Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
When you think of “songs you want to listen to in winter,” what comes to mind?
In the J-POP scene, countless winter songs are released every year, and there are so many popular hits as well as hidden gems!
Of course there are tracks that depict snow and Christmas, but even songs without explicit seasonal words—those whose sound evokes the atmosphere of winter—are captivating.
I’m sure you also have a special winter song of your own.
In this article, we introduce timeless tunes that will stir up fond memories or make you want to listen as they match the winter scenery.
From love songs to pieces that sing of beautiful winter landscapes, we hope you’ll find a track that resonates with your heart.
- Winter songs with lyrics that really hit home. Winter tunes you’ll want to listen to closely.
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- A poignant winter classic. A winter song that seeps into the heart on cold days.
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic winter anthems that never lose their shine.
- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
- Unrequited love songs for winter. Songs about one-sided love you want to listen to in winter.
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [Winter Songs] Songs that evoke the feeling of winter for Instagram Stories
- A collection of timeless classics! Exquisite winter songs recommended for people in their 50s
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces you want to listen to in winter. Songs you yearn for in winter (71–80)
Snow Shadow CapWagakki Band
Wagakki Band, known for their unique sound that fuses traditional Japanese instruments with rock, released this classic winter song in January 2018.
It was featured in a New Year’s sale commercial for the used-car dealer Gulliver, drawing attention as the band members themselves appeared in the ad.
Written and composed by vocalist Yuko Suzuhana, the track layers the three-dimensional timbres of traditional instruments—Tsugaru shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, and wadaiko—within a pop-rock framework, evoking a resilient strength like waiting for spring beneath the snow.
The driving force of electric guitar and drums contrasts beautifully with the delicate tones of the traditional instruments, creating a comfortable blend that can make you feel warmed from the core when listened to in the cold season.
Included on the album “Otonoe,” it has remained a staple in the band’s live performances.
holly (Japanese holly tree, Ilex crenata)Do As Infinity
This is a song by Do As Infinity that portrays a heart chilled like winter.
It’s striking how it builds from a quiet atmosphere centered on piano and acoustic guitar to a grander development as strings gradually join in.
While the sound is relaxed, there’s a certain tension that comes through, which seems to amplify the message of the vocals.
The lyrics, which appear to focus on the fragile parts of the human heart, resonate with the kind of regret anyone might feel.
Winter, againGLAY
This song, “Winter, again,” GLAY’s best-selling single, is their 16th single released in 1999.
For those who remember when it was a hit, hearing it may stir up nostalgia—many people probably still sing it at karaoke today.
It’s a track where winter’s cold seems to press down and intensify those bittersweet feelings, the people and memories that make your chest tighten, and all the things that feel like your heart might freeze.
A number that amplifies the chill in both body and soul.
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces you want to listen to in winter: Songs you long for in the cold season (81–90)
Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster
When it comes to winter songs, you can’t leave out tracks that bring on the Christmas feeling.
“Itooshisa ni Ribbon wo Kakete” by Little Glee Monster is a number included on their 2019 release “I Feel The Light.” From the very start it overflows with a Christmas mood that really lifts your holiday spirit.
At the same time, it carries a serene, hymn-like quality that makes it perfect for a quiet listen on Christmas night.
It’s a song where their vocals beautifully match a solemn atmosphere.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
There are countless winter songs, especially Christmas songs, and they instantly lift the winter mood.
This song, Keisuke Kuwata’s “Shiroi Koibitotachi” (“White Lovers”), is a classic Christmas tune that you hear often when the season comes around.
It was released in 2001 as Kuwata’s seventh single.
Every line—every single word—evokes winter, making it a piece truly worthy of being called a winter classic.
It’s a song that swells with bittersweet emotion, whether you’re happily in love right now or remembering a past romance or someone dear to you.
I’m in love.Every Little Thing
A classic winter song that makes your heart dance in a world of silver.
It’s a 2008 March release by Every Little Thing.
It was issued as a double A-side single with “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo,” featuring Noriyuki Makihara.
The lyrics, which sing of warm feelings of love even in the cold of winter, are striking, and the gentle, moving melody lingers in your heart.
Kaori Mochida’s clear, expansive vocals are truly perfect for expressing the feeling of being in love.
It’s a ballad I’d highly recommend for karaoke, too.
snow globeKANA-BOON
When it comes to KANA-BOON’s quintessential winter song, it has to be “Snow Globe.” Included on their 2015 album “TIME,” it’s a staple at their winter live shows and a fan favorite.
With lyrics that tell the story of a figurine inside a snow globe falling in love with a girl, it’s an upbeat rock tune that’s quintessentially KANA-BOON.
The music video, which captures the song’s world, is also available on YouTube.
