A poignant winter classic. A winter song that seeps into the heart on cold days.
Do you ever have those moments when, as it gets colder, you suddenly feel lonely for no clear reason?
You might find yourself craving someone’s warmth or wanting to see your partner more than usual—perhaps you’ve felt that too.
In this article, we’re introducing bittersweet songs that feel especially dear in winter scenes.
Why not listen to some poignant winter tunes that make you think of someone special or a partner you can’t meet?
We’ve picked out deeply relatable, heartrending songs—from new releases to timeless classics.
Be sure to listen with your winter days.
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- Winter songs with lyrics that really hit home. Winter tunes you’ll want to listen to closely.
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- Familiar winter songs for people in their 30s. Lots of classic hits!
Poignant winter masterpieces: Winter songs that touch the heart in the cold season (31–40)
Your favorite songUVERworld
This is UVERworld’s sixth single.
Actress Tomoka Kurokawa appears in the music video.
It was also used as the theme song for the romance variety show “Koisuru Hanikami,” which boosted its popularity.
It’s a heartrending ballad written from a male perspective about a frustrating, painful love where it’s hard to say “I love you.”
Reason(s) to hold handsNishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s winter song “Te o Tsunagu Riyuu” (“The Reason We Hold Hands”), which deeply resonates with women, has lyrics that, as the title suggests, express the reasons for holding hands with someone you love.
It’s a bittersweet love song filled with the wish not to be forgotten.
366 daysHY
This is a song by Izumi Nakasone, a member of HY, a popular band from Okinawa.
It’s a track that always ranks near the top of heartbreak song lists.
Although it was released in 2008, it drew renewed attention in 2018 when Moka Kamishiraishi sang it in Kirin’s Gogo no Kocha commercial, “I want to see you, I want to warm you up – Winter ’18.” It’s a moving song that delicately—and at times powerfully—expresses the aching heart of a woman.
somedaySaucy Dog
A heartbreak song full of wistfulness that you’ll want to listen to in winter.
It’s included on the rock band Saucy Dog’s 2017 album “Country Road.” The song tells the story of two people brought together in winter.
At first it’s all happy memories, but partway through, the lyrics shift to reveal they’ve broken up, turning into the man’s lingering regrets.
His remorse over not noticing how she was changing and his wish to start over are enough to bring you to tears.
Snow Ghostflumpool
The four-piece rock band flumpool, known for their expansive vocals and steady band sound, has released numerous hit songs.
Their digital single “Snow Ghost,” released in December 2025, began when vocalist Ryuta Yamamura posted on social media in the height of summer that he wanted to write a winter song again.
Set in the snow-dusted streets of Tokyo, it tells a poignant love story that retraces memories with a former lover once walked beside.
The song’s world, which overlays feelings for someone now out of reach with the phantom of snow drifting through a winter night, strikes a deep chord.
It’s a winter song perfect for when you want to linger in memories of love.
A poignant winter masterpiece. Winter songs that touch the heart on cold winter days (41–50)
Merry XmasBoA
Cold seasons make us yearn for the warmth of another person.
This song might just sweep away your loneliness.
It’s a track by BoA, the singer known for hits like “VALENTI” and “DO THE MOTION,” released in 2004 as her 15th single.
A touching love ballad that celebrates the happiness of being with someone precious.
Her voice soars straight and true—it’s truly beautiful.
Give it a listen while thinking of the person who is that presence for you.
Winter SongKiroro
Among the many hit songs they’ve released, this winter song is especially popular.
It’s one you want to listen to while thinking of someone special.
It reminds you anew just how important it is to have that special person by your side.
The repeated chorus sticks in your head.
It was their third single at the time, released in 1998.
It was used in Meiji Seika’s “Meltykiss” and “Porte” commercials for their winter campaign.
The lyrics and music were written by Chiharu Tamashiro.
It’s a tear-jerker that’s perfect for winter.