[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)
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.”
KyotoYano Akiko
You can picture a woman walking alone through Kyoto at dusk.
This is a bold yet light-footed cover of The Ventures’ classic “Kyoto Bojo” by singer-songwriter Akiko Yano.
It was included as the opening track on her album “Oui Oui,” released in July 1997.
While honoring the wistful sentiment unique to the original kayōkyoku, she adds a sophisticated sonic arrangement, resulting in a blend of nostalgia and freshness.
The lyrics, which evoke scenes like Kawaramachi at twilight, invite listeners on a nostalgic journey.
It’s a track brimming with adult charm, perfect for relaxing nighttime listening.
[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)
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.
Hozugawa FutariAoi Kawori
This work portrays a heartrending elopement of a man and a woman who escape into a world of just the two of them, passing along the mountain path by the Hozu River from Arashiyama.
Set to a song by Kaori Aoi, it was released as a single in December 2013 as the fourth installment of the Kyoto Series that began in 2011.
The dramatic progression of the song, in which the torrent of passionate love overlaps with the river’s flow, is deeply moving.
I hope you’ll listen to it when you want to immerse yourself in the bittersweetness of a forbidden love.
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.
Maiko with blue eyesKawano Natsumi
A unique piece that blends exotic charm with the atmosphere of an ancient capital, as if a fresh breeze were blowing through a historic geisha district.
Set against a beautiful scene of fluttering cherry blossoms, it portrays the tender feelings of first love harbored by someone still in training.
It sweetly captures the girlish frustration of wanting to give a handmade trinket to the one you love, yet being unable to.
Released in June 2019, this work also drew attention for featuring illustrations in its music video that were drawn by Natsumi Kawano herself, showcasing her talent for painting.
It’s a work I recommend to anyone who wants to remember the thrill of pure love.