List of Jazz Festivals and Jazz Streets Across Japan [2026]

Nakasu is the large entertainment district in Hakata, Kyushu. Nakasu Jazz was launched to make this already bustling area even more vibrant. The event is committed to offering high-quality jazz performances free of charge, and it has continued thanks to the support of many jazz fans.

Since 1977, this has been a long-running event. It takes place at Seagaia. It’s divided into Jazz Night and Juke Night: Jazz Night features seasoned veterans, while Juke Night brings together trending bands and artists, drawing a lively crowd of all ages.

It’s the Kawaguchi Street Jazz Festival. In addition to live jazz performances, you can also enjoy dance and other performances at several venues around Kawaguchi Station.

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.

A wide variety of artists will perform live at nearly 40 venues set up throughout downtown Sendai. Just like choosing your favorite dishes in a bustling cafeteria where people gather, the event is held with the hope that you’ll discover and savor your very own music from the wealth of sounds from around the world spilling across the city. That’s the true charm of a jazz street.

Kanazawa Jazz Street is held under the concept of sharing jazz from Kanazawa—a city that honors tradition while embracing innovation—with the world. Aiming to be a festival where anyone can take part, it fosters交流 among a wide range of musicians and audience members—young and old, professional and amateur alike.

This is a jazz festival held in the hot spring town of Matsunoyama in Niigata Prefecture. You can enjoy live jazz performances at venues set up around the town. After the event, why not soak in the hot springs to unwind before heading home? It might just make for a perfect day.