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!
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BGM for Summer Drives: A Collection of Songs That Feel Like Summer [2026] (71–80)
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!
King of SummerKinKi Kids
From the opening chant, this cheerful KinKi Kids number whisks you straight into summer mode.
It bursts with energetic charm that blows your worries away as brightly as the sun.
Grounded in Latin pop, the horn section and steel pans carry a tropical breeze and create an irresistible groove.
Released in June 2000, it captured many hearts as the theme song for the drama “Summer Snow,” starring Tsuyoshi Domoto.
It drew fresh attention again in 2023 as a McDonald’s commercial song.
It’s truly a track that cranks up that “I want to revel in summer!” feeling to the max.
BGM to listen to on a summer drive: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (81–90)
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.
The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children
This is Mr.
Children’s very first single, known for its refreshing guitar sound.
It blends the melancholy of late summer with faint memories of young love, making listeners’ hearts ache in the sweetest way.
It’s as if the melody itself carries the purity of youth and nostalgia for days gone by.
Released in August 1992, the song was featured again in 2017 as the theme for NTT Docomo’s 25th anniversary commercial, etching itself into many hearts once more.
Play it on a summer drive or by the seaside at dusk, and you’ll be wrapped in a feeling that’s bittersweet yet warm.
It’s also perfect for when you want to bask in the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.
sea glassSaucy Dog
It’s a song by Saucy Dog that evokes sparkling summer scenes and the sweet-and-sour memories of young love.
Sung over a driving, exhilarating sound, it captures the charm and fragility of a wonderful romance, and the fleeting brilliance of youth that will never return.
It’s sure to deliver a bittersweet yet heartwarming emotion to listeners.
Released as a digital single in July 2020, the track was also included on the mini-album “Take Me” in September of the same year.
The music video, produced in collaboration with Honda’s youth support project “Honda×Music: Wanna Ride a Bike? MUSIC FES.,” expresses the dynamism of youth racing forward on a motorcycle.
Whether you’re feeling the wind on a summer drive or suddenly reminiscing about your school days, listening to this song may bring back the flutter of those moments.
NatsuneYuuri
This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.
The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.
23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.
It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.