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!
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Songs to Listen to During Golden Week [Drive BGM and Relaxation Tracks] (21–30)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A rock track that carefully portrays the radiance and bitterness of youth, along with the confusion that comes with growing up.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced guitar sound feels great and is perfect as background music for a drive.
With a warm message that makes even your imperfect self and anxious days feel lovable, it will add color to your long-weekend refresh time.
Released in April 2024, this work was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” It has garnered overwhelming support, becoming the artist’s fastest track to surpass 100 million streams.
Whether you’re cruising with the breeze or taking a day off to rest a tired heart, this energetic song gives you the courage to look back on the past while moving toward the future.
Happyaimyon
Its cozy country flavor blends beautifully with the calm atmosphere of a day off.
Sung by singer-songwriter Aimyon, this piece is the B-side included with the single “Ai wo Tsutaetai da toka,” released in May 2017.
The title might suggest a bright tune, but what’s portrayed is a heartfelt longing and a sense of loss.
Even so, the warm sound gently stirs the listener’s heart.
In 2020, a stripped-down solo version was also released on the initial limited edition of the album “Oishii Pasta ga Aru to Kiite.” It’s a song that will quietly accompany you on a fresh-green-season drive.
Full driveKANA-BOON
If you want to take your Golden Week drive to the next level, I recommend KANA-BOON’s third major-label single.
Its high-speed four-on-the-floor beat in the 180 BPM range and catchy guitar riffs are instantly uplifting.
Released in May 2014, it drew attention when the band performed it shortly after on TV Asahi’s “Music Station.” It was later included on the album “TIME,” and has since been beloved as a killer tune that sends live houses into a frenzy.
With a propulsive, acceleration-themed sound brimming with speed, it might even blow away the stress of traffic jams.
Play it in the car on your way to your destination, and even a boring drive will turn into an incredibly fun moment.
Cars and WomenKIRINJI
During Golden Week, when you can feel the refreshing breeze, you can’t help but want to drive your car somewhere far away.
The perfect companion for such a drive is this thrilling number by KIRINJI from their brother-duo era.
Featured on the album “3,” released in November 2000, the track brims with exhilarating momentum, fusing meticulous arrangement with the band’s groove.
Its lyrics, depicting a springtime departure and romance, are as vivid as a scene from a film, instantly lifting the listener’s spirits.
The playful car-related wordplay is superb, sure to make your hands on the wheel feel lighter.
Why not savor its invigorating sense of speed—powerful enough to blow away traffic-jam frustration—and make the most of your holiday?
MUSEME:I
A perfect ME:I track to lift your mood on a Golden Week drive.
Its dazzling sound, fusing funk, city pop, and disco, pairs beautifully with an urban driving scene.
The lyrics, depicting the pursuit of dreams toward an aspirational figure and the resolve to become someone else’s light, will give listeners a powerful push forward.
Released in April 2025 as their third single, the song also became well-loved as the commercial theme for NTT Docomo’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Grip the wheel while soaking in the stylish world portrayed in the ad, and you’re sure to be wrapped in a thrilling sense of exhilaration.
STAY TUNESuchmos
Suchmos is a band celebrated for their sound that fuses rock, soul, and jazz.
The work that put their name on the map pairs lyrics that coolly weave through the hustle and bustle of the city with a groove that makes you want to move—utterly stylish.
After being included on the EP “LOVE&VICE,” released in January 2016, it became widely known from September of the same year as the song used in Honda’s VEZEL commercials.
Its driving beat and polished ensemble are perfect for Golden Week road trips.
Even if you get stuck in traffic, put this on and your car will instantly transform into a chic space.
Colorfulyuzu
The heart-lifting intro hints at the start of a fun drive.
The lyrics, which affirm individuality, are filled with a warmth that gently gives you a push, aren’t they? It seems like a perfect match for the exhilaration of a long weekend.
This track is a song by Yuzu released in January 2013 and is also included on the album LAND.
Written specifically for a U-Can correspondence course commercial, it has been loved as a support song for those who take on challenges.
It’s perfect BGM when you’re tired from traffic jams or when you want to make the most of your time off.
How about getting everyone in the car pumped up to their pop sound?