Recommended classic songs for winter drives. Japanese songs that are also great for drive dates.
A must-see for anyone looking for winter drive songs or background music for a drive date!
Driving down roads lined with beautiful illuminations has a special charm unique to winter, doesn’t it?
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for winter drives.
Along with energetic, fast-paced tracks and exciting tunes that suit driving, we’ve also picked out romantic songs that feel just right for the season.
We hope this list helps you find the perfect tracks to match your mood and situation in the moment.
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Classic songs recommended for winter drives. Japanese tracks also great for drive dates (51–60)
powder snowRemioromen
For those who love car karaoke, I highly recommend Remioromen’s “Konayuki.” Above all, that shouted chorus is guaranteed to make anyone feel refreshed when they sing it.
It’s the perfect driving song for when you don’t quite feel like going to a karaoke place but want to belt something out on your own.
Of course, it’s also great to pile in with friends and sing it at the top of your lungs together! Even if you’re not on a snowy road, once you sing or listen to it, the view ahead suddenly turns into a snowy landscape—it’s that kind of song.
Even on days without the clear, summery skies, it’ll leave you feeling invigorated!
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
For many people, when you think of Mika Nakashima, you think of this song.
One of her signature tracks, Snow Flower, was released in 2003 as her 10th single, and it’s an essential winter song.
In 2019, a film with the same title inspired by the song was also released.
Whether you feel snow is cold, beautiful, or fragile depends on your mood at the time.
This song evokes the beauty of snow—perfect for a drive with powdery flakes dancing in the air.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
If you love ’90s J-pop—or that era defines you—this is definitely a song you can’t leave out, right? Noriyuki Makihara’s fourth single, “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo,” released in 1991.
It was also used as the theme for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari” commercials in 1991 and again in 2008, so many people probably have a strong association with that.
With lyrics full of those finely drawn, emotionally resonant details that are so quintessentially Makihara—poppy yet deeply moving—it’s a winter staple that you’ll want to listen to when the season comes around.
It’s also a track that’s sure to lift your mood on a drive.
CAROLSHamasaki Ayumi
Many people look for high-energy tracks for driving, but how about occasionally accompanying your ride with a gentle winter song? Ayumi Hamasaki’s “CAROLS” is her 34th single, released in 2004.
It’s a love song whose lyrics can be heard from either a woman’s or a man’s perspective, allowing anyone to relate to the feelings for someone special—perfect for enhancing the mood on a drive date.
It’s also a number you’ll want to belt out in the car or sing at karaoke.
Classic songs recommended for winter drives. Japanese tracks also great for drive dates (61–70)
Before winter endsShimizu Shota
This song is a hit by the popular artist Shota Shimizu.
It’s a love song about thinking of someone special in winter, so how about giving it a listen when you go for a drive on a date this season? It’s sure to set a nice mood.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
A gentle, lyrical song that weaves together childhood memories and growth.
Released by DREAMS COME TRUE in October 1992, this piece captured the hearts of many as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hirari.
Warm memories of time spent with family in nature—like hiking in the mountains and playing in streams—are portrayed over a calm melody.
The transition from being a child supported by her father to becoming independent and supporting her own family now is especially striking.
Included on the album The Swinging Star, the song evokes the landscapes of Miwa Yoshida’s hometown, Ikeda in Hokkaido, and is perfect for a springtime drive, sure to lift your spirits.
EverythingMISIA
MISIA, one of Japan’s most accomplished singers, has created countless hit songs with her remarkable voice.
This track is no exception—every time winter arrives, I can’t help but think of it.
The chorus, delivered with overwhelming vocal power, is moving no matter when you hear it, and it seems to add a dramatic touch to the cold days of winter.
Listening to it while driving home can make a tiring day end on a more dramatic note.
