![[Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/urI-D1BhHgc/maxresdefault.webp)
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 took it as their theme: The enduring heart of our hometown (1–10)
Kitayama cedarumematsuri
This lyrical piece weaves in atmospheric Kyoto place names like Shijō Street, Kiyomizu-dera, and Daikaku-ji, overlaying the winter scenery of the ancient capital with the gentle end of a young romance.
Released as a single in October 1974, its delicate acoustic guitar tones and tender choral work vividly revive the days of youth now gone.
The world it portrays—like the image of walking through the city in a black duffle coat—beautifully captures the young people of that era.
It carries a warmth that quietly nestles close to the listener’s heart.
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.
I can’t let this end while we’re still in love; I can’t keep it as just a dream forever.Kuraki Mai
A romantic ballad that wistfully sings of delicate, bittersweet love against the beautiful scenery of Kyoto.
Released as Mai Kuraki’s first single of her 20th anniversary year, it was specially written as the theme song for the Detective Conan special episode “Crimson School Trip.” Set at Kiyomizu-dera, it portrays a fragile yet beautiful love story.
The lyrics, which express feelings that remain unchanged even as the seasons pass and a heart wavering between dreams and reality, carry a heartrending poignancy while also conveying a quiet, forward-looking strength.
It’s the perfect song for savoring a long autumn night with gentle calm.
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
When I first heard the song title, I thought, “Wasn’t there an enka singer named Mai Kuraki…?” The title sounds a bit enka-like, doesn’t it? “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~” was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, and it swept the daily and weekly rankings, taking the number one spot on various charts like iTunes, RecoChoku, and Dwango.
The lyrics, which revolve around Togetsukyo, a quintessential sightseeing spot in Kyoto, are filled with the aching sorrow of wanting to meet someone but being unable to.
Kuraki’s urbane-sounding voice also fits perfectly with Kyoto.
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.
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.”