[Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
As winter approaches, we start hearing winter songs in all kinds of settings more and more often! From timeless classics we hear every year to newer winter songs that have taken root in recent years.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japan’s beloved winter tracks all at once, starting with popular hits and spanning many iconic songs of the season! We’ve picked out everything from songs that paint wintry landscapes to bittersweet love songs and winter tracks by buzzworthy bands, so you’re sure to find something that fits your listening situation perfectly! Be sure to listen to your favorites and feel the season of winter.
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- [2026] Upbeat winter J‑Pop: Energetic winter songs
- Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic winter anthems that never lose their shine.
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- [Winter Songs] Songs that evoke the feeling of winter for Instagram Stories
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- [Masterpiece] Big Winter Anime Song Special!
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces and Popular Winter Song Best Picks to Listen to in Winter (11–20)
A town where snow fallsAimer
It’s a winter song that lets you feel both the hush of falling snow and the warmth glowing within.
Against a winter landscape wrapped in silence, it carefully portrays the wistful feelings of thinking about someone dear you can’t meet right now.
Aimer’s husky, resonant voice echoes gently like powder snow drifting through the cold air, softly enveloping the listener’s heart.
The track was included on her third single, released in February 2012, and was also used as the first ending theme for the drama “Ghost Whisperer Season 3.” Later featured on the classic album “Sleepless Nights,” it’s an early masterpiece—an affecting ballad perfect for quietly listening to on long winter nights.
Before it turns whiteRyuya Miyase
Set to a light, jazzy pop sound, this winter song celebrates the arrival of the season and budding romance.
Actor Ryubi Miyase wrote the lyrics under the name “Ryubi Miyase,” infusing them with a desire to vividly capture both the cityscape before it turns completely white with snow and the moments spent with a loved one.
The track was newly written as the opening theme for Miyase’s first leading drama, “First Love of the Snowdrop,” which began airing in October 2024.
It was released for streaming to coincide with the broadcast and was packaged as a long-awaited first single in December 2024.
With stylish chord progressions and a sweet, soothing vocal, it’s perfect for nights when you want to sink into a romantic mood.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to enjoy a winter romance while reflecting on the drama’s storyline.
DEPARTURESglobe
Like snow piling up, love for the one I long for keeps accumulating in my heart.
This is globe’s winter love song that beautifully matches a wintry scene with a tale of romance.
At the time of its release, it was featured as JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial song.
Nearly 20 years later, it was also used in Coca-Cola’s Winter Bottle campaign and Prince Hotels’ Snow Resort campaign, and it has been cherished for many years as a classic winter tune.
The melody, crafted in the Komuro sound, carries a certain wistfulness that perfectly overlaps with the poignant imagery of winter.
Snow WhiteMarushii
A perfect Marcy track for a night when snow falls silently and piles up.
Released in December 2020, this song is a ballad that portrays a love you can’t forget, even though you said goodbye.
True to Marcy’s style, with lyrics that hit you right in the heart, the bittersweet feelings sink in and won’t let go.
Ukyo, who writes and composes the songs, delivers vocals that carry those aching emotions even deeper over the quiet melody.
It’s a masterpiece that captures a true winter scene, as gentle memories resurface along with the falling snow.
Winter Giftmosao.
This is a winter song that gently and wistfully portrays a wintry landscape.
Mosawo’s warm vocals sing of being in love against the backdrop of a snow-filled town.
Released in November 2020, the track is brimming with Christmas spirit.
It expresses the desire to spend special moments with a partner and to convey feelings to someone important.
It’s perfect for listening on a cold winter’s day, sipping hot cocoa in a cozy room.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to give a heartfelt gift to someone you love.
White KissSuzuki Suzuki
This is a love song by Suzuki Suzuki that sweetly portrays a winter romance.
Set against the backdrop of a Christmas-decorated city, it warmly depicts a reunion with a former lover.
The winter imagery—like pockets that warm chilled hands and the anticipation of snowfall—really stands out.
Released in November 2021, the song created a big buzz on TikTok and resonated with many people.
It’s recommended for anyone dreaming of reuniting with a lover or wanting to spend time with someone special.
Listen to it on a winter night, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to in winter & Best Popular Winter Songs (21–30)
The parade of classic winter songs goes on and on!
We’ve introduced a carefully curated selection of classic winter songs, so I’m sure there were some that resonated with you. From here, we’ll keep showcasing plenty more popular winter tracks! These are all timeless tunes the editorial team recommends for listening this winter.
Sound of SnowGReeeeN
It’s no exaggeration to call it a winter staple: JR East’s ski travel campaign commercial, “JR SKISKI.” The song featured in the CM is GReeeeN’s “Yuki no Oto” (Sound of Snow).
Its sparkling melody evokes images of snow glittering as it falls, and Christmas illuminations shining brightly.
The lyrics depict a sweet-and-sour love story that’s sure to make anyone with a crush feel butterflies.
It’s a song that makes you want to fall in love as Christmas approaches.