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 roundup of songs that feel like summer [2026] (11–20)
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
On a summer festival date, the protagonist gets completely absorbed in the voice of their favorite rock star—only to glance over and see their partner looking put off.
This fresh, breezy track by SHISHAMO captures the budding feelings of love that begin with a misstep.
Released in July 2014, it captured many hearts, topping FM802’s OSAKAN HOT 100 for five consecutive weeks.
It’s a song that stands by anyone in love who wants their crush to understand their hobbies—but worries they might be turned off.
Listen to it on a drive, and it’s sure to become part of a special summer memory.
Everyday, KachushaAKB48
Here’s an up-tempo number perfect for the season of dazzling summer sunshine—just listening to it makes your heart dance.
Released by AKB48 in May 2011, this single instantly conjures up refreshing summer scenes.
The song depicts a bittersweet love story set by the seaside.
The fluttering feelings for a crush wearing a headband, the irreplaceable moments spent together, and a faint sense of hope for the future are all conveyed straightforwardly through its sparkling melody.
Widely known as a campaign song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ WONDA, its No.
1 debut on the Oricon weekly chart speaks to its immense popularity.
Put it on during a drive with friends, and the car will fill with a bright atmosphere, bringing back the glow of your youth.
Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End
Isn’t this a work by indigo la End that evokes a magical moment allowed only on summer nights? Amid the passing seasons, a fleeting sparkle and the accompanying wistfulness gently nestle into the listener’s heart.
The lyrics portray a time—buoyed by the mysterious power of a summer night—when emotions one doesn’t usually show surface, distances to loved ones seem to shrink, and everything feels like a fragile dream.
This track was included on their single “Kanashiku Naru Mae ni,” released in June 2015, and its delicate melody and vivid imagery have captivated many listeners.
It’s highly recommended for a summer night drive when you’re feeling a bit sentimental, or for quietly retracing beautiful memories that have passed.
Surely, it will help you remember precious feelings you had almost forgotten.
Scatter! Summer peopleYabai T-shatsu Yasan
A three-piece rock band, Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, whose high-energy songs and live performances are their greatest weapons, has garnered overwhelming support from the younger generation.
With a poppy arrangement and male-female twin vocals firing in succession, the track is packed with a summery party vibe.
The lyrics, which include real complaints about the summer heat set against the high-tempo music, make it a standout among countless summer songs.
It’s humorous and chuckle-worthy, yet its tight, hype-building rock sound is a major draw.
Paradise BabyRIP SLYME
RIP SLYME is a three-member hip-hop group that resumed activities under a new lineup in 2022, with even greater success anticipated going forward.
Their fifth single, the long-running hit “Rakuen Baby,” features the bright tones of an acoustic guitar over a breezy track that conjures up summertime vibes.
The contrast between the cool rap verses and the catchy melody is perfect for lifting your spirits as driving BGM.
It’s an emotional summer tune that makes you want to keep time to the rhythm even behind the wheel.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
The perfect song for a laid-back summer drive is “Easy Rider.” Singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda released it in 1996, and it’s a classic that’s been featured across various media.
The track captures a fresh yet nostalgic feel with its theme of youth.
Its simple, warm message is sure to brighten the mood in your car.
It’s a lively summer tune that will put anyone in a good mood.
If you’re looking for drive songs, be sure to add it to your playlist.
BGM for summer drives: A collection of songs that feel like summer [2026] (21–30)
Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai
This song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai blends breezy freshness with a touch of melancholy, making it perfect for summer drives.
The lyrics portray a romance sparked by a chance encounter, expressing the bittersweet feeling of summer drawing to a close and the unspoken words of “I like you.” Written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s July 2023 drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” it was released digitally in August 2023.
It’s recommended as background music for making summer memories or spending special moments with someone important.
Give it a listen, and you’re sure to feel the start of a heart-fluttering new page of summer!