[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] Famous songs about Kyoto and songs that made it their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (41–50)
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 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.
Song of Kyoto PrefectureKiyoto Tachikawa・Masako Saitō
Kyoto Prefecture, which had long gone without an official prefectural song, established one in 1984.
In anticipation of the 1988 National Sports Festival in Kyoto and the 1200th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyō in 1994, the lyrics were solicited from the public and the song was produced.
From Kyoto to HakataFuji Keiko
“From Kyoto to Hakata” is a record by Keiko Fuji released in January 1972.
It was a single whose A-side featured lyrics by lyricist Yū Aku for the first time in Fuji’s career, with composition by Kimihiko Inomata.
The song portrays a woman’s feelings as she boards a train to chase after the man she loves, traveling from Kyoto to Hakata, while also depicting the scenery outside the train window.
But, Julie.ROSA LUXEMBURG
This song was modeled after a man who used to wander around the Kawaramachi area of Kyoto from the 1960s to the 1980s.
People affectionately called him the “Julie of Kawaramachi,” likening him to the singer Julie from the same hometown.
In 1986, ROSA LUXEMBURG, a band from Kyoto, turned his story into a song and released it.
Hard to leave KyotoMori Shinichi
“Kyoto Sarigatashi” (Hard to Leave Kyoto) is a song released by Shinichi Mori in May 1988.
The lyrics were written by Masao Urino, and the composition was done by Shinichi Mori himself.
Sung from a woman’s perspective, it conveys, with heartfelt emotion, the lingering memories of a man who has left.
Marutake EbisuEsaki Toshiko
This song, which begins with “Marutakeebisu,” has been passed down as a way to learn the streets of Kyoto by singing them.
There’s also a version for the east–west street names.
It’s also well known for being sung in the film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital.