There are all sorts of songs you might want to listen to at the beach.
Upbeat, summery tracks are perfect for the ocean, of course, but in this article I’ll deliberately focus on songs with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
I’ve picked out tracks that are ideal for spending time calmly by the shore—whether you’re sitting and taking it easy or lost in thought—so you can enjoy a chill atmosphere near the sea.
From gentle ballads themed around the ocean to songs featuring the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar and ukulele, take a look and find some new favorites.
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Songs that suit the sea. Relaxing tracks with an emo vibe (1–10)
graceful wavinessNoda Yojiro
This song, released under the solo name of Yojiro Noda, the vocalist of RADWIMPS, was written specifically as the theme song for the Netflix film Parade.
Centered on themes of absolute love, parting in life, and reunion, it expresses the depth, beauty, and sorrow of human relationships.
Noda oversaw the film’s music overall and also produced the soundtrack.
This work carries the power to overcome grief over what has been lost and to find hope for the future.
It serves as an important element that further enriches the world of Parade, which began streaming in February 2024.
Why not give it a listen as a song that stays close to your heart when you’re sitting by the seaside taking it slow, or lost in thought?
Beautiful finsupittsu
A song that makes you want to take a deep breath by the seaside—one that truly resonates with the heart.
Like a gently lapping ocean, its tender yet powerful melody envelops you.
The lyrics carry the courage to face life’s rough waves and a message about valuing your true self.
Released in May 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine.
Spitz’s characteristically delicate vocals and the rich sound woven by saxophone and trumpet leave a strong impression.
It’s perfect for spending a quiet moment alone by the sea at dusk, or for sharing a calm time with someone special.
Let this work, which offers a comforting warmth, wash over you at a relaxed pace.
The Old Man and the SeaYorushika
Beginning with gentle guitar strains, this song draws inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s renowned novel and evokes a comforting feeling, as if you were on a quiet seaside.
Suis’s crystalline vocals seem to weave a story that transcends reality and journeys deep into the heart.
It may be centered on the inner strength of humans who refuse to lose hope even in the face of hardship.
Released in August 2021, the piece became widely known as the TV commercial song for Vanish Standard Inc.’s service “STAFF START.” It resonated with many, aligning with the commercial’s message, “A world where you don’t have to give up on what you love.” It’s perfect for moments when you want to spend time leisurely by the sea or quietly sink into contemplation—ideal listening when you’re in the mood to relax.
This is also a recommended track for those who enjoy music with literary depth.
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
This song, which depicts the mysteries of the sea, is marked by a haunting, soul-stirring vocal performance.
Created as the theme song for the film “Children of the Sea,” it was released in June 2019.
Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, the track features poetic lyrics that evoke summer scenes and a straightforward devotion to someone precious.
It conveys how certain moments and emotions are too important to be put into words, creating a dreamy atmosphere as if you were listening underwater.
It’s a song you’ll want to play while sitting by the seaside or during moments of quiet reflection.
sea glassSaucy Dog
This work captivates with its emotional atmosphere that conjures vivid scenes of summer.
Listen by the seaside, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a beautiful moment from a film.
The lyrics, delicately weaving tales of bittersweet love and the fleeting sparkle of youth, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in July 2020, the song was also included on Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Take Me.” A music video produced in collaboration with a Honda project was also released, vividly portraying the radiance of youth.
It’s a highly recommended track to use as background music when you want to relax by the ocean or get lost in thought at dusk.
chance encounterBUMP OF CHICKEN
A perfect song from BUMP OF CHICKEN for relaxing by the seaside! Motoo Fujiwara’s lyrics beautifully capture the delicate emotions found in everyday life.
The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar resonate pleasantly, letting you sink into a calm mood as if listening to the sound of waves.
Released in April 2024, this track was chosen as the theme song for the film “Onmyoji 0.” It’s a song you’ll want to play while sitting by the shore or during reflective moments.
It will surely stay close to your heart.
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
This is a song that strikes the heart with a bittersweet longing for summer days gone by.
Created by Yorushika, it features a refreshing yet somehow melancholic melody, while Suis’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully convey the protagonist’s nameless loneliness and the emotional wavering that comes with growing up.
The lyrics depict vivid summer scenes, nostalgia for lost time, and regret over words left unsaid, touching the listener’s heartstrings.
The track is included in the mini-album “No Encore for the Loser,” released in May 2018.
In December 2019, it was used as the BGM for the opening video of the comedy duo Tarinai Futari’s live show, leaving a strong impression when paired with the visuals.
It’s an emotional number perfect for moments at summer’s end when you want to sit alone by the seaside, gazing at the sunset in quiet reflection, or when you wish to gently revisit the bittersweet memories of your youth.