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.
Railway Songs Loved Across the Ages: Nationwide Compilation (21–30)
Go Go KeiseiSakushi: Taguchi Makoto/Sakkyoku: Tamano Yoshio/Utai: Funabashi Herususenṭā Gurī Kurabu
It is a commercial song for Keisei Electric Railway.
The vocals were performed by the Funabashi Health Center Club, a group formed from employees of the Funabashi Health Center.
Some say it is also a company song, but it was mainly used in radio and television programs provided by Keisei Electric Railway.
Light Railway SongSakushi: Tokuda Yasuchika/Sakkyoku: Mita Shin’ichi/Uta: Fō Shisutāzu (genkyoku)
A heartwarming song that nostalgically recalls Okinawa’s railways, with lyrics that evoke a deep sense of longing.
Released in 1970 by RBC Records in vinyl format, this work features the Four Sisters’ clear vocals and lyrics that vividly depict the light railway in motion, conjuring up images of Okinawa’s landscape for listeners.
It’s recommended not only for railway enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in Okinawan culture and history.
Timelessly Beloved Railway Songs Collection [Nationwide] (31–40)
Toward TomorrowSakushi: Araki Toyohisa / Sakkyoku: Horiuchi Takao / Uta: Fumei
This is the company song of West Japan Railway Company (JR West).
The performance is by the JR West Wind Ensemble, comprised of employees and former employees (OB/OG) of JR West and its affiliated companies.
Shinji Tanimura, who was active in the band Alice along with Takao Horiuchi, the composer of the piece, has also been involved with JR West’s music, contributing songs for JR West’s campaign commercials.
Kintetsu Limited Expresssakushi sakkyoku: Miki Torirou/ uta: Kusunoki Toshie
Also known as “The Kintetsu Song,” this piece was released in 1961 and created for a commercial.
It portrays a family living along the Kintetsu railway line, depicting Kintetsu as part of their daily life—such as commuting and shopping.
Tobu RomancecarSakushi sakkyoku: Kinomiya Yōichi / Uta: Fumei
This is the commercial jingle from the period when Tobu Railway referred to its current Spacia limited express service as the “Romancecar.” The jingle was used for about ten years.
Yoichi Kinomiya, who wrote and composed it, also created the commercial song for the Kinugawa Onsen Hotel.
I’m going to visit you — Iida LineSakushi sakkyoku: Kasagi Atsushi / Uta: Kurazato Kazuki
This is a song produced to promote the railway after the JR Iida Line opened in Komagane City and the Komagane City Railway 100th Anniversary Regional Revitalization Project Executive Committee was established.
Selected from a public call for submissions, the song is used at railway events and for public relations.
Osaka City Streetcar SongSakushi: Owada Kenki/Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazo/Henkyoku: Toki Yuuji/Uta: Kido Burazāzu
This is a song that depicts scenes such as the streetcars of the Osaka Municipal Electric Railway running from Umeda to Tempozan.
The Osaka City Streetcar was the first publicly operated electric railway in Japan.
It operated for about 65 years until all lines were discontinued in 1969 (Showa 44).
Some of the vehicles from that time are preserved in the Municipal Streetcar Preservation Museum.