[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!
- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- Classic Songs About Nara: Local Anthems and Popular Hits [2026]
- [Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
- Songs about Tokyo: A collection of popular J‑Pop classics [2026]
- The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
- Spirit of Wa: Masterpieces for the Koto — Japan’s Beautiful Melodies
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- [Hiroshima Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
[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)
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!
University student in Kyotokururi
As the title suggests, this song—written by Quruli when they were actually university students in Kyoto—reads like a breakup song told from the perspective of a female college student in Kyoto.
The lyrics are in Kyoto dialect, and it’s interesting how they capture subtle nuances and situations that only locals would fully understand.
The nod to Paris, Kyoto’s sister city, is a nice, refined touch as well.
Early summer daysupittsu
This piece opens with the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.
It was originally a special number written in 2005 during a tour, for a performance in Kyoto.
For a long time it wasn’t officially released and became something of a legend among fans who had attended the shows, but it was finally included on the album “Mikke,” released in October 2019.
The lyrics delicately depict the dazzling light of early summer and emotions swaying between dreams and reality.
The protagonist’s determination to keep moving forward, little by little, while holding onto unchanging feelings is truly moving.
Kyoto: Spring StrollYoshida Hiroki
This song is by baritone vocalist Hiroki Yoshida, known for his rich expressiveness.
As the title suggests, it’s a travel-inspired piece set in the ancient capital in spring.
The lyrics mention famous landmarks one after another—such as Sanzen-in Temple and Kiyomizu-dera—making you feel as if you’re journeying through Kyoto amid swirling cherry blossoms just by listening.
It was included on his third single, released in January 2021.
Yoshida has also performed works depicting Kyoto in different seasons, such as “Kyoto: Autumn Days.”
Kinukake-no-michiMizuki Natsumi
Set along the sightseeing road that runs from Kinkaku-ji to Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji, this work portrays a woman on a healing solo trip after heartbreak.
Sung by Natsumi Mizuki, the song weaves delicate traditional Japanese tones with the wavering emotions of a woman, layering them over the scenery of the ancient capital.
The protagonist’s resolve to put an end to a finished romance and face forward resonates deeply with listeners.
The dramatic composition is another highlight.
Take your time and savor the atmosphere of Kyoto.
sakura drizzleMiyako Harumi
This song, performed by Harumi Miyako—the enka legend born in Kyoto’s Nishijin district—is a richly evocative number where a bittersweet love blends with the beautiful scenery of the ancient capital.
Crafted by the golden duo of Tetsurō Hoshino and Shōsuke Ichikawa, it’s classic enka, released as a single in September 1993.
The imagery that layers falling cherry blossoms with tears is deeply moving.
It’s a song that soaks into the heart—perfect for a night when you want to sink into a gentle, reflective mood.
[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces That Sing of Kyoto and Songs That Made It Their Theme: The Enduring Heart of Our Hometown (21–30)
A woman aloneDuke Aces
It is a song themed around Kyoto, included as one of the tracks in the “Nihon no Uta” series.
It was released in 1965.
The lyrics mention three locations in Kyoto: Sanzen-in, Kōzan-ji, and Daikaku-ji.
On the local station Kyoto Broadcasting, during its Kinki Broadcasting era in the 1980s, an instrumental version was at times used as the background music for the radio civic information program “Kyoto City Dayori.”