Written by Aarohi
Healing waters and healing music — enjoy 14 days of world-class classical music in the famous hot spring town of Kusatsu Onsen.
What happens?
Held in Kusatsu Onsen since 1980, the Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy and Festival brings together world-class musicians, promising students and classical music fans for two weeks of concerts and masterclasses. Internationally renowned performers teach the next generation during the day, then take to the stage for public performances.
Concerts take place in and around the Kusatsu Music Forest, with more casual “Forest Concerts” offering an accessible entry point.
Highlights 2026
The 2026 festival returns to Johann Sebastian Bach, who was also the focus of the inaugural event in 1980. The program looks at Bach from several angles, including his international influences, Romantic interpretations, and impact on later composers such as Beethoven and Brahms.
The lineup includes pianist Christopher Hinterhuber, oboist Thomas Indermühle, organist and harpsichordist Claudio Brizi, mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager, and trumpeter Reinhold Friedrich. Conductor Johanna Malangré will also appear with the Gunma Symphony Orchestra.
Schedule 2026
- Aug. 17: Opening Concert — Baroque Splendor / Fin-de-Siècle Opulence (Johanna Malangré × Gunma Symphony)
- Aug. 18–19: Bach and the Soloists / Bach’s Originality Parts 1–2
- Aug. 20: Romantic Bach
- Aug. 21 (two shows): Baroque Masterpieces – Forest Concert vol.1 + Bach Meets World Music – Forest Concert vol.2
- Aug. 22: Angelika Kirchschlager Mezzo-Soprano Recital
- Aug. 23: Chorus & Orchestra — From Bach to Brahms
- Aug. 24: Bach Goes to Italy
- Aug. 25: Bach in France
- Aug. 26 (two shows): Welcome to Café Bach! – Forest Concert vol.3 + Real or Fake? Bach’s Curious “Masterpieces” – Forest Concert vol.4
- Aug. 27: Bach and His Children
- Aug. 28: B to B (Bach to Beethoven to Brahms)
- Aug. 29: The Royal Theme
- Aug. 30: Closing Concert — Kusatsu Virtuosi with Reinhold Friedrich
Tickets 2026
Tickets start at ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for under-25s, while the festival’s main concerts cost up to ¥5,000. The lower-priced Forest Concerts are a good bet for curious newcomers.
How to get there
From Tokyo, the easiest way to get to Kusatsu Onsen is by direct highway bus (around 4 hours).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.