Kanto’s Popular Music Festivals [2026]: A Complete Guide to Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Outdoor Events

The Nerima Jazz Festival, launched in 2012 with the aim of revitalizing the town through music from the street corner, has continued for 15 years despite three cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year marks its 12th edition. The venue is the Lawn Plaza in Tokyo Metropolitan Hikarigaoka Park in Nerima Ward, and admission is free. Food trucks, dining areas, and merchandise tents will line the grounds, and about 40 bands will perform across the First and Second Stages over two days. It’s an outdoor jazz festival that can be easily enjoyed by everyone from children to adults. Scheduled for September 2026.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shinjuku LOFT, counting from its days in Nishi-Shinjuku, a music event will be held in a circuit format connecting nine venues around Kabukicho, including ZEPP Shinjuku, Shinjuku LOFT, and SHINJUKU MARZ. Upholding the mission unique to a long-established live house—aiming to create a communication space that bridges all kinds of music, forms of expression, and generations—the first lineup features cali≠gari, SAKANAMON, deadman, and more. The event will take place in October 2026.