[2026] Must-Know Information on Music Festivals and Outdoor Events in the Koshinetsu and Hokuriku Regions

Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

The Koshinetsu and Hokuriku regions are home to expansive, majestic mountains and crystal-clear skies.

Music festivals held here are drawing attention as special experiences where great outdoors and music intertwine.

In addition to performances by renowned artists, these events are packed with attractions like delicious local cuisine, hot springs, and camping unique to this area.

Savor blissful moments as you take in the grand scenery, wrapped in a pleasant breeze and the best music.

Use this article to help create wonderful memories with friends and family.

Past events

SAWAGI FESTIVALFri 8/22 – Sun 8/24, Yamanashi Prefecture

sawagifestival.com

A techno festival held at the private campground THE SOUTHERN PENINSULA. An outdoor festival set at a lush, high-class campsite in Minami-Izu. Featuring the luxurious headliners Shlømo, AWB, and PVNV, along with KEN ISHII, A.

It’s a danceable event featuring a star-studded lineup including Mochi (Figure) and ami.

Schedule	Fri–Sun, Aug 22–24, 2025
place	Hakushu, Village, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Website	https://sawagifestival.com/
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SUKIYAKI MEETS THE WORLDAug 22 (Fri)–24 (Sun), Toyama Prefecture

sukiyakifes.jp

Sukiyaki Meets the World is an event that has been held since 1991 and is Japan’s largest world music festival. In addition to enjoying world music performed by professional musicians, there are a variety of workshops, making it a citizen-participation event. It’s a great opportunity to fully enjoy world music that you might not usually encounter.

Schedule	Fri–Sun, Aug 22–24, 2025
place	Helios Fuku-no Cultural Creation Center, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
Website	http://sukiyakifes.jp
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AKABANE SONICIshikawa Prefecture, Sat 8/16–Sun 8/17

akabanesonic.com

Schedule	Sat, Aug 16–Sun, Aug 17, 2025
place	Akabane Hall, Hokkoku Shimbun, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Website	https://akabanesonic.com/

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Shima Dream Jazz in SadoThu, Aug 14 – Niigata Prefecture

http://www.shimayume.jp

Schedule	Thursday, August 14, 2025
place	354 Ryotsu-minato, Sado-shi, Niigata, Japan
Website	https://www.shimayume.jp/
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Kiyotsu River Riverside Music FestivalThu, Aug 14 – Niigata Prefecture

http://www.tokamachishikankou.jp

Schedule	Thursday, August 14, 2025
place	Kiyotsu River Fresh Park, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Website	https://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/event/kawapperi_ongakusai/

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NEXS FestivalSun, 8/10 – Niigata Prefecture

A music event held at Bandai City Park in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. Centered around DJs, a variety of top artists will deliver live performances. As a special feature of this event, attendees can enjoy numerous perks, such as discounted admission and unlimited drinks for women.

Schedule	Sun, Aug 10, 2025
place	Bandaij City Park, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
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Hakusan Ichirino Music FestivalSun, Aug 3 — Ishikawa Prefecture

This is a music festival held at the Hakusan Plateau ski resort in Ishikawa Prefecture. There’s no doubt the music will be amazing as you soak in the great outdoors! It looks like there will also be food booths featuring local gourmet specialties at the venue, so be sure to check those out too.

Schedule	Sunday, August 3, 2025
place	Hakusan Ichirino Kogen, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture

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