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[Classic Camp Songs] Recommended Tracks to Enjoy with Family and Friends in Nature

Camping is fun because it offers both a sense of freedom and calm.

In 2020, “solo camping” became a buzzword, and it started getting even more coverage on TV and elsewhere.

In this article, we introduce songs that perfectly match the image of camping—enjoying time surrounded by nature with family or close friends.

We’ve selected a wide range, from classic camp songs to perfect tunes for campfire sing-alongs and tracks you can use for recreational activities.

Enjoy while picturing your favorite camping moments.

[Camping Classics] Recommended Songs to Enjoy with Family and Friends in Nature (11–20)

Goodbye for today.

“Kyou no Hi wa Sayonara” is a timeless classic that touches the heart—almost everyone has heard it at least once.

Many people have probably sung it around a campfire.

It was released on August 25, 1967, as the B-side to singer Ryoko Moriyama’s single “L’amour est bleu (Love is Blue).” In addition to being broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it has appeared in music textbooks and is sung by Boy and Girl Scouts, making it well-loved in educational settings as well.

Because it lends itself beautifully to choral singing, why not try singing it with family and friends on your next camping trip?

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands

[Children’s Song] If You're Happy and You Know It / Daisuke Yokoyama
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands

The song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is also well known as a children’s song.

It’s based on an American folk tune, and it became a hit in 1964 when singer Kyu Sakamoto performed it.

It was chosen as the entrance march for the 37th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in 1965, and it was also included in elementary school music textbooks.

Because the song involves using parts of the body—starting with hands, then feet, shoulders, and so on—it’s fun to enjoy with children! It’s also a great pick for camp activities and other recreation, so give it a listen.

A quiet lakeside

Round (Canon) Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song] [Auf der Mauer, auf der Lauer] [Itsy Bitsy Spider]
A quiet lakeside

“Shizukana Kohan” (Quiet Lakeside) is well-known as a children’s song and a round.

Its lyrics include birds’ calls, which makes it a unique piece.

There seem to be various theories about the original tune, but the lyrics are said to have been written by Pastor Takihiko Yamakita in 1936 at the YMCA Nojiri Lake Campground.

It’s often heard in daily life as it has been used for commercials and train departure melodies.

The cute lyrics and light, lively round are fun, so why not try singing it with family and friends while camping?

to youMONGOL800

A song included on MONGOL800’s second album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001.

With simple words that express a deep bond and lyrics that vow unchanging love, it has captured the hearts of many.

After being featured in Lion’s “TOP” commercial, it became a huge hit and has been covered by various artists, earning support from a wide audience.

Its refreshing sound and pleasant melody make it perfect for singing around a campfire with family and friends.

It’s a recommended track for those moments when you want to feel connected with your loved ones in nature.

Slow & EasyHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Slow & Easy (Music Video)
Slow & EasyHirai Dai

A famous song by Dai Hirai, where a relaxed, comforting melody and gentle vocals resonate.

The lyrics, which express gratitude for the small joys of everyday life, the people we love, and the scenery around us, truly touch the heart.

Included on an album released in May 2015, this track has become a hit with over 100 million streams.

It’s especially recommended for those caught up in busy days.

Listen to it around a campfire with family or friends, and you’ll feel your tension melt away in an instant, leaving you soothed in both body and mind.

Friendship Hymn

[Children’s Song] Friend’s Hymn
Friendship Hymn

If everyone around the world could become friends—that spirit of love for humanity is what the classic song “Tomodachi Sanka” (Hymn to Friendship) celebrates.

Its melody is based on the American patriotic song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” with lyrics written by Hiroo Sakata, known for children’s songs like “Sacchan” and “Onaka no Heru Uta.” Many people may recognize the tune from Yodobashi Camera’s TV commercials.

Since it’s a song about friendship among children around the world, why not sing it with your kids on your next camping trip?

[Campfire Classics] Recommended songs to enjoy with family and friends in nature (21–30)

Yupo iyaiya eya

Yupoiya Iya Eya at the campfire
Yupo iyaiya eya

There’s an action song that’s just perfect for those joyful moments when everyone gathers around a campfire and smiles come naturally.

With its simple yet unforgettable melody and a rhythm that gets everyone moving together, it creates a truly wonderful sense of unity.

The story of how it became a campfire classic is fascinating as well, but in Japan, ever since it was introduced through an educational magazine in 1965, it has enjoyed unwavering popularity as a staple camp song.

This piece is sure to shine on camp nights when you want to deepen bonds with friends, or at recreational events where everyone wants to get excited together!