The Kirishima International Music Festival is one of Japan’s most prestigious summer classical-music events, held each year (typically late July into August) in the beautiful volcanic highlands of Kirishima. Founded in the 1980s, the festival brings together renowned international and Japanese classical musicians — soloists, chamber ensembles and orchestras — for several weeks of concerts, recitals and performances at concert halls and venues in the Kirishima area, set against the backdrop of the sacred mountains and forests. Alongside the public concerts, the festival is also an important academy, with masterclasses and workshops where established artists teach and mentor talented young musicians, some of whom perform in the festival too. The combination of high-quality classical music, an intimate setting and the refreshing mountain-and-onsen surroundings makes it a special cultural experience. For music lovers visiting in summer, the Kirishima festival is a memorable highlight.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kirishima, Kagoshima |
| Hours | Concerts on festival dates (Jul–Aug) |
| Admission | Concert tickets vary |
| Time needed | Evening/concert |
| Best time | Late July–August (annual) |
What to See
- World-class classical concerts and recitals.
- International and Japanese soloists and ensembles.
- Masterclasses mentoring young musicians.
- A setting amid Kirishima’s mountains and onsen.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Kirishima mountains & onsen .
- Pair with the imo shochu distillery nearby.
- Read our Kagoshima overview .
Getting There
- By car: the practical way to the Kirishima venues.
- By bus/train: to Kirishima, then to concert halls.
Tips
Book concert tickets in advance, as this prestigious festival is popular, and combine attending a performance with the wider Kirishima area’s mountains, shrine and hot springs for a cultural-and-nature summer trip. Come in the late-July-to-August festival season, stay at a Kirishima onsen ryokan, and check the programme for concerts that appeal to you.
