BGM for summer drives: A roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026]
In summer, there are more chances to go out by car—like heading to the beach or mountains, or returning to your hometown! At times like that, you probably want to be picky about your in-car BGM and look for summer-themed driving songs, right? In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of classic Japanese tracks perfect for summer drives—from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
We’ve selected songs themed around driving and summer, as well as stylish city pop, mellow and emotional tunes, and high-energy tracks that are perfect for the road.
Be sure to use this as a reference!
- [Driving the Coastline] Classic and Latest Songs Perfect for a Seaside Drive
- Drive Song Rankings [2026]
- A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
- Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Japanese Songs for Driving: Popular J-POP for People in Their 20s
- [2026 Updated] Western songs to listen to in summer: Recommended summer tunes
- Nostalgic Songs Perfect as Driving BGM for People in Their 40s
- [2026] Recommended Japanese songs for a spring drive: A roundup of perfect tracks for outings
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- Going out will definitely be more fun! Drive songs recommended for Gen Z
- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
- [Standard] A Collection of Songs You Want to Listen to While Driving—Tunes You'll Find Yourself Humming
- [August Songs] Carefully selected masterpieces, classics, and the latest hits you’ll want to listen to in midsummer!
BGM for Summer Drives: A Collection of Songs That Feel Like Summer [2026] (71–80)
Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai
This is a heart-thumping track by Harukamirai that vividly captures the blazing summer sun and the days of youth gone by.
The song leaves a strong impression with its protagonist looking back, amid the encroaching heat, on the self who once acted tough and the past when they couldn’t be a little more honest.
Alongside motifs like sunflowers and white baseballs, the nostalgia for those burning days and the resolve to step into the future ride on an energetic rock sound that’s sure to move listeners.
The track is included on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and was also selected as a J-pop recommendation on MUSIC ON! TV that same month.
It’s perfect for summer drives or outings with friends, and if you want to rekindle that fiery feeling from back then, be sure to give it a listen!
Blue JeanGLAY
Just hearing the sparkling intro conjures up a boundless blue sky and sea, doesn’t it? Released in August 2004, this GLAY number is a summer masterpiece that blends exhilaration with bittersweet longing—perfect for celebrating the band’s 10th debut anniversary.
In the world of its lyrics, one can sense the sweet-and-sour memories of a past love and the faint budding of new feelings sparked by an unexpected reunion.
Widely known as the theme for Esthetic TBC’s commercial, the song debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart, marking the band’s remarkable 18th chart-topping single.
It’s a track that will keep you company not only on summer drives, but also when you want to sink into a touch of nostalgia while watching a beautiful sunset.
Summer memories scented by the windAAA
A song whose bittersweet yet beautiful melody seeps into the heart, like recalling an old love in a fleeting moment on a summer evening.
Don’t the memories AAA sings of—days of summer now gone and a fragile romance—spread through your chest like a pale watercolor? The track was included as the B-side to AAA’s single “Wake up!” released in July 2014, and later featured on the album “GOLD SYMPHONY” released the same year, as well as the following year’s best-of collection “AAA 10th ANNIVERSARY BEST.” It was used in Ito-Yokado’s yukata commercial, coloring the memories of many alongside the sights and sounds of summer.
For those who want to soak in a sentimental mood at summer’s end, this song will gently stay by your side, bringing you close to those sweet-and-sour memories of days gone by.
BGM to listen to on a summer drive: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (81–90)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a memorable masterpiece with a melody that makes you want to hum as you look up at the night sky.
In this work woven by BUMP OF CHICKEN, the protagonist gazes at the stars while reflecting on their future, the anxieties they carry, and a faint glimmer of hope.
Even as they struggle with questions that have no answers, their determination to move forward is something that deeply resonates with listeners.
Released in March 2001 as their third single, it drew major attention as an insert song for the drama “Tentai Kansoku” that same year.
It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” When you’re lost or need a gentle push, listening under the starry sky will surely give you the courage to take a new step.
Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)
This song by Cody・Lee (李) is a captivating piece where everyday city life intersects with faint summertime memories.
The lyrics mention several specific places in Tokyo, and seem to depict memories of a past romance and the small joys of daily life—listening to it may stir a sense of nostalgia.
Its light sound, evocative of city pop and indie rock, deftly portrays a scene where the languor of summer, the hustle of the city, and a touch of bittersweet emotion all mingle together.
Included on their major-label debut album, “Heartbeat, Love Letters, and Kindness,” released in May 2022, the track is a special one for the band, with drummer Taki Hara taking the lead in crafting the lyrics together with vocalist Hibiki Takahashi.
If you listen to it at summer dusk or when you suddenly find yourself reminiscing, it’s sure to resonate.
Add it to your playlist as a staple for the season.
Summer BikeFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE
This work delivered by FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE is irresistible, with a refreshing melody that makes your heart dance just by listening.
The lyrics surely capture the thrill of summer adventures and the youthful rush shared with friends, drawing listeners into a sparkling world.
The choreography by s**t kingz’s NOPPO also seems to showcase a new side of the group.
Released in August 2022 as their 11th single, the song peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is included on the album “FANTASTIC ROCKET.” It’s also well known as the theme song for their live tour, and the music video filmed in Okinawa amps up the summer vibes.
Perfect for a drive or time spent with friends!
Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro
An emotional number by Lucky Kilimanjaro that vividly brings summertime scenes to mind.
The shimmering tones of the synthesizer and the breezy rhythm paint a bright picture of the early thrills of romance and the unstoppable swell of emotion.
The lyrics capture a heart swaying in the special atmosphere of summer, wrapping listeners in a feeling that’s a little bittersweet yet warm.
Released as a single in July 2020, the track built anticipation as a follow-up to their major-label first album, “!magination.” Its exposure on NTV’s Sukkiri and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Netapare further raised its profile.
It also received extensive radio play, including three consecutive weeks in the TOP 5 on J-WAVE’s TOKIO HOT 100.
It’s a perfect song to listen to while relaxing by the seaside to the sound of waves, or in the sentimental mood of twilight.
Give it a listen in those kinds of moments.