Cherry blossom songs to listen to in spring. Beautiful masterpieces and popular tracks about sakura.
As spring arrives, we find ourselves hearing more and more “sakura songs,” don’t we?
Cherry blossoms, a hallmark of spring, are a uniquely Japanese cultural treasure we’re proud to share with the world—and there are countless songs themed around sakura.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a rich selection of sakura songs perfect for listening during cherry blossom season!
There are so many sakura songs out there, but when you start searching, you might only come across the standard hits and struggle to find others.
We’ll not only cover the timeless classics everyone thinks of, but also plenty of hidden gems.
Take your time and enjoy!
Sakura songs to listen to in spring. Beautiful masterpieces and popular tracks about cherry blossoms (1–10)
bookmarkCreepHyp
CreepHyp’s song “Shiori,” which also drew attention when comedian duo Parpar’s Hoshino Disco covered it, features lyrical writing by vocalist-guitarist Sekai Kan Ozaki that conjures vivid scenes and emotions despite saying nothing overtly specific.
The driving tempo carries the words straight to the heart, making it a track where the lyrics and arrangement fit perfectly together.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear in spring—the season of farewells—bittersweet yet empowering, gently pushing you forward.
SAKURA DropsHikaru Utada
This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada, who has released many hit songs since debuting at the tender age of 15.
The track was also used as the theme song for the TV drama “First Love.” With a heartrending melody that conjures images of cherry blossoms scattering, and an atmosphere and timbre that evoke a subtly traditional Japanese flavor, it’s an exquisitely arranged number that naturally captures the ears of Japanese listeners.
The title also plays on “Sakuma Drops,” and after the song’s release, sales of Sakuma Drops increased, showing its influence beyond the realm of music.
SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama
A singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor, Masaharu Fukuyama’s 15th single.
The song was used in 1998 as the theme for a romance segment on the variety show “U-nan no Hontoko!” Based on Fukuyama’s own real-life experiences, the poignant lyrics match perfectly with the melody and acoustic guitar arrangement, resulting in a deeply moving track.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear in spring—and it’s no wonder it became the last single of the 20th century to surpass 2 million in total sales.
cherry blossomKetsumeishi
Sakura, Ketsumeishi’s biggest hit to date.
The music video is also famous for featuring actor Masato Hagiwara and model Emi Suzuki.
When you listen to this song, you naturally time-travel and recall the scenery, scents, and memories, don’t you? How about giving it another listen now and reconnecting with who you were back then?
Sakura, flutterSouthern All Stars
Southern All Stars’ new song is as beautiful and fleeting as a flurry of cherry blossoms, with a light, spring-breeze melody and refined Japanese lyrics that resonate in the heart.
It also carries a wish for recovery from the earthquake disaster.
Released digitally on January 1, 2025, it’s also included on the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH,” out in March.
The beauty and harshness of nature, loss and renewal, and hope—these are its profound themes.
How about taking a walk with someone dear during cherry blossom season while listening to this song? It’s sure to become an experience that deeply touches your heart.
cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, who made his major debut in 2002.
It’s the song that catapulted Moriyama to fame and is now considered one of the quintessential “sakura” songs.
However, at the time of his debut, Moriyama was so busy that he reportedly didn’t even realize his own song had become a hit.
With a simple arrangement of just piano and vocals, the track beautifully showcases his exceptional vocal ability.
2019年には、テレビドラマ『同期のサクラ』の主題歌としての起用オファーを受け、アレンジ版がリリースされた。
Hiiragi’s Homeroom), bringing it to an even wider audience across generations.
SAKURAIkimonogakari
The male-female mixed three-piece band Ikimono-gakari from Kanagawa released this as their major-label debut single.
Featured in a commercial for the NTT East Japan area, the song reflects on the season of partings while expressing present feelings, and its bittersweet, beautiful melody is a number that resonates deeply.
The lyrics use concrete words that vividly paint scenes, making it easy to empathize.
Since 2010, it has also been used as the approach melody at Ebina Station on the Odawara Line, and despite being their debut song, it has become one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature tracks.