[Held in 2026] Recommended music festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you’ll want to attend at least once

ROCK IN JAPAN, organized by Rockin’ On Japan, is one of Japan’s premier summer festivals alongside Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock. Since 2014 it has been held over four days, making it one of the largest events in the country. With an exceptionally impressive lineup every year, attending Rockin’ might be the perfect way to catch all the most popular Japanese bands.

Inazuma Rock, an outdoor rock festival with an uncompromising focus on Shiga Prefecture, organized by Takanori Nishikawa—who hails from Shiga and serves as a Shiga Hometown Tourism Ambassador—has been confirmed for this year as well. Held in an unbeatable setting by Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei, the event mainly features artists connected to Shiga or who have ties with Nishikawa. Part of the venue offers free admission, and there’s even a stage within the free area where you can enjoy live performances! Nishikawa is also known for his engaging talk segments, so it’ll be exciting to see how he fires up the crowd.

Koyabu Sonic is hosted by Chihiro Koyabu, a hugely popular TV personality known for Yoshimoto Shinkigeki. The event will take place over three days using Halls 2 and 5 at Intex Osaka. In addition to performances by the Yoshimoto Shinkigekis band—formed by Yoshimoto comedians who are expanding their activities across the country—many comedian stages are also planned.

The outdoor rock festival HAZIKETEMAZARE, hosted by Osaka rock band HEY-SMITH, will be held again this year. It originally started as an event at live music venues, but later moved outdoors. It has finally become a staple of summer outdoor festivals. HAZIMAZA is an event full of playful spirit that only HEY-SMITH can deliver.

Borofesta is held at Kyoto KBS Hall—whose stained glass behind the stage is truly striking—and at the live music venue METRO. Organized entirely as a D.I.Y. festival by an executive committee made up of people working in music, such as live house staff and band members, along with many volunteer staff, Borofesta offers a wealth of perspectives unique to a D.I.Y. festival and enjoyment you won’t find at other events.