Kansai Jazz Festival List [2026]

The Otsu Jazz Festival is held under the concept of “strolling the city with JAZZ.” Operating costs are covered through donations and contributions, making it a truly handcrafted festival supported by its participants. The event is also run primarily by volunteers. Please relax and enjoy jazz while taking in the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa.

This is a jazz festival held in Kadoma, Osaka. Taking place in early October, when the autumn breeze is refreshing and it feels great to be outdoors, the festival unfolds throughout the city of Kadoma—perfect for spending a relaxing time. It is organized as a community-focused event, driven by the idea of combining the power of jazz and local citizens to bring vibrancy to the city.

Kobe Jazz Street is a jazz festival with an uncompromising passion for jazz. In Kobe, they are committed to preserving traditional, orthodox jazz, so they recruit performers with a focus on traditional jazz and, rather than solos, on ensembles. Every year, jazz musicians from Japan and abroad—both professionals and amateurs—gather to take part.

The Izumi no Kuni Jazz Street held in Izumi, Osaka. As the title “Jazz Street” suggests, various artists perform live at venues such as shops around town. Street performances are free to attend, so why not drop by and enjoy them?

The Hirakata-juku Jazz Street is an initiative led by a citizens’ group and has grown to attract as many as 10,000 attendees. Marking the 70th anniversary of the city’s incorporation this year, under the slogan “Hirakata City: 70 Years of Dreams, Soaring Even Higher,” they are taking a flexible approach—without limiting themselves to jazz—to energize the city.