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

This is an urban music festival that has continually shared culture from the port city of Kobe. Under the banner “Culture sets sail for its next course,” it offers a captivating space where you can freely explore not only music, but also art, fashion, and food. In 2026, the venue will move from Meriken Park to GLION ARENA KOBE/TOTTEI PARK, taking place in the heart of the city where sea breezes meet an urban vibe. May 2026 marks the festival’s 5th anniversary—when a new voyage finally begins.

This jazz festival in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture began in 2017 and will mark its 10th edition in 2026. Embraced as a free-admission event that turns the entire city into a stage—from the plaza in front of JR Ashiya Station and local shopping streets to a grand hall and even a chapel—it has become a local favorite. As an official UNESCO International Jazz Day event, the festival has received a letter of appreciation from Herbie Hancock every year since its first edition, reflecting its roots in both the local community and the wider world. Held in May during Children’s Day, it delivers a day filled with music and smiles.

This is a spring global music event from Osaka launched by FM802 in 2025. With the aim of showcasing Japan’s proud live acts to the world, a diverse lineup of artists spanning genres and generations will come together. The venue is Osaka’s landmark, Osaka-jō Hall, for a night where rock, hip-hop, and pop intersect. AI, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, and amazarashi are among the acts, and the second edition will be held in April 2026.

At a music festival hosted by the outdoor tenugui brand CHAORAS, the theme is “Bringing tenugui culture to music festivals.” The venue is the Hattori Ryokuchi Open-Air Concert Hall in Toyonaka, Osaka—an outdoor space surrounded by greenery. Derailleur Brew Works, known for producing the Saka-no-Ue Music Festival, is sponsoring the event, with a diverse lineup including SPECIAL OTHERS, OYAT (Omoide-Yaro A Team), and Kuchiroro (□□□). Pets are welcome, and admission is free for junior high school students and younger, making it a day open to a wide audience. Scheduled for April 2026.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of FM COCOLO, a one-day outdoor music event will be held at a special venue on the Center Court of Osaka’s Utsubo Park. Utsubo Park is a lush oasis in the heart of the business district, with excellent access—about a 5-minute walk from Hommachi Station and Awaza Station. Curated by a radio station, the lineup features selections that resonate with adult listeners, with artists such as Stardust☆Review, Toshihide Baba, and Makoto Sugi. Scheduled for April 29, 2026.

REQUESTAGE is a listener-participation special live event launched by FM802 in 2002. The concept is to invite artists who receive many requests on the program to perform on stage, and to decide the songs people want to hear live through listener voting. It has been cherished as an event that reflects the Kansai music scene. The venue is always Osaka-jō Hall, and it has become a staple spring event drawing audiences of around 10,000. In April 2026, it will be held with special sponsorship from Kiyo Bank.