[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 feature it as a theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (31–40)
Ah, the ShinsengumiMitsubishi Michiya
“Ah, Shinsengumi” is a song by Michiya Mihashi released in 1955.
The Shinsengumi was a “militant organization” that cracked down on anti-shogunate forces in Kyoto during the late Edo period, and it has continued to serve as the subject of numerous novels, films, and stage productions.
Fans of corps members such as Isami Kondo, Toshizo Hijikata, and Soji Okita still exist today, and Kyoto is home to many “sacred sites.”
Night in KyotoAida Kenji
This is the second single by singer Kenji Aida, who hails from Kyoto Prefecture.
In addition, his songs include “Kogane no Kinkaku-ji” (The Golden Pavilion in a Light Rain), which sings about Kyoto, and “Girl of Lake Biwa,” which is about neighboring Shiga Prefecture.
This song has been covered by many other singers and is one of the best-known local songs of Kyoto that everyone recognizes.
Hiei OroshiKeiko Kobayashi
The song Hiei Oroshi was originally released in 1980 by Satoshi Kishida, who had a hit with Kimi no Asa, and it was written and composed by him.
He is also an actor, and apparently he was offered the lead role in the TV drama Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B before Tetsuya Takeda was chosen.
The way the lyrics squeeze in extra syllables gives the song a very cool feel, and many artists have covered it.
Kamo RiverBaba Toshihide
Speaking of the Kamo River, it’s a famous Kyoto landmark known for the legend that couples sit evenly spaced along its banks.
Here is a song by lovers who turned that very river into a place of sorrowful parting.
From the lyrics, it can even be read as a forbidden love.
The more you listen, the more vivid scenes come to mind.
With Toshihide Baba’s gentle voice sinking into the heart, it’s a hidden Kyoto masterpiece.
Rainy ArashiyamaNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Released in 1977 as Nagabuchi’s debut single, this song was reportedly at odds with his own feelings.
Since he was initially set to be marketed under the name “Nagabuchi Go” in the enka/pop ballad style, he returned to his hometown once and effectively made his debut a second time.
[Kyoto Songs] Famous songs about Kyoto and songs that made it their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (41–50)
The Great Buddha of Kyotowarabeuta
Speaking of Great Buddhas, people often think of the ones at Tōdai-ji in Nara or in Kamakura, but it seems Kyoto also used to have a famous Great Buddha.
This song is a children’s tune that sings about the Great Buddha of Hōkō-ji in Kyoto—present-day Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City—which once existed there.
This Great Buddha was said to be plagued by misfortune and, each time it was rebuilt, it was destroyed by various fires.
Kyoto is crying.Mitsubishi Michiya
This song is a single by Michiya Mihashi released in 1974.
He hadn’t had a hit since “Naruto Kaikyō” in 1969, but it drew attention again after he performed it on NHK’s “Hiru no Present,” among other appearances.
His soaring, resonant voice is truly captivating.