[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] Famous songs about Kyoto and songs that made it their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (41–50)
Saga-no PilgrimageMizumori Kaori
This song is a heartbreak number sung by enka singer Kaori Mizumori, and it even carries a hint of an illicit affair.
A woman setting off on a trip to Kyoto with a wounded heart is an image that easily turns into a picture—and a song.
Because Mizumori sings many songs themed around different regions, she is known as the “Queen of Local Songs.”
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.
Song of Rambling
Shōyō no Uta is a dormitory song of the former Third Higher School, now Kyoto University.
Its opening line has become synonymous with the song’s title, and even after the postwar transition to the new Kyoto University system, it has continued to be sung by students.
Along with “Aa Tamahai” of the former First Higher School and “Miyako zo Yayoi” of the Hokkaido Imperial University Preparatory Course, it is sometimes regarded as one of the “Three Great Japanese Dormitory Songs.”
In conclusion
I introduced songs themed around Kyoto.
I believe they ranged from enka and kayōkyoku to recently released anime songs and rock numbers.
Listening to songs about Kyoto and then getting hooked on the ancient capital’s rich history might be a lot of fun!