Kansai Music Festivals [2026]: Spotlight on Must-See Outdoor Fests & Events

The Maizuru Playback Fest is held in the port town of Maizuru on the Sea of Japan in Kyoto. The event aims to revitalize the city, inspire hope, and give people a reason to fall in love with Maizuru by framing it as “a place to begin again” through music. We’ve all had those moments when, feeling down or low on energy, we’re moved by a comforting melody, a voice, or lyrics that deliver a message and give us a push forward. In this perfect seaside setting where you can feel the refreshing ocean breeze, the music you enjoy might help you discover a new version of yourself.

Rainbow’s End is an outdoor acoustic festival that used to take place at the Maruyama Park Outdoor Music Hall, right next to Gion, where you can savor the essence of Kyoto. In 2026, it will move to Nantan City and be held as a camping festival. It will likely be a rare opportunity to hear acoustic performances by artists who usually play live with full band setups.

It’s a summer festival hosted by 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto. It began in 2007, but the inaugural event had to be canceled due to a typhoon. However, there’s a saying that festivals canceled by a typhoon in their first year go on to become beloved and popular events… True to that saying, this festival has seen various legends unfold every year—perhaps thanks to the mysterious power of the organizers, the three members of 10-FEET, and all the attendees. The overall atmosphere is known for being warm and friendly among both performers and visitors. It’s an essential event that marks the start of summer in Kyoto.