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 roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026] (111–120)
Somewhere other than hereGLAY
A GLAY track with an exhilarating vibe that’s perfect for a drive.
“Koko de wa nai dokoka” (“Somewhere Other Than Here”) can mean different things: for some, it’s the road that continues from their current life; for others, it’s a new path filled with challenges; and for those about to enjoy a drive, it’s simply where the car is headed.
That openness to interpretation is part of the song’s appeal.
It’s a refreshing tune that swells with the anticipation that something more fun than you imagined awaits at your destination.
BGM for summer drives: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (121–130)
WOW WAR TONIGHT ~ Sometimes Start a MovementH Jungle with T
A perfect song for a summer drive, sung refreshingly by Masatoshi Hamada of the comedy duo Downtown! It’s a collaboration with music producer Tetsuya Komuro.
It starts with a languid mood that seems to reflect an unchanging daily routine, then explodes into an incredibly powerful tone from the chorus.
The sound, infused with reggae elements, really gives off a summery vibe.
Twilight Summer feat. Scha Dara Parr & PUSHIMHASE-T
Music producer HASE-T, who has led the Japanese reggae scene as a DJ and track maker.
As part of his 20th anniversary producing project, the single “Yūgure Summer feat.
Scha Dara Parr & PUSHIM” surely thrilled many fans with its title-worthy collaboration with Scha Dara Parr and PUSHIM.
Its lyrical melody laid over a sprightly off-beat rhythm, paired with catchy rap, is perfect for turning up the vibe in the car while you drive.
It’s an emotional number with a summery ensemble that feels just right.
Full driveKANA-BOON
It’s a song by KANA-BOON that feels light and agile yet conveys real strength.
The intro sounds like an engine warming up and building power, then unfolds into a fast-paced sound that leaves a strong impression.
Throughout, the forward-leaning momentum of the music comes through, delivering a refreshing energy that feels like charging full speed toward the future.
Its exhilarating sense of speed—like cutting through the wind—makes it a perfect fit for a summer drive.
The lyrics, which express a determination to dash at full power toward one’s goals, are also striking.
Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This is a song by L’Arc~en~Ciel that captivates with its intense sense of speed and refreshing vibe.
From the title and the overall sound to the lyrics, every element of the track conveys full-throttle velocity.
It has a breezy freshness—like feeling the wind under a blazing summer sky—that makes it perfect for a driving scenario, though it’s a song that might push you to go too fast, so be careful.
It’s also famous as the opening theme for the anime GTO, and its atmosphere of dashing through youth fits the work perfectly.
HANABIMr.Children
When it comes to a moving song that fits any summer drive scene, it has to be “HANABI.” The nationally beloved band Mr.Children released it in 2008.
It’s a track that unfolds with passionate band sounds.
Its warm message about the importance of facing yourself strikes a chord.
The refreshing yet wistful melody line that evokes all kinds of summer scenes is also memorable.
If you’re heading out on a trip or returning to your hometown and looking for in-car background music, be sure to add it to your playlist.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
One of the signature songs by the female vocal duo PUFFY, it’s a track whose slightly languid atmosphere is part of its charm.
It was created by the team of Yosui Inoue and Tamio Okuda, the same duo behind their classic “Asia no Junshin.” With a bright yet mellow sound, it conjures an image of driving along the coastline with friends, heading toward something fun.
The lyrics, with their light, breezy phrasing that seems to capture the giddy feeling of summer, are also memorable, conveying the spirit of making the most of that limited season.