Transforming Yahiko Village, Niigata into a JAZZ VILLAGE
Envisioning a unique future where nature, culture, and people session together.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:56 (1481h 56m after Published)
The Yahiko Jazz Festa Executive Committee (Chairperson: Naomi Yoshikawa) supports 'April Dream,' a project that aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release represents the dream of the 'Yahiko Jazz Festa.'
Since its inception in 2024, the 'Yahiko Jazz Festa,' supported by many, has become established as an event that enlivens Yahiko Village, one of the premier tourist destinations in Niigata Prefecture. Through this event, we aim to provide participants with a rich experience and realize a unique JAZZ VILLAGE where nature, culture, and people session together.
■ High-quality time that only Yahiko can offer
Yahiko Village is known as one of the top power spots in Niigata Prefecture. The Yahiko Shrine, affectionately known as 'Oyahiko-sama,' has a history of over 2,400 years and is the birthplace of Echigo culture, mentioned in the Manyoshu. It is a leading tourist destination in Niigata, with attractions like the Yahiko Hot Spring Resort and Yahiko Park located in a compact area. We believe that listening to jazz in this rare location, embraced by history and nature as a shrine town, has a special power to make people forget their daily lives and relax their hearts.
■ A 'rich moment' where the hot spring town is dyed in jazz
Starting in 2024, the second event in 2025 brought together 31 groups and over 150 popular jazz artists from the prefecture, ranging from young talents to veterans, across 10 locations in the Yahiko hot spring town, filling the entire village with a pleasant rhythm.
The dedication performances at Yahiko Shrine, people stopping at the eaves of inns, and the smiling faces surrendering to the music—these scenes are the form of 'rich moments' we value most, and we are convinced that this is a value that can only be created in Yahiko.
■ The 'dream' we want to fulfill
Our dream is not to overreach, but to carefully continue activities that can only be done in this place.
Providing an experience that 'tunes the five senses'
Combining the resources unique to Yahiko—wonderful performances, famous hot springs, and the air of the forest surrounding the shrine—we will deliver high-quality time that makes the hearts and bodies of visitors bounce with joy.
Contributing to the regional revitalization of Yahiko Village
Visitors who come to the village for jazz will experience the hot springs, food, and history. We want to connect the event not as points, but as a line, and contribute even a little to the vitality of the entire village.
Circles of the region connected by music
We aim to make Yahiko a place where artists, audiences, and local residents can interact through music, and where people feel an even deeper attachment to the location.
■ 2026, and beyond...
As the next step to realize this vision, we will hold 'Yahiko Jazz Festa Vol. 3' on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
While cherishing the success of the previous event, we will continue to pile up preparations one by one while seeking further cooperation with the local community. We look forward to welcoming you with the pleasant rhythm flowing through the rich nature and history of Yahiko.
Through jazz, we will breathe new life into this village and expand the circle of smiles. We will walk toward that future, one step at a time.
Since its inception in 2024, the 'Yahiko Jazz Festa,' supported by many, has become established as an event that enlivens Yahiko Village, one of the premier tourist destinations in Niigata Prefecture. Through this event, we aim to provide participants with a rich experience and realize a unique JAZZ VILLAGE where nature, culture, and people session together.
■ High-quality time that only Yahiko can offer
Yahiko Village is known as one of the top power spots in Niigata Prefecture. The Yahiko Shrine, affectionately known as 'Oyahiko-sama,' has a history of over 2,400 years and is the birthplace of Echigo culture, mentioned in the Manyoshu. It is a leading tourist destination in Niigata, with attractions like the Yahiko Hot Spring Resort and Yahiko Park located in a compact area. We believe that listening to jazz in this rare location, embraced by history and nature as a shrine town, has a special power to make people forget their daily lives and relax their hearts.
■ A 'rich moment' where the hot spring town is dyed in jazz
Starting in 2024, the second event in 2025 brought together 31 groups and over 150 popular jazz artists from the prefecture, ranging from young talents to veterans, across 10 locations in the Yahiko hot spring town, filling the entire village with a pleasant rhythm.
The dedication performances at Yahiko Shrine, people stopping at the eaves of inns, and the smiling faces surrendering to the music—these scenes are the form of 'rich moments' we value most, and we are convinced that this is a value that can only be created in Yahiko.
■ The 'dream' we want to fulfill
Our dream is not to overreach, but to carefully continue activities that can only be done in this place.
Providing an experience that 'tunes the five senses'
Combining the resources unique to Yahiko—wonderful performances, famous hot springs, and the air of the forest surrounding the shrine—we will deliver high-quality time that makes the hearts and bodies of visitors bounce with joy.
Contributing to the regional revitalization of Yahiko Village
Visitors who come to the village for jazz will experience the hot springs, food, and history. We want to connect the event not as points, but as a line, and contribute even a little to the vitality of the entire village.
Circles of the region connected by music
We aim to make Yahiko a place where artists, audiences, and local residents can interact through music, and where people feel an even deeper attachment to the location.
■ 2026, and beyond...
As the next step to realize this vision, we will hold 'Yahiko Jazz Festa Vol. 3' on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
While cherishing the success of the previous event, we will continue to pile up preparations one by one while seeking further cooperation with the local community. We look forward to welcoming you with the pleasant rhythm flowing through the rich nature and history of Yahiko.
Through jazz, we will breathe new life into this village and expand the circle of smiles. We will walk toward that future, one step at a time.
FAQ
What is the Yahiko Jazz Festa?
It is an event that enlivens the village of Yahiko, Niigata, through jazz music, set against the backdrop of historic shrines and hot spring towns.
When is the next event?
It is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
What is the purpose of this event?
The goal is to contribute to regional revitalization by fostering interaction between residents and tourists through music and rediscovering the charm of Yahiko Village.