Turning Yahiko Village, Niigata into a JAZZ VILLAGE
The Yahiko Jazz Festa Executive Committee has announced its goal to turn Yahiko Village, Niigata, into a 'JAZZ VILLAGE,' with the third festival scheduled for September 27, 2026, aiming to revitalize the region through the fusion of music and history.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
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The Yahiko Jazz Festa Executive Committee (Chairperson: Naomi Yoshikawa) supports 'April Dream,' an initiative that makes April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release is the dream of the 'Yahiko Jazz Festa.'
The 'Yahiko Jazz Festa,' which began in 2024, has been supported by many people and is becoming established as an event that revitalizes Yahiko Village, one of Niigata Prefecture's premier tourist destinations. Through this event, we dream of providing participants with a rich time and realizing a unique 'JAZZ VILLAGE' where nature, culture, and people session together.
■ High-quality time that only Yahiko can provide
Yahiko Village is known as the top 'power spot' in Niigata Prefecture. Yahiko Shrine, affectionately known as 'O-Yahiko-sama,' has a history of over 2,400 years since its founding and is the birthplace of Echigo culture, as mentioned in the Man'yoshu. It is also a leading tourist destination in Niigata, with famous spots such as Yahiko Onsen Resort and Yahiko Park dotted within a compact area.
We feel that listening to jazz in this extraordinary location—a temple town of Yahiko Shrine embraced by history and nature—has a special power to make one forget daily life and soothe the heart.
■ A 'rich moment' when the hot spring town was dyed in jazz
Starting in 2024, the second event in 2025 saw a total of 150 or more popular jazz artists from 31 groups within the prefecture, from young talents to veterans, gather at all 10 locations in the Yahiko Onsen area, with comfortable rhythms echoing throughout the entire village.
Dedicatory performances at Yahiko Shrine, people stopping in front of traditional inns, and smiles immersed in music—this scenery is the form of the 'rich moment' we value most, and we are convinced it is a value that can only be created because it is 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 a 'sensory rejuvenation' experience
Wonderful performances, famous hot springs, and the forest air surrounding the shrine. By combining jazz with resources unique to Yahiko, we will deliver a 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 triggered by jazz experience the hot springs, food, and history. We want to connect the event not just as points but as lines, contributing even slightly to the vitality of the entire village.
A regional circle connected by music
We aim for artists, audiences, and local residents to interact through music, making Yahiko a place where people feel an even deeper sense of attachment.
■ 2026, and beyond...
As the next step to give shape to this thought, we will hold 'Yahiko Jazz Festa Vol.3' on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
While valuing the success of the previous time, we will accumulate preparations one by one while seeking further collaboration with local people. We will move forward aiming for a 'JAZZ VILLAGE' where Yahiko's rich nature, history, culture, and jazz fuse, and everyone can spend a comfortable time.
The 'Yahiko Jazz Festa,' which began in 2024, has been supported by many people and is becoming established as an event that revitalizes Yahiko Village, one of Niigata Prefecture's premier tourist destinations. Through this event, we dream of providing participants with a rich time and realizing a unique 'JAZZ VILLAGE' where nature, culture, and people session together.
■ High-quality time that only Yahiko can provide
Yahiko Village is known as the top 'power spot' in Niigata Prefecture. Yahiko Shrine, affectionately known as 'O-Yahiko-sama,' has a history of over 2,400 years since its founding and is the birthplace of Echigo culture, as mentioned in the Man'yoshu. It is also a leading tourist destination in Niigata, with famous spots such as Yahiko Onsen Resort and Yahiko Park dotted within a compact area.
We feel that listening to jazz in this extraordinary location—a temple town of Yahiko Shrine embraced by history and nature—has a special power to make one forget daily life and soothe the heart.
■ A 'rich moment' when the hot spring town was dyed in jazz
Starting in 2024, the second event in 2025 saw a total of 150 or more popular jazz artists from 31 groups within the prefecture, from young talents to veterans, gather at all 10 locations in the Yahiko Onsen area, with comfortable rhythms echoing throughout the entire village.
Dedicatory performances at Yahiko Shrine, people stopping in front of traditional inns, and smiles immersed in music—this scenery is the form of the 'rich moment' we value most, and we are convinced it is a value that can only be created because it is 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 a 'sensory rejuvenation' experience
Wonderful performances, famous hot springs, and the forest air surrounding the shrine. By combining jazz with resources unique to Yahiko, we will deliver a 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 triggered by jazz experience the hot springs, food, and history. We want to connect the event not just as points but as lines, contributing even slightly to the vitality of the entire village.
A regional circle connected by music
We aim for artists, audiences, and local residents to interact through music, making Yahiko a place where people feel an even deeper sense of attachment.
■ 2026, and beyond...
As the next step to give shape to this thought, we will hold 'Yahiko Jazz Festa Vol.3' on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
While valuing the success of the previous time, we will accumulate preparations one by one while seeking further collaboration with local people. We will move forward aiming for a 'JAZZ VILLAGE' where Yahiko's rich nature, history, culture, and jazz fuse, and everyone can spend a comfortable time.