMBER SHOT has been held since 2014 as a successor to HIGHER GROUND, which took place from 2003 at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Outdoor Theater in Fukuoka Prefecture. Its hallmark is a relatively wide-ranging lineup, from rock bands and singer-songwriters to reggae groups. It’s one of those essential events in Kyushu’s summer live music scene.

A massive festival will be held in Maishima, conveniently accessible from central Osaka and located very close to USJ, just as the event title suggests. Centered on pop and rock yet not confined to any specific genre, it’s an event that families can enjoy as well.