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Songs to Listen to During Golden Week [Drive BGM and Relaxing Day-Off Tunes]
Golden Week, the long holiday from late April to early May.
Many of you probably look forward to it every year, right? It’s a precious time to refresh yourself—going on trips or taking a drive a little farther than usual.
However, going out means travel time, and during the holidays the roads get terribly congested…
So in this article, we’re introducing songs perfect for Golden Week to accompany your drive.
They work great as BGM while you’re on the move, and there are also tracks that let you fully soak in the holiday mood, so be sure to check them out!
Songs to Listen to During Golden Week [Driving BGM and Relaxing Day-Off Tunes] (1–10)
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
This popular song by Tatsuya Kitani brings a refreshing vibe to your drive with its exhilarating guitar rock.
The lyrics, which layer the sparkle of youth with the sense of loss felt in adulthood, tug tightly at the listener’s heart.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death,” which aired in July 2023, it also won a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards—a true powerhouse number.
Though uptempo, its faintly wistful melody pairs perfectly with the spring-to-early-summer atmosphere that makes you long for days gone by.
Sometimes it’s nice to roll down all the windows, let the wind in, and cruise while soaking in a sentimental mood, isn’t it?
FanfareTamaki Kōji
A perfect Koji Tamaki number for a drive when you want to ride the wind down an endless road.
Its exhilarating sense of speed and his overwhelming vocals make it incredibly compelling to listen to.
Crafted by layering memories of his childhood in Hokkaido and experiences growing up alongside horses, this work is a cheer song that teaches the importance of moving straight ahead as your true self, beyond winning or losing.
Released as a single in November 2025, it also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “The Royal Family.” When you want to believe in yourself and move forward, turn up the volume and give it a listen.
fatesumika
sumika is a rock band that adds color to everyday life with a bright, pop sound.
This track is a happy, vividly arranged number that lifts the listener’s spirits.
It carries a warm message that affirms living true to yourself even if you’re not someone special, giving you the courage to take a step forward.
Included as the lead track on the EP “Unmei e.p,” released in May 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime “Delicious in Dungeon.” Its worldview, which feels like enjoying an unknown realm, makes it perfect for a drive where you’ll encounter new scenery.
Even in traffic, this song sets the stage for the exciting start of an adventure.
IMAAile The Shota
Released in May 2022 by BMSG singer-songwriter Aile The Shota, this track will make you want to head out for a sleek city drive.
Co-written with producer unit KNOTT, it fuses a powerful, fast-paced, heavy beat with a shimmering, slightly nostalgic ’80s-style synth sound.
The lyrics, which convey a resolve to move forward on one’s own path despite uncertainty, really hit home.
Included on the July 2022 EP “IMA,” it received heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide.
It’s perfect for late-night highway runs or whenever you want to savor the thrill of heading toward your destination.
Let the groove carry you along with the scenery flowing past your car window.
Happy New DayKaneyori Masaru
Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece band based in Osaka, winning support with down-to-earth lyrics.
Released digitally in April 2024, this track rides on a high-velocity rock sound that feels like a fresh breeze through the heart.
It was chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi 8, brimming with the freshness perfect for starting your morning.
The song is also included on their mini-album “To Us Who Don’t Live in Yesterday,” released in January 2025.
Its lyrics and melody, which give you the courage to face a new day, are sure to boost that holiday refresh mood even more.
A Place for the Soulmakaroni enpitsu
The title track written as the theme song for Nissan’s “SAKURA” commercial, included on Macaroni Enpitsu’s major-label 2nd EP, “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (“Where the Soul Belongs”).
Released in June 2022, this work’s exhilarating band sound and catchy melodies add color to early-summer driving scenes.
Marking their 10th anniversary, the words they wove around the theme of “a place to belong” are sure to resonate with those sentimental feelings that surface even during a fun vacation.
The affirming message delivered over a brisk rhythm will likely lift your spirits even when you’re stuck in traffic.
It’s a pop-rock number that helps both mind and body move forward—perfect for listening to during long holiday journeys.
Week EndHoshino Gen
A pop tune by Gen Hoshino that captures the sense of freedom and release of the weekend.
With its shimmering horn section and groove-laden sound, it naturally draws listeners onto the dance floor.
Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” released in December 2015, it was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi Doyobi starting in October of the same year.
While depicting emotions that shift with the changing seasons, it gently reminds us of the importance of stepping out of the everyday to express our true selves.
It’s a perfect track to brighten your mood during a long-weekend drive or a day out.