The Asahikawa Bluegrass Festival is a bluegrass celebration held every September in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. The venue is the Shimada Music Hall in Etanbetsu, Asahikawa City—its exterior looks like a red-roofed cowshed, but inside it’s a beautiful concert hall. Because it’s held indoors, performances can proceed smoothly even in rainy years, offering peace of mind. In 2026, the festival will take place over two days, September 12 and 13, marking the 10th edition following the 9th held the previous year.

Set against the grounds of Senshōzan Senryū-ji, an ancient temple said to have been founded in the Nara period, this is a handmade festival of coffee and music presented by “comaecolor,” a pro bono team of Komae citizens. Eighteen roasters from Japan and abroad gather day by day along the verdant approach, while 15 acoustic-centered artists perform on stage nearby. Held over three days during Golden Week in May 2026, it is a beloved, homegrown event that has grown with each edition.

The Kamakura Petit Rock Festival is an outdoor live music event without electricity that has been running since 2014. Held at Yuigahama Seaside Park, attendees can enjoy up-close, unplugged performances while feeling the sea breeze. Aiming to provide a space to experience music itself up close—rather than music as branded consumption—diverse artists, both famous and unknown, perform simultaneously across multiple sites. Admission is free, making it easy for everyone from children and local residents to tourists to drop by. Scheduled for May 2026.

The Tsurumai Park Bluegrass Music Festival, commonly known as “Tsurumai Fes,” is an outdoor music event centered on bluegrass, the acoustic genre that originated in Kentucky, USA. It takes place in the plaza in front of the Music Pavilion at Tsurumai Park in Showa Ward, Nagoya, and is held concurrently with the Spring Flower Festival. Enjoy a day of live performances by a variety of bands showcasing the charms of bluegrass—from its lively, dance-inducing rhythms to its beautiful harmonies. Admission is free, and the event will be held in May 2026.