Featured Spring Festivals in Hokkaido & Tohoku [2026]

The Kaminoyama Music Festival has been held at Kaminoyama Onsen since 2016. Under the theme “The Joy of Music Resonating Through the Hot Spring Town,” concerts are held at various venues, with some offering free admission. In addition to the concerts, there are events where you can attend open masterclasses as an observer.

This event is held to pass down the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake to future generations, especially the message: “If a tsunami comes, evacuate to higher ground.” Since ancient times, festivals have been used as a way to preserve and convey important knowledge, and this event follows that tradition. On the day, participants will run to a hilltop, and the first through third finishers will be recognized as “Fukkō-otoko” (literally, “men of restored fortune”). There will also be plenty to enjoy, including live music, a talk session by a director from “How Do You Like Wednesday?” and free grilled Pacific saury.

This event began in 2012, about a year and a half after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as recovery was slowly progressing. It has continued to be loved as a community music event held on street corners, turning all of Kesennuma into a venue. Believing in the power of music to bring hope and strength, local residents plan and run the event, with citizens at the center performing to energize each venue. Music heard throughout the town brings liveliness and lifts people’s spirits.

This event was launched to reinvigorate Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident led to a sharp decline due to harmful rumors. Held in a hot spring resort town, it’s an event you can fully enjoy—not only music, but also hot springs, food, and sightseeing. And since it takes place in a hot spring area, accommodation plans are available as well, so why not enjoy all that Iizaka Onsen has to offer?