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Jazz Festivals in Eastern Japan [2026] JAZZ Street List

As the name suggests, a jazz fest refers to a music festival dedicated to jazz.

Sometimes it’s held at a single venue, but quite often it takes place across multiple spots—like live houses, shops around town, or local landmarks.

In those cases, it’s also called a circuit event or a “Jazz Street,” turning the whole city into a wonderful day filled with jazz.

In this article, we’ll introduce jazz festivals held in eastern Japan.

Along with famous festivals in Tokyo and Yokohama, we’ll also feature events set in the great outdoors, so we hope you find a wonderful event and give it a try!

Past events

Niigata Jazz StreetSat, Jan 24 — Niigata Prefecture

This event, launched with the hope of brightening and energizing Niigata, is a jazz festival held at venues such as restaurants, jazz cafes, and halls throughout Niigata City. Influenced by the postwar occupation forces and the American Cultural Center, Niigata has long had strong ties to jazz. On this day, the city becomes a “music theme park,” offering a day of enjoyment for everyone from adults to children.

ScheduleSaturday, January 24, 2026
placeNiigata Prefecture, Niigata City / Various venues in the city center
Websitehttps://niigatajazzstreet.com/

HAKODATE WINTER JAZZ FESTIVALSun, Jan 18 — Hokkaido

ScheduleSunday, January 18, 2026
placeHokkaido, Hakodate City, Hakodate City Art Hall
Websitehttps://www.hakobura.jp/events/208

Tama Music FestivalSat, Jan 17 — Kanagawa Prefecture

The cozy, community-driven music festival created by Tama Ward residents began in 2011. It’s held to provide a stage for artists active around Tama Ward and to boost local vitality and交流 through music. Participating artists cover a wide range of genres—jazz, brass band, dance, rock, pop—offering programs that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a wonderful environment where local children can grow up familiar with music and have the chance to perform on stage. We hope you’ll join with your family!

ScheduleSaturday, January 17, 2026
placeKawasaki City Tama Civic Hall, Kanagawa Prefecture
Websitehttps://www.ongakunomachi.jp/event/33835/
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MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPANDec 5 (Fri) – 7 (Sun), Kanagawa Prefecture

One of the world’s three major jazz festivals, the Montreux Jazz Festival, is set to be held in Tokyo this October as Montreux Jazz Festival Japan 2016! In addition to live performances by top artists from Japan and abroad, a variety of events such as workshops will also take place.

ScheduleFri–Sun, Dec 5–7, 2025
placePia Arena MM, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Websitehttp://www.montreuxjazz.jp
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Ochanomizu Cultural FestivalSun, 11/30, Tokyo Metropolis

A festival held under the concepts of “giving back to the town of our alma mater” and “revitalizing Ochanomizu.” Quite renowned jazz musicians also perform. It’s a fantastic festival where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of jazz, so it’s sure to be a hit!

ScheduleSunday, November 30, 2025
place1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo / Meiji University Surugadai Campus, Academy Hall
Websitehttp://www.jazzsai.com/index.html

BONIN ISLAND JAZZThu, Nov 27 – Tue, Dec 2, Tokyo Metropolis

ScheduleThursday, November 27, 2025 – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
placeChichijima, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo
Websitehttps://www.boninislandjazz.com/
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BONIN ISLNAD JAZZThu, Nov 27 – Tue, Dec 2, Tokyo Metropolis

ScheduleThursday, November 27, 2025 – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
placeOgasayama Park Festival Plaza, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo
Websitehttps://www.boninislandjazz.com/
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