[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
I’m sure many of you have a song that makes you think, “This is the song for Kyoto!” From pieces that sing of the ancient capital’s elegance and the beauty of the four seasons, to tracks by anime artists and rock bands, each captures Kyoto’s charm from a unique perspective.
In this article, we’ve put together songs set in Kyoto and Japanese tracks that depict Kyoto’s scenery.
It’s a special feature for locals and for anyone captivated by the city of Kyoto! Be sure to read through to the end!
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[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing of Kyoto and songs that took it as their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (1–10)
Kyoto StoryHarayuko
A masterpiece set in Kyoto, born from the ultimate dream team: lyrics and composition by Keisuke Kuwata, sung by Yuko Hara.
The sound, interwoven with what seems like koto tones, feels like a perfect blend of J-pop with a traditional enka sensibility—an ideal match for Hara’s whispery vocals.
The lyrics touch on key Kyoto landmarks—Kamo River, Gion, Arashiyama—rich with emotion, tracing meetings and partings of people while Kyoto has watched over them all this time, and will continue to do so… that narrative is exquisite.
If this is a lesser-known song, I wish more people would hear it.
They should play it at Kyoto Station!
In the flow of Kamo (River)kaguya hime
This is an evocative number sung by Kaguya-hime, a group that represents the folk scene.
Interweaving Kyoto place names like Gion and Arashiyama, it quietly portrays memories of first love and the sorrow of parting.
The imagery of the ancient capital in the rain comes vividly to mind—it’s truly wonderful.
This piece was included on the album “Hajimemashite,” released in April 1972.
It’s a song I’d like you to listen to on nights when you want to spend time alone quietly, or when you want to soak in nostalgic memories.
Goodbye to KyotoKanō Masako
This is a supreme ballad, richly sung with emotion by Masako Kano, known as the songstress of Circus.
Set against iconic Kyoto landmarks like Kinkaku-ji and Kyoto Tower, the song portrays parting with a youthful love and cherished memories.
Originally a folk song that won a prize at Popcon in the 1970s, it has been reborn as contemporary, sophisticated adult pop through Minoru Komorita’s arrangement.
Kano’s crystalline voice seems to gently envelop Kyoto’s scenery and the ache of a bittersweet farewell.
Included on the August 2023 album “Songs of Kyoto: Folk & Pops.”
[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing of Kyoto and songs that made it their theme: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (11–20)
Rain in KyotoŌishi Madoka
Set against famous Kyoto locales like Shimizu-zaka and Gion, this poignant number overlays lingering feelings for a former lover with the imagery of rain.
Released in September 2011 to mark the milestone of the artist’s 20th anniversary, the single is also included as the title track on the album “Madoka Oishi Complete Collection: Kyoto no Ame.” Its sound blends an unhurried vocal delivery with emotionally rich instrumentation, creating an atmosphere steeped in quintessential Kyoto elegance.
Delicately expressing the wavering heart of an adult woman, it’s a song that truly resonates.
Kyoto Farewell RainTakigawa Maiko
This song intertwines the evocative scenery of Kyoto with the poignant feelings of a woman’s heart.
Sung by Maiko Takigawa, a vocalist from Kyoto Prefecture, it paints the wavering emotions of a woman who has decided to part ways with her beloved, set against the timeless landscapes of the old capital—places like Yasaka and the Kamo River.
Even as she carries her loneliness, her brave resolve to face forward without shedding tears is touchingly endearing.
Originally released in September 2018 as the B-side of a single, it was reissued in May 2024 as a special release commemorating the 35th anniversary of her debut, following its favorable reception on stage.
And yet you’re going to Kyoto?cherisshu
Cherish’s “Nanoni Anata wa Kyoto e Yuku no” is a song that expresses the sorrow of a lover who, despite promises of love, leaves for Kyoto.
It was their debut single, released in September 1971.
The lyrics contrast the sweet promises once exchanged with the cold reality of abandoning them, portraying with poignant resonance the helpless feelings toward a lover who chose the city of Kyoto over the narrator.
When you’re feeling the anxiety and loneliness of someone dear going far away, this song will gently stay by your side.
Ninen-zaka, KyotoNakamura Mitsuko
Set against the stone-paved streets of Higashiyama, this piece portrays the wavering emotions of a woman walking up the slope.
Released as a single by Mitsuko Nakamura in September 2017, her soulful yet resolute vocals are deeply moving.
The elegant melody draws you in before you know it.
Landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Kodaiji also appear in the lyrics, so just listening can make you feel as if you’re strolling through Kyoto.
Slip into the role of the story’s protagonist and immerse yourself in its world.