[2026] Special Feature on Music Festivals & Outdoor Events in the Chugoku and Shikoku Regions

As a spin-off of hoshioto, which is held annually in Okayama Prefecture, this event is titled machioto because, unlike hoshioto—which takes place at a campground under starry skies—it is held in live music venues in the city. It’s a circuit-style event that takes place across several live houses in Okayama City. Why not come and discover some new music?

A spring festival organized by YUMEBANCHI, a company that plans and produces events, kicked off in Okayama in 2023. For locals, it’s exciting not to have to travel out of the prefecture to see those artists come to Okayama! The festival features two stages, the SOLID STAGE and the STRIPED STAGE, so if there’s an artist you absolutely want to be up front for, it’s a good idea to check the setlists in advance and plan accordingly.

Hoshioto is held in Okayama Prefecture. Taking place in the nature-rich city of Ibara, Okayama, as the event title suggests, once night falls you can enjoy a collaboration of beautiful starry skies and music. At hoshioto in 2016, it’s said that a very beautiful starry sky was visible during Sawagi’s headlining set. We’re praying for good weather again this year!

This is a large-scale event held every March with the aim of connecting Hiroshima’s city and sea. The venue features a rich lineup, including popular food and drink vendors selected from across the country—along with beloved local spots—hands-on maritime activities you can enjoy by boarding a boat, and events on Ninoshima Island. At the Minato Stage music event, you can enjoy performances ranging from artists with ties to Hiroshima to up-and-coming next-generation musicians. There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy together.