Hokkaido & Tohoku Summer Festivals [2025–2026]: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Music Events

This historic festival in Kushiro, Hokkaido began in 1985. It started by turning the troublesome sea fog—something the locals often contend with—into a unique event theme. Highlights include not only live performances by artists, but also food stalls and kitchen cars from local shops offering delicious fare, as well as a sound-and-light fog laser show in collaboration with DJs. Since 2021, there have also been booths where you can experience glamping and day-trip camping. It’s well worth the trip: enjoy music and food while taking in the natural surroundings!

Nango Summer Jazz Festival. Not only can you enjoy performances by many artists, but Nango, where the event is held, is also a famous tourist destination, and it offers local specialties such as Nango soba and blueberries. It seems you can camp at the venue from the night of the event until the next morning, so it would be nice to enjoy the jazz festival for a full day, stay overnight, and spend the second day sightseeing in Nango.

The Oga Namahage Rock Festival held in Akita Prefecture was launched to revitalize the region by drawing many visitors to Oga, increasing Oga’s name recognition, and fostering local pride. Artists from a wide range of genres—such as mixture, hardcore, and reggae—come together to create two exhilarating days.