A Nationwide Compilation of Timelessly Beloved Railway Songs
The nostalgic sound of the steam whistle and melodies that have been loved across time.
Songs related to railways—beginning with the Railway Songs—carry a warmly familiar charm.
They evoke memories encountered at stations and on trains, scenes of departures and homecomings, images that anyone can relate to.
So in this article, we’ll be compiling railway songs from all over Japan! We’ll feature a variety of works, from early pieces to modern ones.
These are the songs of the railway that are deeply etched in our hearts.
A Nationwide Collection of Beloved Railway Songs Through the Ages (1–10)
Sherpa of the Mountain PassSakushi Sakkyoku: Yoshino Nana / Uta: Fumei
This is a song about the locomotives that operated between Yokokawa and Karuizawa on the JR Shinetsu Line, which was discontinued in 1997 (Heisei 9).
Because they climbed up and down the Usui Pass, they were affectionately known as the “Sherpas of the Pass.” Some of the vehicles are on display at the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, and they have been configured to allow driving experience sessions.
Song of the Railway SpiritSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku
Composed in 1935 as the official company song established by the Ministry of Railways, this piece is a powerful march created by the renowned duo representing Japan—poet Hakushu Kitahara and composer Kósçak Yamada.
As suggested by phrases like thundering iron wheels, service to the nation, and a great family of 200,000, the song celebrates the sense of duty and pride of the employees who supported the railways—the nation’s main artery.
It is a work we especially recommend to those with fond memories of railways or an interest in the history of Japanese rail transport.
Deki-chan trots alongsakushi sakkyoku: miraaju/uta: makopii
This is a song about the DEKI 3-class electric locomotive owned by the Choshi Electric Railway.
It is said to be the smallest locomotive among Japan’s passenger-carrying commercial railway lines.
Owing to its rarity, it is also famous for attracting railway enthusiasts from all over the country who come just to catch a glimpse of it.
Romance Once AgainSakushi: Ueno Yasuaki/Sakkyoku: Kuzutani Yoko/Utai: Kuzutani Yoko
This song gently sings of the scenery unfurling along the railway as seen from the train window, and of the feelings stirred by a journey.
Beloved since 2002 as the CM song for the Odakyu Romancecar, it captures two people looking up at the same sky even when they’re apart, and a bittersweet wish to reclaim those days once more.
Its calm melody carries an easygoing feel, as if strolling across a highland, evoking a nostalgic sense of travel.
It’s a piece that accompanies those moments when you dream of being reunited with someone dear.
Believe in TearsSakushi: Fukushima Takahiro/Sakkyoku: Fukushima Takahiro, Hoshi Masaru/Uta: Fukushima Takahiro
Released in 1992 by For Life Music Entertainment, this is a work by Takahiro Fukushima that became widely beloved as a JR Freight commercial song.
Guided by the image of a child encountered in a dream, the lyrics weave together the pain of loss and a yearning for renewal.
Through concrete scenes—letters carved into asphalt, the hint of a passing shower, streets before dawn—it expresses themes of urban solitude and self-reinvention.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who have experienced loss or are ready to take a new step forward.
Happy☆Happy TrainSakushi: Mikami Jun, Dera Yumi, Miyagi Wakao, Chichibu Tetsudō Kabushiki Gaisha/Sakkyoku: Mikami Jun/Uta, Ensō Mikami Jun, Dera Yumi, Chichibu Kodomōen
This support song was created in July 2020 through a collaboration between Chichibu Railway and local creators, born from a desire to brighten and energize a region dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a heartwarming piece packed with scenes along the railway and the smiles of local people, featuring a cheerful, upbeat melody and gentle lyrics that wonderfully evoke anyone’s hometown.
The chorus by children from the Chichibu Kodomoen naturally brings a smile to your face as well.
It’s the perfect track for anyone who wants to feel the bonds of the community.
Romantic RailwaySakushi: Itō Akira / Sakkyoku: Suzuki Kisaburō / Uta: Hai Fai Setto
This is the company song of JR Kyushu.
The lyrics were selected through an internal call for submissions at JR Kyushu and were written by an employee of the JR Kyushu Related Business Division.
Despite being a company anthem, it is unusual in that the company name appears only once.
Among the many railway songs, it is also well-known as a popular piece.