Music festival in Western Japan held during Golden Week [2026]

“OTODAMA – Onsensoul” is a Japanese rock festival run by the Kansai promoter Shimizu Onsen, held continuously since 2005. The venue is Izumiotsu Phoenix in Osaka, known for its open, seaside setting. Playing on the words “onsen” (hot spring) and “onsen” (sound spring), the grounds feature hot-spring-inspired touches throughout, and its unique worldbuilding—incorporating different motifs each year—is part of the appeal. In May 2026, it will take place over two days during Golden Week.

This music event, which began in Takamatsu City in 2011, is held under the banner “Music on the Street @ Kagawa” to enliven the city. On the first day, “MUSIC ON THE STREET” takes place across eight venues in the central downtown area, including Marugamemachi and in front of Takamatsu Station; on the second day, “MUSIC BY THE SEA” unfolds along the waterfront at Sunport—letting visitors enjoy both the city and the sea. A diverse lineup of performers from all genres brings color to street corners. Scheduled for May 2026, it is being organized in collaboration with UNESCO International Jazz Day 2026.

The Hateruma Island Music Festival is a remote-island fest that began in 1997, launched by singer and island native Isamu Kajiiku and volunteers from the local alumni association to revitalize the island. The venue is an open-air stage on Hateruma Island, which floats north of Iriomote Island and has only a few dozen residents, offering a stunning location overlooking an emerald-green sea. With the theme “Let it reach you! Big energy from a small island,” island songs, sanshin, and pop music resound as locals and visitors come together in rhythm and applause. It will be held in May 2026 during the Golden Week holiday.

Imaike Yuran Music Festival is a live-circuit music festival in Nagoya’s Imaike area that started in 2016. With multiple longtime live houses clustered around Imaike Subway Station, attendees can freely move between venues and spend a whole day touring a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, and jazz. The festival also collaborates with the Imaike shopping street, featuring community-wide programs such as open-air karaoke and blues performances. The 13th edition will be held in May 2026.