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.
- [Train and Shinkansen Song] Popular with kids! Vehicle song
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Classic travel songs. Travel tunes that color your journeys—perfect for both the everyday and the extraordinary.
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
A Nationwide Collection of Beloved Railway Songs Through the Ages (1–10)
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.
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.
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.
Timelessly Beloved Railway Songs Compilation [Nationwide] (11–20)
Roaring railsSakushi: Miyazaki Katsutoshi, Itō Akira / Sakkyoku: Awami Gorō / Uta: Dyūku Eisesu
This fight song, included on the October 2009 compilation album “Tekka: Songs of the Railway Companies,” has been sung powerfully in the stands by the JR Kyushu Hardball Baseball Club.
It was produced with lyrics by Katsutoshi Miyazaki and Akira Ito, and music by Goro Awami.
Blending classic sports vocabulary—like fighting spirit, glory, and victory—with railway imagery such as iron rails and thunderous roars, it inspires all who listen.
Experience the moment when the driving force of the railway and the team’s fiery support become one.
In the dawning skySakushi: Tokuhira Yuuichi, Itou Akira/Sakkyoku: Morita Kouichi
It was created as a company song imbued with the corporate philosophy after privatization and a deep affection for the local community.
The lyrics were written by employee Yuichi Tokuhei, with additional lyrics by Akira Ito—renowned for his carefully chosen words honed through commercial jingles—and the composition by Koichi Morita, known for “Seishun Jidai.” The layered chorus evokes a hopeful sense of uplift.
It is a piece that connects the company and the community, fusing employee-born words with professional musicality.
Please give it a listen.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterSakushi: Kouzai Naoki, Miura Tokiko / Sakkyoku: Hattori Takayuki
The company song of JR Freight, established in 2006 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the company’s founding.
Based on original lyrics written by an employee selected through an in-house contest, hitmaker Tokiko Miura refined the words, and Takayuki Hattori completed the piece with a grand orchestration.
It depicts freight trains racing across the country throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter, alongside seasonal scenes of skies, seas, and winds.
In March 2017, Aika Hirota of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku covered the song, and it was included on the album “JNR to JR: A 30th Anniversary of JNR Privatization Tribute Album.” It is loved beyond the boundaries of the company.
Hometown Aizu LineSakushi: Baba Seizō/Sakkyoku: Meguro Masatoshi/Uta: Baba Seizō
This piece is cherished as a community support song that celebrates a third-sector railway line in the Aizu region.
The lyrics and vocals are by Seizo Baba, the composition by Masatoshi Meguro, and the arrangement by Kuniyoshi Igarashi.
It was included on the compilation album “Tekka: Songs of Railway Companies,” released by King Records in October 2009.
The lyrics convey love for the region and depict Aizu’s nature and seasonal scenery.
Please listen while picturing the landscapes of Aizu.