Tokyo Music Festivals [2025–2026] Outdoor Festivals & Events Guide

Calling himself a “walking melanin pigment,” Shigeru Matsuzaki has finally named the event he organizes “Kuro-Fes” (Black Fest). Not only bands, enka singers, and idols he’s close with, but even impressionists are on the lineup. There’s no festival other than Kuro-Fes that people of all ages can enjoy! If you like even one of the artists, you can’t miss such a star-studded lineup!

Slow LIVE is an open-air festival held at Ikegami Honmon-ji, a temple in Tokyo with over 700 years of history. Embracing the principles of Slow Food in music as well, the event is guided by the concept of “let’s enjoy music slowly.” On the day, there is a single-stage setup with seating, and more changeover time than at typical festivals, so you can take your time not only with the live performances but also with food and more.

a-nation, organized by Avex, is a large-scale music festival that has been held since 2002. With a lineup packed with popular artists, it continues to captivate many music fans every year. In 2018, the festival expanded in scale and was held over six days across four cities in Japan. The Tokyo shows took place over two days at Ajinomoto Stadium.

SUKIYAKI MEETS THE WORLD has long been beloved as one of Japan’s leading events introducing world music and culture, held in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Sukiyaki Tokyo was conceived so that artists visiting Japan for this event could tour the country and bring the experience to Tokyo as well. It offers a rare opportunity in Tokyo to enjoy authentic music you don’t usually get to see up close, as if you were actually there—making for a truly special time.

This is a festival where you can fully experience Okinawa while in Tokyo—the Ryukyu Festival. It’s held every year, featuring live performances by a variety of musicians themed around Ryukyu. Numerous Ryukyu-themed food and drink vendors also take part, earning it a reputation as a way to ‘take a trip’ without leaving the city. If you love Okinawan culture, be sure to check it out.