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.
Minoo-Arima Electric Railway SongSakushi sakkyoku: fumei
Composed in March 1910 to commemorate the opening of Minoo Arima Electric Tramway, the predecessor of Hankyu Railway, this traditional song is a guide to the line set in a classic 7-5 rhythm.
It strings together station names and local sights from Umeda to Takarazuka and Minoo, weaving in scenes of the time such as Juso Embankment, Hattori Tenjin, and Minoo Great Waterfall, letting listeners memorize the route map as they sing.
It’s a must-listen for those interested in railway history and regional culture, as well as fans of traditional children’s songs.
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.
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.
Yumemi Railway Bessho LineSakushi: Besshosen no Shorai o Kangaeru Kai, Kagai Mieko, Kurosaka Kokutaro/Sakkyoku: Kurosaka Kokutaro//Uta: Yaguchi Kumi, Kurosaka Kokutaro
This is a cheering song that expresses deep affection for a local railway running through Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture, woven with warm words and a simple, gentle sound.
Composed by Kurokawa Kurotaro and recorded as a duet with Yaguchi Megumi, the track was included on the October 2009 album “Tetsuka: Songs of Railway Companies.” With the soft timbre of the kokarina and a familiar, nursery rhyme-like melody, it’s a tune people of all ages can hum along to.
As you listen, let it bring back memories of your hometown scenery.
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.
Hanshin Railway Songsakushi: oowada kenki/sakkyoku: tamura torazou
Produced in April 1909 (Meiji 42) as a promotional piece for Hanshin Electric Railway, this work is a route-guide song set to 22 verses that traces a journey from Umeda in Osaka to Kumoidori in Kobe.
Beginning with the prosperity of Osaka Castle, it goes on to feature the flow of the Yodo River, the temples and shrines of Amagasaki, crossing the Mukogawa River, the flower garden of Naruo, the seaside resorts of Nishinomiya and Koroen, and the beaches of Ashiya—parading contemporary station names and famous historic sites one after another.
It’s recommended for those who want to savor the joy of traveling by train or who wish to reflect on the historic scenery of the Kansai region.