Musikfest Nara, whose name comes from the German word for “music festival,” is a large-scale music festival organized by Nara Prefecture that began in 2012. Venues across the prefecture include World Heritage shrines and temples, historic halls, as well as cafés and community centers in town, blending the ancient capital’s scenery with a rich variety of sounds. Centered on classical music, the lineup spans jazz, traditional Japanese music, world/folk music, and rock, fostering a community-wide music culture. In 2026, it will run for an extended period from May through December.

The Hakodate Dynamite Summer Fest is a southern Hokkaido entertainment festival held every year over the three-day weekend that includes Marine Day in July, taking place throughout the city of Hakodate. With the motto “If it’s not fun, it’s not an event,” it’s loved as a lively summer festival that brings together music, activities, and food, and has been a staple of Hakodate’s summer since 2021. In 2026, it will be held from July 18 to 20 at Hakodate Green Plaza.